GCU-UMass Boston Exchange Blog

February 26, 2016
by alexli001
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Introduction: Alex Li, Hosting Team Biochemistry A

Hey everyone!

I’m Alex Li. I am one of the co-chairs for the hosting team in the Biochemistry A community. I reside in Winchester, Massachusetts (when I’m not living in the apartments). I was born in Connecticut and moved up to Winchester when I was in 10^th grade. I definitely love classical and jazz music (especially swing). I play the clarinet and have been part of the higher level ensembles at the New England Conservatory of music and Tufts Youth Philharmonic. I was in the Massachusetts All-State Honors Band for 2 years and both years were times I would never forget. I am also really into tennis. As a matter of fact, I am both a spectator and a player, but only for recreation. I’m competitive while spectating and playing. Having been abroad three times (twice in Italy and once in France), I have loved the cultures and learned about what life is like in both countries. As one of the hosting group members, I have never been so excited to have the GCU students come over since I would like to get to know them like everyone else in the hosting team. I can’t wait to have a great time with everyone for this amazing experience.

February 26, 2016
by Annemarie
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Introduction: Annemarie DeMarco-Alfama

Hello Everyone,

I’m Annemarie DeMarco-Alfama. I am in the Pre-med B Freshman Success Community. As well as being a blogger for the host team in my community, I am a biology major on a pre-med track here at UMass Boston. Outside of school I love writing, art, and dancing. I love to be creative and express myself through those mediums. Also be warned I am a Disney fan! My favorite color is orange and I love reading mystery and fantasy novels. My hope for this exchange is to learn, but also to make new friendships, while also strengthening the friendships I’ve already made. I cannot wait to share my experiences with you through this blog. Until the next post!

-Annemarie 🙂

February 26, 2016
by reipojani001
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Meet the Academic Support Team of Pre-Med A

From left to right:

Alexander Truong, is a biology major who currently lives in Medford, Massachusetts and enjoys playing tennis and league of legends. He plans to become an optometrist and travel the world.

Rei Pojani, is a biology major, who was born in Tirana, Albania but moved to Worcester, Massachusetts at the age of 2. He enjoys playing sports such as rugby, basketball, football, and soccer, and currently plays for the UMass Boston Rugby Club.

Raffi Keshishyan is a biochemistry major. He was born in Armavir, Armenia but currently lives in Watertown, Massachusetts. He enjoys helping others while building strong values within the community through volunteer work and serving as an academic tutor/mentor for children.

Khoa Pham is a biology major, and currently lives in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Growing up he enjoyed watching and playing the game of basketball, because of his immense love for the sport he gained an obsession for exclusive and basketball sneakers.

Neelum Iftikhar is a co-captain of the academic support group and also a biology major. She is from Raynham, Massachusetts and is currently a freshmen.

Ella Dehestani is the captain of the academic support group, and is also a biology major following the pre-medical track. Her home town is Millville, Massachusetts, she enjoys playing piano in her free time and has played for 10 years.

Linh Dang is a biology major, born in Vietnam and a resident there for fifteen years before moving to America. When she first moved to America, she lived in Hawaii, and later moved to Massachusetts to start college. She enjoys traveling, watching movies and listening to music in her free time.

February 26, 2016
by reipojani001
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Introduction: Linh Dang, Academic Support Pre-Med A

Hi, I am Linh. I am currently a freshman at UMass Boston with Biology major. I was born in Vietnam and lived there for fifteen years before moving to America. When I first moved to America, I lived in Hawaii which was a very beautiful island and I had so many memories there. After one and half years living there, I decided to move to Massachusetts to start college. I love traveling, watching movies and listening to music in my free time. I can’t wait to meet with the ambassadors so I can show the beautiful campus at UMass Boston. I am the second blogger of the academic support group.

February 24, 2016
by juanitasaenz001
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Introduction: Juanita Saenz and Marina Teixeira

Marina at Abbey Road, us at a train station, and Juanita at Portland International Rose Garden

Hello, it’s us, Juanita and Marina!

We are so excited for the exchange to begin. We will be keeping you updated with any of the Pre-Med A events through this blog. I, Juanita, will be writing the blog posts and Marina will be taking pictures. We live for stereotypical tourist pictures so expect lots of those. We are very similar and see eye to eye on most things except for Crocs, Marina despises them but I love them! Crocs are encouraged at every event (maybe not the farewell dinner).We are both Biology majors and plan on becoming health care professionals. We are South American (Colombian and Brazilian) sarcastic, and a part of Beacon Egg and Cheese. Two of our group members, Megan and Colton, are ambassadors and we will miss them dearly.