Fall 2023 Live Chat:
Thursday 1:00-3:00, Friday 2:30-4:30

Nepal

MS Finance

Hello Roos! My name is Pratistha (it’s a Sanskrit word meaning prestige). My home country is Nepal, which is known for its beautiful, majestic mountains. Funny thing, whenever I tell people that I am from Nepal, the first question people ask me is "Have you climbed Mt. Everest?" I say “not YET" ha-ha. Well, I have trekked to the base camp of few of those majestic peaks but climbing one? It is still in my bucket list. I have travelled far and wide inside Nepal but coming to UMKC last Fall was my first step outside of my country. KC is mostly flats, but I fell in love with the city’s greeneries, artistic museums, peaceful lakes, and fountains. Also, a snow-filled KC is a different kind of beauty on its own. On top of that, it was Christmas when it snowed last year, how amazing is that?

You might spot me walking around Bloch School, I am an MSF student here (currently in my 3rd semester) or around the Library. I love UMKC, there is so much going on here, like every day. Being involved on campus was the first thing that has helped me find my place here in KC, reshaped me into who I am today. I made great friends, built valuable connections and above all I am having so much fun. So, I encourage everyone to do the same and more. Come say Hi to me whenever you do, let’s connect and make the best out of our UMKC days!

A little fun fact about me: I love singing – no matter how off-key I go. I know full lyrics of a lot of songs. There’s this little art side hidden inside this big finance girl.

Your fellow Roo,

Pratistha

Fall 2023 Live Chat:
Tuesday 11:30-3:30

Iran

MBA

Hi, my name is Zahra from Iran. I started studying my MBA at the Bloch School in August 2022. I am passionate and dedicated as an International Student Ambassador, working with a diverse and talented group of international and domestic students and embodying a commitment to promoting global understanding and collaboration.

Along with the international students and the entire UMKC community, I am excited to see what this season has in store for me and my fellow ambassadors. I was really impressed by Kansas City's offerings! (affordable housing, amazing restaurants, wonderful parks, and friendly people)

As an Assistant Consultant at Bloch School, which means I analyze data qualitatively and quantitatively, which empowers me to provide informed decision-making, create strategic plans, and suggest actionable recommendations to client organizations.

Furthermore, my experience as a Contract Accountant Manager in an investment bank and Brokerage showcases my expertise in preparing financial ratios, evaluating cost efficiency, and generating internal reports for financial planning and analysis.

I analyzed financial data, prepared financial statements and reports, and budgeted.

Beyond my professional achievements, I am an athlete, a mountaineering coach, a climbing Leader, and a certified Hatha Yoga Coach. My accomplishments include scaling renowned peaks like Mount Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp, the Aragats, Machapuche Base Camp, and Annapurna Base Camp.

Fall 2023 Live Chat:
Wednesday 11:00-2:00

India

iPhD Computer Science

Hola… aloha… everyone! My name is Keerti Bajaj. I am from Hyderabad, India (the place where the famous "DUM BIRYANI" comes from). I moved around many places in and out of India to study, explore, experience and spread wings across. I came here to Kansas City, to UMKC, in Fall 2021. I really fell in love with the place, it has great places, people and vibe!
I like exploring new places, food and meeting strangers to making friends. I absolutely love cooking, it’s Zen. If I weren’t doing what I am now, I would be a chef. I love fantasies and theories, and I made so many of them personally! I’m always curious to try everything that’s new to me, learn it and just gain new skills.
I prefer sunrises over sunsets (both are equally beautiful, just what they mean individually to me). I love star gazing, any place with pretty lights (such as downtown), long drives and long walks are some of the things I do to get out of my tiring schedule. If you are reading this, I "REALLY" look forward to meeting you sometime on campus!!

