Transitioning to College
The transition to college is a new experience, it can present a few challenges and maybe even some confusion. Illinois Tech’s first-year mentors are here to help incoming first-year students through that transition.
First-year mentors lead small groups of incoming students and introduce them to useful resources at Illinois Tech. New students participate in discussions and events with their mentors throughout the academic year. Students may meet with their first-year mentors on an individual basis or as a group. By participating in these activities, first-year mentors will empower students to become more self-aware and engaged while navigating their first year at college.
Campus Resources and Encouraging Scholarly Success
Adulting is hard, and throughout the year students will learn about the various services available on the Illinois Tech campus. These services are introduced to build various skills and techniques to help students cope with stress, time management, organizational skills, and work-life balance. Further enhancing a student's ability to develop helpful habits to succeed throughout their academic career.
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Mentor Staff
Hello everyone! My name is Bilqis Alawiye and I’m originally from Lagos, Nigeria. I’m going into my fourth year here as an architecture major and am also currently vice president of the African Student Organization.
I love making art, trying new foods, playing games and going to amusement parks in my free time. It’s a pleasure for me to be a part of your new experiences as your FYE mentor at IIT and look forward to seeing you all very soon! Please feel free to reach out anytime if you may have questions or just need anything in general!
Hello! I'm Rimas Aljohani from Saudi Arabia. I’m a third-year student majoring in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Finance. I’m also the Vice President of the Saudi Students Association here at Illinois Tech.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside, going on walks, exploring new cafes around Chicago. I also love learning new languages and exploring different cultures.
I can't wait to share my adventures and help you make the most of your first year!
Helloo! My name is Anoushka Chelimela, and I am from Hyderabad, India. I am currently entering my sophomore year majoring in Architecture. At Illinois Tech, I am actively engaged in organizations like NOMAS, as one of their executive members, and AIAS.
In my free time, I enjoy sketching, reading, and trying new experiences in Chicago. Whether exploring the diverse architecture, visiting art galleries and shows, or simply trying new cultural experiences and foods, I find that these activities allow me to balance campus and city life.
As a first-year mentor, I would love to introduce you to these experiences and look forward to welcoming you all to Illinois Tech!
Hello! My name is Aigerim Dzhumanazarova, but you can call me Aika. I am originally from Kyrgyzstan, but I spent most of my life in Indonesia. Currently, I am pursuing my undergraduate studies here at IIT, majoring in Chemical Engineering.
Adjacent to my academic studies and my mentorship, I’m involved in several student-led organizations. I'm on the executive board of WiSTEM, The Union Board, and AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers).
In my free time, I enjoy baking, reading, and exploring cute cafes around Chicago. If you need any help or just want to chat, feel free to reach out! I'm looking forward to working with all of you this upcoming semester :))
Hello everyone! My name is Akshat Goyal, and I am currently in my fifth year at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. Originally from Delhi, I moved to Dubai and have since had a dynamic journey as an international student here in the U.S. Living in diverse cities has given me a rich cultural perspective that I bring into all aspects of my life.
In addition to my studies, I enjoy exploring Chicago's vibrant neighborhoods, trying out new cuisines, and meeting people from different backgrounds. I have a passion for cooking and maintaining a healthy diet. I believe in balancing academics with personal growth, and I strive to make the most out of every opportunity that comes my way.
I am excited to welcome you all and share this amazing experience at IIT. Feel free to reach out if you need any advice or just want to chat!
Hello everyone,
I'm Barakat Hasan, a 4th-year student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Architecture with a minor in Construction Management, and a master's degree in Tall Building and Vertical Urbanism. I'm originally from Iraq but currently reside in Plainfield, IL.
In my free time, I enjoy exploring the city with my friends, sketching, and spending quality time with my family. I'm excited to be your mentor and to support you every step of the way in your college journey.
Hey there! I’m Taysir Hussain and I’m a Junior majoring in Computer Engineering. I’m from Bangalore, India, but I’ve called Chicago my home for the past two years. At Illinois Tech, I’m also a part of the EcoCAR EV Challenge and the Executive Board of the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, apart from being an FYE Mentor.
In my leisure, I enjoy watching basketball, exploring this huge city, trying different cuisines, or just doing something new with my friends. You can’t run out of activities in Chicago!
I’m excited to be your Mentor this year and guide you in your transition to your college life!
Hello everyone! My name is Max Kurchitskiy, and I am thrilled to welcome you to Illinois Tech as your first-year mentor. I'm a rising junior in the Co-Terminal program, pursuing a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and Management and a Master’s in Cyber Forensics and Security.
Recently, I completed an internship with United Airlines, where I worked with the Vulnerability and Cyber Asset Management Team. I scanned various systems on United's network to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities, ensuring our passengers' safety. This experience also allowed me to travel and explore different countries around the world.
On campus, I am actively involved in several student organizations. I serve as the Vice President of Internal Affairs and Professional Development for Triangle Fraternity and am a proud member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Codify, and the Volleyball Club.
I can't wait to meet each of you and help you embark on your college journey. Here's to an exciting and rewarding time at Illinois Tech!
Hey everyone! My name is Yasmin and I’m a rising sophomore studying Computer Science at Illinois Tech. I’ve lived in Chicago for pretty much my entire life, so I have a deep appreciation for this city.
This summer, I interned at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry where I had the honor of teaching and guiding young scientists by supporting curiosity and innovation. I learned how to operate several different machines, including the embroidery, laser cut, vinyl cut, and 3D printing machines. I had the unique opportunity to create things and learn in a free and open environment, and I look forward to bringing elements of teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity to my future endeavors.
I also recently traveled to Turkey, which was a truly enriching experience. In my free time, I love to bake and journal. I look forward to meeting all of you soon!
My name is Yejin Park, but you can call me Paige. I’m a Senior majoring in Information Technology & Management (ITM), specializing in web development and data management. I transferred to IIT from my university in South Korea 2 years ago, giving me the chance to experience a diverse college life.
In addition to mentorship, I’m the president of the Korean Students Association (KSA) and the technical chair for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) at IIT. I hope to see you at the variety of events we host!
I also love photography, music, and cooking! If any of these interests resonate with you, I’m sure we can find time to enjoy them together.
I can’t wait to meet you all and have great conversations. I’m all ears, so let me know anything you’d like to share with me.
My hometown is ~1800 miles away in Union City, California (in the San Francisco Bay Area). I am a rising senior in the biomedical engineering Co-Terminal program, the secretary and a mentor for the BMES chapter here at IIT, and a former DJ at the WIIT radio station on campus. I love playing basketball, exploring Chicago, R&B, and rap music, and I love Jesus!