Meet Your Ambassadors

In addition to being responsible for the creation, planning, and implementation of New Student Orientation in August and January, the Department of Orientation and First Year Experience (FYE) at Brandeis collaborates with campus partners to provide a robust calendar of programming for new students throughout their first year and serves as a resource for all new students.

The department hires First Year Ambassadors & Transfer Ambassadors (sophomores-seniors), who serve as peer mentors for students. These students assist with the planning of FYE events, hold office hours each week and provide outreach to new students from the time of deposit until the end of their first year at Brandeis.

First Year Ambassadors 2026-2027

Photo of Kristina Clarke
Kristina Clarke
First Year Ambassador

Pronouns: she/her
Class of 2029
Area(s) of Study: Business Administration & Psychology
Hometown: New York


Favorite Thing About BrandeisMy favorite thing about Brandeis is no matter your background, interest, or identity you will also find a space at Brandeis where you feel welcomed and comfortable to express yourself. Whether it’s in an academic space, club, or through friendships.

 

Some areas of expertise I can discuss with you include: Balancing academics and co-curricular activities; Transition from high school to college; Peer support and communication

Photo of Hannah Feldman
Hannah Feldman
First Year Ambassador

Class of 2027
Area(s) of Study: Education; English; Near Eastern & Judaic Studies (NEJS); Creativity, the Arts & Social Transformation (CAST)
Hometown: Princeton, NJ


One piece of advice I would give a new student at Brandeis: A piece of advice that I have for new students at Brandeis is to both try something new and do something familiar, because it'll help you both branch out and find people with similar interests!


Some areas of expertise I can discuss with you include: Theater; A Cappella; Time management; Leadership on campus; Planning your classes (4 year plan)

Photo of Eli Mishara
Eli Mishara
First Year Ambassador

Pronouns: he/him
Class of 2029
Area(s) of Study: Business; International & Global Studies (IGS); Asian American & Pacific Islander Studies
Hometown: Lexington, MA


One piece of advice I would give a new student at Brandeis: Don’t be afraid to reach out and get involved early. Brandeis has so many clubs, events, and opportunities. The sooner you start connecting with people, the more you’ll feel at home.


Some areas of expertise I can discuss with you include: Getting involved on campus; Balancing academics with co-curricular activities; The greater Boston area

Photo of Emma Sadewasser
Emma Sadewasser
First Year Ambassador

Class of 2027
Area(s) of Study: Theater and Neuroscience
Hometown: Camas, Washington


Favorite thing about Brandeis: My favorite thing about Brandeis by far is how welcoming the community is here. I have never felt more free to be myself than once I arrived on campus!


Some areas of expertise I can discuss with you include: Performance groups on campus; Living far from home (I'm from Washington state); Time management for school work; Mindfulness Strategies

Photo of Amelia Salazar
Amelia Salazar
First Year Ambassador

Pronouns: she/her
Class of 2028
Area(s) of Study: Biology & Chemistry
Hometown: Mansfield, CT

 

One piece of advice I would give a new student at Brandeis: One piece of advice I have for new students at Brandeis is to challenge yourself. Whether it’s taking a daunting class, joining the Ballroom Dancing Club (even if you’re definitely not a dancer), or striking up a conversation with a stranger in the dining hall, at Brandeis, challenging yourself takes different forms for everyone. My philosophy is that we, as students, are capable of achieving anything we set our minds to, but only if we believe in our abilities. So rise to the challenge, embrace the difficult parts, and best of all, enjoy the rewarding moments that facing a challenge can bring.

 

Some areas of expertise I can discuss with you include: Pre-Medical track guidance; Organization tools/habits; Stepping into leadership roles; Stress Management; Getting involved in Research/Volunteering/Internships

2026-2027 Transfer Ambassadors

Photo of Yovika Chhabra
Yovika Chhabra
Transfer Ambassador

Pronouns: she/her
Class of 2029
Areas of Study: Politics
Hometown: Queens, NY & India


One piece of advice I would give a new student at Brandeis: At Brandeis, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, try new clubs, talk to new people, and take classes that genuinely interest you because there is so much to explore and learn from. Also, give yourself time to adjust; finding your place doesn't happen overnight and that's completely normal!


Some areas of expertise I can discuss with you include: Culture groups on campus/how to get involved; Time management, how to balance academics and social life; Living away from home for the first time

Photo of Casadie Parent
Casadie Parent
Transfer Ambassador

Pronouns: she/her
Class of 2027
Area(s) of Study: Psychology & Creative Writing
Hometown: Raleigh, NC


One piece of advice I would give a new student at Brandeis: Try to go to all sorts of different events and get involved. You never know what will stick, or who you will meet.


Some areas of expertise I can discuss with you include: Resources for LGBTQ+ students; Volunteering; Clubs on campus