Fall 2023 Live Chat:
Monday and Wednesday 2:00-4:00 

India and Saudi Arabia

MS Computer Science

Hello everyone, I'm Nabila! Let me share a little about myself: I completed my schooling in Riyadh before moving to India to pursue my undergraduate degree. Now, I am here at UMKC (LOVE IT!), where I am pursuing my Master’s. Moving to a different country and becoming a part of a new culture has been a long, exciting, and sometimes difficult journey.

My time at UMKC has been filled with some amazing memories, and I'd love to tell you more about them when we meet. But right now, let me share my top two highlights. The first one is during my first week at UMKC when I attended the orientation event. It allowed me to connect with other students who were going through similar experiences (some of these connections have become very dear friends to me). Another one is when I hosted my big event “Late Night Breakfast” and around 500 students showed up!!

Outside of academics, I'm involved in different organizations that help me improve my interpersonal skills. I was an SI Leader for Comp-Sci, and now I'm an Ambassador. A little more about me (last bit, I promise), I love being outdoors and exploring new surroundings but I also love staying in and watching Netflix, a mix of being with friends, music, board games and trying new foods(I will definitely try, might not like it).

What I want you to know is that I am here for you. If you want to talk about anything, whether you have a million zillion questions about UMKC, or just to have a chill conversation. Let's connect and make the most of our time here together!

Fall 2023 Live Chat:
Monday 3:00-5:00, Tuesday 11:30-1:30

Viet Nam 

BS Finance and Accounting

Hello everyone! Xin chào các bạn! My name is Tam Nguyen, but I go by Tammie! I was born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City, which is a largest city in Vietnam with colorful food markets, noisy scooters, beautiful historic sites, and nightlife districts <3 I came to Kansas City around 3 years ago and got admitted to UMKC as a Music Performance major, but I just switched my major to Accounting and Finance last year. I used to play violin for 10 years!  

I love going to Overland Park on weekends to explore different restaurants and desserts places. They also have some huge Asian markets in this area where I usually get my groceries from. I prefer having a physical planner than a digital one, and I always bring my planner in my pocket :) I have a big love for cats, even though I don’t have any cats at the moment, but I do have a cat named Xu in Vietnam who’s now living with my parents. During my free time, I enjoy watching Netflix, cleaning up my room, discovering new coffee places in KC and catching up with close friends!  

Kansas City holds a significant place in my heart. It is where I made some big changes to my life, and formed some lifelong friendships that I will continue to cherish and carry with me throughout my journey. If you see me around campus, please come and say hi! I love making new friends and talking to new people! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to know more about life as an undergraduate student, or you can always ask me about Netflix shows, exploring restaurants and coffee shops to visit in the area. We can also go grab some boba tea together, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all!

Fall 2023 Live Chat:
Wednesday 3:00-5:00, Friday 2:00-4:00

Nigeria

BS Electrical and Computer Engineering 

Hello everyone! My name is Oluwasemire Olatunde-Salawu, and I am thrilled to serve as an International Student Ambassador at the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC). As a sophomore pursuing a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, I am passionate about technology, wireless communication, coding, and AI.

Hailing from the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria, my journey has taken me through various states and countries. I was born in Bauchi state, raised in Lagos state, and schooled in Ogun state. My Nigerian heritage is an integral part of who I am, and I cherish the culture and traditions of the Yoruba tribe.

At the age of 16, I embarked on an exciting adventure when I came to the United States in July 2022 to pursue higher education at UMKC. I have been fortunate to travel to five different countries, including South Africa, Dubai, Kenya, and England. My dream is to visit Spain someday to broaden my global experiences even further!

When I am not engrossed in my studies or technology-related pursuits, you can find me indulging in various recreational activities. Football, the real one, holds a special place in my heart, and I also enjoy playing table tennis, badminton, and FIFA gaming. Besides sports, I have a culinary appreciation for food that has just the right amount of spicy kick, with my all-time favorite being Ewa and Dodo. (Nigerian Beans and Plantain)

One of the things I absolutely love about UMKC is its rich diversity and inclusive community. During my first year, I resided in Oak Hall, where I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures and build lasting connections with people from all walks of life. Attending numerous events on campus further deepened my appreciation for the vibrant atmosphere UMKC offers.

