Hello, my name is Thirachet Lapjaturapit or I/T. I am an 18-year-old student at Shoreline Community College majoring in Film Production and I am working as an International Student Ambassador for the International Education department. There are multiple International Student Ambassadors working on campus and duties vary for each one of us. I have a specific job as a photographer; I produce media for the department such as short introduction videos, interview videos, and taking photos of events around campus.

Hi, I’m Tisa Somsap. I am also an 18-year-old student at Shoreline Community College majoring in Humanities. My job in the International Education department is quite different from I/T; I’m an International Peer Mentor. International Peer Mentors work in a team of 8. We connect new and current students with the International Education department as well as assisting the department staff members from time to time. Throughout the academic year, we organize events and activities such as International Student Orientation and school parties.

I/T: I had no experience studying abroad before coming to Shoreline Community College. I remember thinking that this campus scenery is very breezy: the greenery, the design, it feels very comfortable. I have my own YouTube channel (IT’s Films) and I could imagine myself walking around filming a campus tour video at that point. I met many friends from various countries through International Student Orientation.

My fall quarter classes were ESL classes. They were honestly challenging for me; however, with the help of skilled teachers and the activities in class, I was able to improve. I have an opportunity to meet and connect with plenty of photographers outside of campus once in a while, and it makes my experience in Shoreline even better.

Tips from I/T: Stay true to yourself. Do not settle until it feels right. If you’re not certain about your interests, join clubs, make some friends, put yourself out there. Try something new to discover what’s the best fit for you.

Tisa: My first impression of Shoreline Community College is similar to I/T’s. I noticed the trees and the unique buildings right away. I went to school in New Orleans before as a high school exchange student and it’s safe to say that Southern American culture is much different from Northwestern American culture, so I still had a little culture shock coming here. However, International Student Orientation gave me a great sense in what to expect from this community.

My classes in the first quarter consisted of English Composition I, Introduction to Communication, and Survey of Anthropology. They were very challenging, and I had to really step out of my comfort zone. After that quarter, I saw an instant growth in myself. I stopped doubting my potential but rather doubting my limits instead. I made the best out of the quarter by trying to socialize a lot with my classmates; now they are the group of friends I hang out with daily.

Tips from Tisa: Explore yourself and the environment around you thoroughly, whether that is the school or the city. Remember to always challenge yourself in order to see your full potential.