Meet the 2024 Orientation Execs
Meet the 2024 Orientation Execs
Staff Co-Chair:
Ali Kehl
Pronouns: She/Her
Job Title: Campus Life Coordinator
Fun Fact: Orientation is my favourite week on the student calendar. This will be my tenth orientation at Victoria College!!
Advice for New Students: Be so abundantly kind to yourself and your peers! Your whole world is changing in an instant and you’re doing the very best you can do!! Don’t hesitate to reach out for support!
Talk to me About: Getting Involved at Vic, Reese Witherspoon (& specifically Legally Blonde), Hilary Duff, early 2000s pop culture, and the colour pink!!
Exec: Andrea Perez
Pronouns: She/Her
Year: Fourth Year
Studying: Major in Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies, and double minoring in Classical Civilizations and Creative Writing.
Fun Fact: I can solve a Rubik's Cube in under a minute! (Shoutout to my 5th grade teacher who taught me.)
Advice for New Students: Just do it! Go to that party, join that club, talk to that person sitting beside you in lecture. Not everything and everyone will be a fit for you, but that's okay. First year is the time to put yourself out there. Everyone is in the same boat as you, trying to find their place and make a community. Don’t be ashamed of trying, unabashedly—that’s the only way you’ll find and get what you want.
Talk to me About: Theatre! Talk to me about Campus Theatre, Toronto Theatre, or even just your favourite musical—I've been involved extracurricularly in productions as a Director, Actor, and Stage Manager, and I'm the President of the Society of Undergraduate Drama Students. Commuter Life! (I've got all the TTC & GoTrain tips and tricks.)Writing & Publishing! I've written poems for The Strand and Acta Victoriana and have published professionally in NEXT Magazine and Intermission Magazine. Music! I have monthly playlists and playlists by mood for the best study vibes—let's exchange playlists!
Exec: Yasma Karameh
Pronouns: She/Her
Year: Second Year
Studying: Double Major in Criminology & Socio-Legal Studies and Public Health
Fun Fact: During last year’s orientation, my friends and I won the scavenger hunt so you’ll see me rocking vintage Victoria merch!
Advice for New Students: Hey Vickies, congrats on making it to Victoria College! There’s so much here for you to explore. Be sure to follow all the Victoria College accounts and clubs on Instagram, as well as keep up with the transition mentor program/emails to stay up to date with all the events (weekly, monthly, casual, excursions). I really enjoyed dropping by and attending these events and hangouts in between my classes! These are all great ways to immerse yourself in the Vic community and meet new people. Your first year is the perfect opportunity to experiment with courses, so try to take ones that genuinely interest you if possible, even if you are unfamiliar with them.
Talk to me About: Feel free to ask me about commuting tips as well as advice on finding your place on campus and Vic as a commuter. I’m always up to chat about my favourite food spots on campus, especially where to get the best shawarma! In my first year, I used the Victoria Writing Centre multiple times so I’m happy to share tips on how to prepare and get the most out of your 50-minute sessions. Also, I’m majoring in Criminology & Socio-Legal Studies and Public Health, so if you have any questions about these fields or even the prerequisites I took in my first year, don’t hesitate to ask!
Exec: Athena Kanellis
Pronouns: She/Her
Year: Third Year
Studying: Double Major in Psychology and Neuroscience
Fun Fact: I used to be able to rap all of Rap God by Eminem
Advice for New Students: You don't need to have everything figured out right away, university is the time to learn, grow, and explore. Keeping an open mind and staying curious can introduce you to brand new experiences! Don't be afraid to talk to new people, join a club, or ask questions in class! You're starting an exciting new chapter, and remember to be kind to yourself, you'll always have a community where you belong at Vic <3
Talk to me About: Feel free to ask me any questions about psychology, neuroscience, and/or life science programs and classes! I lived in residence at Vic first year and I now commute, I would love to answer any questions about living on residence and/or commuting!
Exec: Baran Aghdasi
Pronouns: She/Her
Year: Third Year
Studying: Majoring in Global health major and double minoring in Immunology and Physiology
Fun Fact: I know how to beatbox!
