Meet the Access and Outreach Ambassadors

Hey everyone! My name is Allahji and I’m from Brooklyn, New York. I’m a sophomore planning to major in Film and Media Studies and minor in Computer Science. The various tightly knit communities at Tufts have allowed me to take advantage of countless opportunities I wasn’t aware of before attending. As an Ambassador, I will share the invaluable guidance I’ve received from my peers with current and prospective students alike. I aim to ensure that all students have the ability to shape their college experience without feeling left behind or unworthy. Some communities I’ve contributed to so far include the Caribbean Student Organization, Black Student Union, Tufts University Prison Initiative of the Tisch College of Civic Life (TUPIT), and the Tufts QuestBridge Chapter.

Hello everyone! My name is Ishan Gichohi, and I am from Randolph, Massachusetts. I studying Chinese and finance. Tufts is such a wonderful place with a collaborative community that truly has something for everyone. There are so many opportunities and resources here to take advantage of, and I’ve grown a lot since I arrived. I have met extraordinary, caring, smart, and compassionate people along the way.

On campus, you can find me working out in the Steve Tisch Sports Center, studying in the library, or enjoying a meal in Dewick Dining Hall. I’m involved in several groups, including the Tufts Black Men’s Group, the Tufts Financial Group, and Club Basketball. I am on the Access and Outreach team because I am eager to share my experiences as a student of color in a predominantly white space. I want to be a resource for others and help in any way I can, showing Tufts' profound impact on me.

Hi everyone! My name is Jeymi and I'm from Silver Spring, Maryland. I'm a sophomore planning to double major in Political Science and Sociology. I’m curious and love learning from new experiences and people. I’m also passionate about creating supportive communities where everyone feels they belong. As a first-generation college student and the daughter of immigrants, I’ve always approached my education and community involvement with purpose and intention, which is what ultimately led me to choose Tufts. One of my favorite things about the Tufts community is how welcoming and accepting everyone is; it’s made it easy to find my place here and grow in ways I never expected. On campus, I’m involved with cultural clubs that help celebrate students' backgrounds and build community. Outside of class, I enjoy exploring Boston with friends, finding new study spots, hanging out at the DSDI centers, and attending events across campus. I'm so excited to be an Ambassador this year and can't wait to share what makes Tufts special to me and help others feel at home here, too.

Hi! My name is Charlie and I am a sophomore from the DMV area. I am a part of Tufts' BFA+BA/BS Combined Degree program, with my primary medium being photography, and a major in Sociology. During the school year, you can find me ambling through campus with my Beats firmly attached to my head. If I am not on Pres Lawn, in the Africana Center, or side-questing throughout the greater Boston area, I'm probably 5 miles away, printing in the SMFA darkroom.

During my first year at Tufts, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in many interconnecting communities on the Medford and Fenway campuses. This network of peers and mentors has allowed me to flourish in my short time on campus. As an Ambassador, I aim to foster a community for incoming students seeking to find their place at Tufts. Furthermore, as a Combined Degree student, I look forward to providing insights on navigating all the wondrous things the program has to offer.

My name is Sam and I’m from Vernon, Connecticut. I’m a junior and I plan on majoring in Civic Studies and Race, Colonialism, and Diaspora Studies. I hope to later receive my PhD and use my degree to help create change regarding the narrative of how marginalized communities are taught in our classrooms. More specifically, I want to educate students about Indigenous communities and teach Native culture (such as my own) in a way that is unbiased and, above all, true. On campus, I’m involved with the Indigenous Students Organization at Tufts (ISOT) and spend much of my time in the Indigenous Center. My favorite part of the Tufts community would have to be how passionate the students are! It seems like everyone is dedicated to at least one social issue, if not several. I love taking walks to Davis with my friends and exploring the city in my free time, especially after a stressful week. I’m excited to be an Ambassador and hope to answer any questions you might have!

Hi everyone! I'm Joel Lawore, currently a junior in the School of Engineering, where I'm double majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics, with a minor in Philosophy. Outside of the classroom, I have a deep passion for music and frequently enjoy attending concerts across Boston. I also enjoy playing various sports, but my favorite by far is football—I'm an avid fan and proudly support Arsenal FC. Beyond sports and music, I love exploring diverse culinary experiences, often discovering new favorite dishes throughout the Boston area. Above all, I enjoy spending my free time getting to know Boston better, whether through its vibrant arts scene, diverse eateries, or cultural landmarks. I'm really looking forward to being an Ambassador this year and sharing my experiences with you all!