If you happen to be around the Student Union or the Miller Nichols Library, you might spot me involved in various activities beyond just studying. While I haven't always been the most outgoing person, the warm and welcoming environment at UMKC has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new experiences.

As an International Student Ambassador, my goal is to share my UMKC journey, inspire others, and provide support and guidance to fellow students. I believe that every student at UMKC has the potential to thrive and make the most of their time here, just as I have cherished my past year at this exceptional institution.

I look forward to welcoming and connecting with all of you as we embark on this exciting chapter together at UMKC. Whether you're a current or prospective student, I hope you enjoy your time here as much as I have. Let's make the most of our UMKC experience and create unforgettable memories! Go Roos! 🐾

Fall 2023 Live Chat:
Monday and Wednesday 2-4 PM

India

MS Computer Science

Greetings, everyone! My name is Aamina, and I am from Nellore, a city located in the southern part of India. However, I have also lived and pursued my undergraduate studies in Hyderabad. In the fall of 2022, I embarked on a new adventure by coming to UMKC. I must say, the friendly and welcoming vibe of this city has made it an absolute delight to explore and interact with others.

I have an insatiable love for traveling, and my journeys have taken me through various enchanting places in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and United States as well. For me, the most thrilling aspect of traveling is immersing myself in different cultures through their delectable cuisines. Whenever I visit a new destination, I make it a mission to find authentic eateries that offer a true taste of the local flavors. My other hobbies include Art and cooking(specifically baking) speaking of cooking I also won people's choice award for making "Biriyani" in last year's food contest. (So, if there's ever a food-related question, I'm your go-to person), In Kansas City, one of my favorite pastimes is exploring halal food restaurants.

On a personal level, UMKC has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new experiences. Engaging with diverse student groups and participating in various campus activities has broadened my perspective and enhanced my interpersonal skills. Being a member of the Data Analytics club I highly recommend that every incoming student consider joining a student organization aligned with their interests which will truly help you grow in many ways. 

In my role as an International Ambassador, I aim to bridge gaps between cultures and create a welcoming environment for international students. Please reach out to me for any questions about campus life and if you see me around campus come and say Hi! I look forward to engaging with each of you and contributing to the growth and success of UMKC s international community. 

Fall 2023 Live Chat: Monday 12:00-2:00, Wednesday and Friday 1:00-2:00

India

MS Finance

Hello people!! What's Up!!!!!!! My name is Preethi Yeddula and I am from a town called Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh. (South India) I was raised by a strong Single mother and one might call me a “Mama’s Girl.💞” I love taking my Mom’s guidance most of the time. I prefer cooking and having homemade food. I'm an ambivert🤪. I Love meeting new people and exploring different cultures. I am a sports fan (not good at playing any but I watch sports a lot) Cricket is my favorite sport followed by Basketball and football/Soccer. I came to UMKC in Spring 2023 to do my masters in finance. Honestly that was the best decision I took so far…

That was my first time out of my home country (I haven’t traveled much but wouls love to do it in future.)

UMKC and Kansas City hold a special place in my heart. I have great friends here whom I will cherish all my life. Getting friendships like this in a foreign country is so tough and I feel so blessed to have them. People who come across me here in KC are so nice, welcoming and supportive. KC has a lot of places to explore. There are lakes, museums, a lot of seasonal festivals and many more. It is a good place to start my life in America, I am so glad I chose to be a ROO.

You can see me everywhere 😂 on campus like the Library, ASSC, Bloch School, Student Union and once in a while in Swinney, especially on the Game Nights don’t forget to say Hi!! if you see me!! I enjoy attending events and learning about things that I don't know. I haev had a chance to explore the campus and learn about a lot of things. If you are an upcoming Roo or a Current Roo and need any help or want to know about anything feel free to reach me out.

Have a great Semester and stay Safe Roos!!!🦘