Advice for New Students: Ask us as many questions as you have! You're here to learn and grow, and the orientation execs, TMs, and leaders are here to support you. Ask us anything - I promise that if you have a question, the chances are that your peers are probably wondering the exact same thing!
Talk to me About: Anything life-science related, study tips and good study spots on campus, resources available at Vic and UofT, and questions about living on residence!
Exec: Anya Ivantchenko
Pronouns: They/She
Year: Third Year
Studying: Drama Specialist and a minor in Political Science
Fun Fact: I've been retweeted by SNL twice!
Advice for New Students: University is what you make of it! Getting out there can be scary but it is so so worth it! You got this :)
Talk to me About: How to get involved in clubs or student groups you might be interested in! As the current Vice President of Student Organizations I can help guide you to a club, student group, or student leadership opportunity you might want to join! This is the best way to meet new people and create a university experience that is catered to you! Also come talk to me about Gravity Falls or Spider-Man <3
Student Co-Chair:
Kate Mochina
Pronouns: She/Her
Year: Fourth Year
Studying: Book and Media Studies Major and double minoring in English and Creativity & Society Minor
Fun Fact: I’m really good at sword fighting (on Nintendo Switch Sports)!
Advice for New Students: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! University is a unique experience for everyone, so you don’t need to have everything figured out right away! Step outside of your comfort zone, go to events, get involved, make mistakes, talk to new people, and remember that everyone is probably just as scared as you are! Vic has become my community and safe space in ways I never could have imagined when starting my first year! You’ll find your place and your people, and don’t worry if it takes time! <3
Talk to me About: Talk to me about all things Vic! Getting involved on campus, leadership opportunities, caffiends, fun events throughout the year, residence life, commuter life, my fave Neds meals, best nap spots, and other Goldring Student Centre hidden gems! Also happy to chat about Jellycats, rom-coms, Chappell Roan, and Disney’s live-action remakes!
Exec: Rohini Patra
Pronouns: She/Her
Year: Fourth Year
Studying: Double Major in Economics (Focus on Data Analytics) and Public Policy
Fun Fact: Got suspended from Instagram on the first day I joined the app.
Advice for New Students: You've Got this !!
Talk to me About: You can talk to me about MAT133, ECO101, getting involved with VUSAC, or anything related to Victoria College—whether that’s Vic 101, college traditions, or finding your place in the community. I’m also happy to share some of the best eating spots on and around campus, from quick bites to cozy study cafés.
Exec: Kiara Moeskops
Pronouns: She/Her
Year: Third Year
Studying: Double Major in Public Policy and Sociology
Fun Fact: I’m from Kelowna, BC
Advice for New Students: Take the time to enjoy your first year! University is about studying, but it’s also about trying new things, finding passions and interests, while meeting new people!
Talk to me About: Talk to me about Vic One, orientation, first-year courses, residence (especially living in RJ first year), sociology, economics, public policy, anything Vic related, EJ Pratt, music, or anything at all—I'd love to meet you all.
Exec: Katie Grant
Pronouns: She/Her
Year: Third Year
Studying: Majoring in Ethics, Society, and Law, and doubling in Mathematics and Philosophy
Fun Fact: I was a child actress🤭
Advice to New Students: Get involved in clubs and organizations! U of T is a big place, and joining communities with shared interests can help you make great friends and build your resume along the way.
Talk to me About: Anything! Whether you're curious about law, want to get involved at Vic, or are just looking for cool spots to explore in Toronto, I’m always down to chat:)
Exec: Judy Wang
Pronouns: He/She
Year: Third Year
Studying: Double Major in Medical Anthropology and Critical Equity Studies, and a minor in Digital Humanities
Fun Fact: I work some crazy magic in the thrift store 💃
Advice: Take the leap to do things that might interest you, even if they feel intimidating! First year provides you amazing opportunites to feel out new possibilities for your university career. There are so many resources and people around you at Vic that are happy to help you achieve your goals. Don't be afraid to ask your peers, leaders, and staff for help!
Talk to me About: Getting involved around Vic! As a commuter and also having lived in RJ, I've gotten to know Vic extracurriculars through different perspectives and can speak thoroughly to the community building experience. You can also talk to me about all things arts and crafts! I have a small business and am so happy to share my experience starting creative projects, or yap about art in general.