Aloha! My name is Kuʻulei and I’m a sophomore studying Clinical Psychology and Child Study & Human Development. I chose Tufts because of its supportive and strong student communities, which I first experienced through the Voices of Tufts program! On campus, I am a part of the E-Boards for Hawaiʻi Club, the Indigenous Students’ Organization at Tufts (ISOT), and Full Sound (Tufts’ a cappella group focused on music by Asian artists). I also work as an intern for the Indigenous Center and a Peer Leader for the Asian American Center. In my free time, I love singing (currently Full Sound's Music Director), cooking, and spending time outdoors. One of my favorite things about Tufts is how much students care, not just about academics, but also about each other and the world around them. I'm so excited to be an Ambassador and share more about what makes Tufts feel like home!

Hi! My name is Lola and I’m a sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering with minors in Math and Cognitive & Brain Sciences. As a proud first-generation American, I was the of the first in my family to navigate the college admissions process, which is why I’m so passionate about being a resource for others. I chose Tufts because it felt like a place where I could grow not only as a student, but as a person. What stands out to me the most is the strong sense of community, especially in the spaces where I have felt seen and supported. As a Junior Captain of Roti N’ Rum and a Treasurer of the Tufts Electric Racing team, I’ve found both purpose and a real sense of belonging. Outside of class, you can usually find me trying new food spots around Boston, picking up new hobbies like roller skating or learning an instrument, and just saying yes to new experiences. I'm an Ambassador because I want to be the voice I needed a year ago, someone who tells prospective students: “Yes, it’s scary, but don’t worry, you’ll find your place here. I did.” If I can help even one student feel seen, heard, and welcomed, it’ll all be worth it. I’m so excited for this year and all the connections to come!

Hey y'all! My name is Helina and I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I’m a sophomore studying International Relations and French. I chose Tufts because I wanted to experience a diverse environment that values individuality. As a first-generation student, Tufts has given me the confidence to step into leadership roles and speak up for myself and others. Through my work as an Ambassador, I aim to help more students feel that same sense of connection and community. My other commitments on campus include being a member of Alpha Kappa Psi, Women in International Relations, and the Ethiopian-Eritrean Student Association.

Hi everyone! My name is Wilson Tran and I'm a sophomore majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Chemistry on the premed track. I grew up in Minnesota for most of my life before I moved to Texas. I chose Tufts because of its welcoming and collaborative community, which was introduced to me through my time in the Voices program! Throughout my time at Tufts, this community has remained true through my time in the FIRST Center, Vietnamese Student Club, CAMI, and MAPS. I'm a part of the Access and Outreach team to share the interdisciplinary and collaborative atmosphere at Tufts that allows you to truly grow and form your own path.

Hi! My name is Joskar Yanes and I’m from Rahway, New Jersey. I’m currently a sophomore planning to double major in Biology and Community Health, and (hopefully!) minor in Music, Sound, and Culture. From the moment I discovered Tufts (through the Voices program!), I knew this was a place where I could grow academically, creatively, and personally within a rigorous yet welcoming and collaborative environment. On campus, I’m involved in Air Force ROTC and serve on the Executive Board for the Tufts University Wind Ensemble. As a first-gen, low-income student, I also find community through groups such as the Society of Latinx Engineers and Scientists (SOLES), the Central American Students Association (CASA), and Tufts’ QuestBridge Scholars Chapter.

In my free time, I love doing things “for the plot." Fun fact: I am really good friends with Jumbo (shh!). I enjoy talking to people and learning about their passions, dropping into random club meetings just for the experience, and traveling. I play both trumpet and French horn, and I especially enjoy contributing to student-run productions with groups like Torn Ticket II. I joined the Ambassador team because I deeply believe in everything Voices of Tufts represents. Every student accepted into Voices of Tufts already has the grit and intellectual curiosity to succeed. As an Ambassador, I’m here to remind them of what they’re capable of and encourage them to dream boldly and without limits. I hope to share a glimpse of the joy, opportunity, and kind community that await future Jumbos at Tufts!