Member Profile # 1: Avinash Papatla

Hey guys!!!!
I am one of the mentors at FOB! I am an International Students who came to the UW in 2009. I am majoring in Psychology and minoring in Law, Societies and Justice. One of the reasons we started this organization is because we feel our experiences would have been much more different had we known some resources like FOB to go to. Here's a list of things I have been involved in- If you have any questions, let me know!!!!! :D

Major: Psychology
Minor: Law, Societies and Justice
Living Situation: Former Commuter, Former Res Hall Resident and now in a shared apartment

Some of my Campus Involvements-

Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Activists Assistant Director( 2011)
Assist Director of a community that deals with power based violence. Let me know if you want to volunteer!

Orientation Leader (Summer 2011)
1) Helped with the advising and orientation of 6000 incoming Freshman, 500 transfer students and parents

UW Leader (2011)
A leadership program for freshmen and sophomores only

Dream Project (2010)
Mentor ship project to help high school students get into college

Desi Dhamaka (2011)
A south Asian cultural contest that takes place every year. I was an actor in the PSA skit

If you are interested in something related to the stuff I've talked about or anything else let me know!!!

Welcome!!!!

Welcome to the official blog of FOB: UW Chapter!! I am pretty you must be wondering "Why on earth is a derogatory term like FOB being used on the title of this group?". Well, there is a short and a long answer. The short answer is to draw your attention! The long answer is, we want to eliminate any sort of biases against people who enter new lands and we want to turn this term FOB into a respectable one! After all, Christopher Columbus was a FOB once! The full form of our organization is

Facilitating Freshers From Out of Borders!UW Chapter

You got that right! Our mission is to facilitate the transition of International Students (primarily South Asian) into American Universities (primarily the UW)

How do we aspire to do this?

1) Mentoring - We are going to gather successful International Students who are in successful academic standing and leadership positions on and off campus to share their experiences as an incoming freshman to the students

2) Resources - We aim to connect the Incoming Students with a wide spectrum of resources on campus. Since the UW does a great job of providing resources, our services would be all about filling in the gaps. We can help with opening bank accounts, help with immigration stuff or even suggest good restaurants if our students are feeling homesick.

3) Meetings / Events - Our team will meet once a month and figure out how to connect the students with events and opportunities available at the UW at these events. These opportunities can include housing, scholarships, jobs, internships, classes, anything under the sun. We will also be active on this blog and on facebook.

A Final Word: Why the Heck are We Doing this?
We realize as International Students that it is highly important and essential to feel like home in a new country. Often times, although resources maybe available, students still lack that personal connection to their roots that make them happy. We wish to be that connection and giving a helping hand to our amazing students!

So Welcome aboard FOB: UW Chapter and stay tuned for more info!

Regards,
Avinash Papatla, President
Anupama Ram, Vice President