Meet the Access and Outreach Ambassadors

Hello! My name is Anela and I am from Wailuku, Hawaiʻi (on the island of Maui). I am interested in both biology and psychology, so Tufts drew me in with its flexibility and range of academic coursework, along with its many interdisciplinary majors. Aside from academics, I was also struck by Tufts’ commitment to creating an inclusive space for everyone. Around campus, I am on the executive board for Hawaiʻi Club and the Indigenous Student Organization at Tufts, and I am involved with academic clubs like NeuroNetwork and the Pre-Med Society. Outside of school, I love to read and write (especially fantasy, horror, and poetry). I also enjoy listening to music and discovering new artists and genres. I became an Ambassador to share my experiences and show other students that they can succeed at a school like Tufts. I look forward to making new connections throughout the year!

Hi! My name is Ishan Gichohi, and I'm a senior from Randolph, Massachusetts, studying Chinese, Finance, and Entrepreneurship. What stands out to me about Tufts is the liberal arts education, which has let me take classes across disciplines like social sciences, math, English, arts, and languages, equipping me with the diverse skills needed to succeed in the real world. Tufts is a truly collaborative community with something for everyone. There are so many opportunities and resources to take advantage of, and I've grown a lot since I arrived. On campus, you can find me on Resident Assistant (RA) duty, studying in a lowkey spot, working out, or hanging out with friends. I lead the Tufts Black Men's Group and the Diversity Accelerator Program within the Tufts Financial Group. I'm also part of the Access and Outreach team, where I get to share my unique experiences as a Tufts student and be a resource for others. I'm happy to help in any way I can, feel free to ask me anything about Tufts or beyond!

Hi everyone! I'm Joel Lawore, currently a senior 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 junior 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!

Hey yall! My name is Jayden and your southern beau from Fort Smith, Arkansas. I’m class of 2029 studying Political Science and Sociology with a minor in Legal Studies on the Pre-law track. I chose Tufts because I value being part of a community that supports and uplifts diversity and intellectual curiosity, which I was introduced to through the Voices of Tufts program—also I adore the color blue! As a first-generation, low-income QuestBridge Scholar, Tufts has empowered me to seek out a myriad of opportunities and step into leadership roles. On campus, I’m involved with the Tufts Burlesque Troupe, Vietnamese Student Club, a Peer Leader for the Asian American Center, student consultant in 180 Degrees Consulting, serve as a Laidlaw Scholar, a Sustainable CORE Fellow, and work over at the Office of Student Services! As an Ambassador, I’m so excited to share my experiences with prospective students and help each and every one of you envision the many ways you can find your own place at Tufts. In my free time, you can always catch me going on random “side quests,” trying new cafés around Boston, or creating social media content! See y’all soon, future Jumbos! 🐘💙

Hi! My name is Lola and I’m a junior studying Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Math. As a proud first-generation American, I was 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 Treasurer of the Tufts Electric Racing team and a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, 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 two years 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 junior 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.

Hey everyone! My name is Gabe, and I am a first-generation class of 2029 student studying Cognitive and Brain Science. I chose Tufts because of the competitive-yet-collaborative nature of the students. I found it easy to form study groups and connect with classmates who are willing to support one another and share their knowledge. On campus, I am a part of the BlackOut step team, Black Men's Group, Tufts College Access and Mentorship Initiative (CAMI), and a Tisch Scholar. In my free time, I love to play sports such as basketball and volleyball, go on runs, cut hair, and bike around Boston! One of my favorite things about Tufts is how open staff are to change. They understand that the world is constantly evolving, and so Tufts evolves with it.

Hi! My name is Kam Wallach and I'm class of 2030 in the BFA+BA/BS Combined Degree program studying Community Health and Studio Art with a potential minor in Political Science. I chose Tufts because I admired the emphasis on community and civic engagement, along with the flexibility students have to explore their interests in both academics and extracurriculars. I am hoping that as an Ambassador I can help people navigate the college experience and application process as I know firsthand that both of these things can initially be daunting. On campus, I am one of the current media archivists for Tufts 3Ps, a theater organization, and take on various tech roles for student theater productions put on by both 3Ps and Torn Ticket II. Outside of class, you can find me taking photos, going to shows in the Boston area, learning random crafts or other hobbies, and listening to music. I'm looking forward to helping strengthen the Tufts community!

Hey everyone! My name is Michael Williamson, and I am from Santa Monica, California. I am a class of 2029 student here at Tufts studying International Relations and Philosophy. Life at Tufts has quickly grown on me, and I have found community and passion in almost every place I have looked. One of the highlights of my Tufts experience has been the spontaneous moments shared with the community. Whether at an on-campus Zara Larsson concert, going into the city for the Boston Marathon, playing a high intensity spike ball rally on Prez Lawn, or passing around disposable cameras at Homecoming, student life at Tufts goes beyond the productive hours of studying or working. On campus, you can find me working/relaxing on Prez Lawn, studying at the library, or in the Senate office in the Campus Center. I am involved in several student organizations including the Tufts Community Union Senate (Tufts' student government), Tufts Venture Partners, alongside Intramural basketball and soccer. I am a part of the Access and Outreach team because I have a passion for answering prospective and current Tufts students' questions and sharing my story. I have had an amazing time so far at Tufts and look forward to showing you what student life at Tufts is and what it can be. 

Hi! My name is Joskar Yanes, and I’m from Rahway, New Jersey. I’m currently a junior studying Community Health, with minors in Political Science and Music, Sound, and Culture. From the moment I discovered Tufts (through the Voices of Tufts program!!!), I knew it 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 the Jazz Orchestra, Pep Band, Democrats, and Lowkeys (Tufts' all-gender, non-audition a cappella group), and I occasionally dabble in Club Running and Club Ultimate Frisbee. As a Latino and a first-generation, low-income student, I also find community through spaces such as the Latinx Center and organizations like the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS), Central American Students Association (CASA) and Tufts’ QuestBridge Scholars Chapter. I also had the opportunity to study abroad in Switzerland, which was one of the most life-changing experiences I've ever had. I joined the Ambassador team because I deeply believe in everything Voices of Tufts represents. As a Voices alum, the program solidified my decision to rank Tufts as my #1 choice through QuestBridge, and I was fortunate to ultimately match with my dream school. I see my role as an Ambassador as an opportunity to give back to the community that helped me envision myself at Tufts. I hope to help students see themselves in these spaces, recognize the doors that a place like Tufts can open for them, and share a glimpse of the joy, opportunities, and welcoming community that await future Jumbos.