CLASS Student Ambassadors

Annai is a sophomore from Caldwell, Idaho studying political science, international studies, and Spanish.

“I’ve been lucky to have had plenty of relatives who have also studied at the University of Idaho, and I’ve had endless stories and words of encouragement to pursue the University of Idaho. U of I is special because no matter who you are, where you’re from, or what you do, you will always 100% find more than just one community to help you grow. There are endless opportunities to grow academically, professionally, and socially. My department (School of Global Studies) has helped open so many doors and has taught me ways to keep that door open for others. I get endless amount of support not only from my amazing professors and mentors, but as well as my amazing peers. They have helped me grow as a student and as a person.”

Gisselle is a senior from St. Anthony, Idaho majoring in sociology, minoring in philosophy, women’s gender and sexuality studies, and obtaining a certificate in equity and justice.

“I never knew U of I existed until I came up to Moscow my junior year of high school for the OELA Vandal Challenge event. I immediately fell in love with the campus and resources available. U of I is so special because of the many diverse organizations and programs – all the organizations I have been a part of have amplified my experience here. I am blessed to be leaving U of I with friendships that will last a lifetime.

My biggest piece of advice for future students is to not be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help will help you get to where you want to be!”

From Gooding, Idaho, Lynara is a sophomore studying business economics and international studies. Lynara comes from a Vandal Family, and she knew it was the place when she came for a campus visit.

“I think U of I is special because it provides the ideal intersection of price and opportunity. The opportunities are endless!

My favorite thing about U of I are the gamedays!!! I consider Vandal Game Days as national holidays!”

Justin is a sophomore from Eagle, Idaho studying criminology and sociology. His experiences in his Greek chapter, Alpha Gamma Rho, and with the Interfraternity Council (IFC), have amplified his time at the University of Idaho. Justin’s biggest piece of advice for future Vandals is to explore the numerous and diverse opportunities and experiences U of I offers.

“I wanted a small, yet strong academic community that offered a lot of opportunities to grow socially and personally. Out of every university I toured, the University of Idaho has the most to offer!”

Clara is a political science, philosophy, and English major from Auburn, Washington.

“I applied to the U of I because it was out of state, but still fairly close to home. Moscow is also a smaller town, and I love that after living in a bigger city my whole life! I can walk to class and wave hi to people I know, which I feel like you can’t get at a larger school.

I want to go to law school, and my department has been helpful in working towards my goals! My professors make me work harder and help me improve academically. The smaller class sizes also help, as I’ve gotten to know a lot more people and made class more enjoyable. Make sure you get involved – especially in your major! It has helped me have a better college experience.”

Saloni is a junior from Nepal pursuing a major in criminology and psychology.

“I always wanted to move abroad to experience cultural diversity and be independent. I chose U of I because the community seemed super welcoming and fun. Idaho has given me multiple opportunities to network, develop different skills, and become a leader.

My biggest piece of advice for future students is to not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. You never know what can make a change and impact in your life!”

“Being from Lewiston, I always knew that I wanted to go to the University of Idaho. I know that U of I values its students. Not only are there opportunities for involvement like internships and lab opportunities, but opportunities to join clubs, organizations, find work on campus, stay active, and pursue chances to enhance your college experience.

The Department of Psychology and Communication and the psychology program have gotten me out of my comfort zone. The psychology department internship I held last year helped me grow my soft skills and taught me so much about putting the helping profession into practice.”

I’m Yerika Marquez and I am a junior here at the University of Idaho. I’m from Weiser, Idaho majoring in sociology and international studies with minors in justice studies and Spanish and an academic certificate in equity and justice. After graduation I hope to attend graduate school and obtain my Ph.D. in sociology to become a professor in the future. I am a sister of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Inc., a McNair scholar, and working as the Career Advising SSS TRIO intern. I wanted to become a CLASS ambassador to help inform potential and future students about the opportunities within CLASS and at the University of Idaho. Additionally, I wanted to make sure that future students are prepared with the information needed when applying, admitted and arriving at the university.

Yuliza is a sophomore studying political science and Spanish from Wilder, Idaho.

Kalista is a junior majoring in Theatre Arts Design, Technology, and Management, English Literature, and minoring in Creative Writing and Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies.

“I grew up on the Palouse and have always loved the area. The community that exists on the University of Idaho campus is one that I especially love and have always found to be very inviting and joyful. The small and intimate nature of the university community is one I am very drawn too; it has made it very easy to make friends and meet new people. The Theatre Department has really given me a sense of belonging and allowed me to find a community that accepts me for who I am. I know that I could go to anyone in the theatre department with any issue I am facing, and they will gladly help me overcome it.”

Olivia Niemi is a senior from Portland, Oregon studying psychology and child development.

“I am a 4th generation Vandal and grew up coming up to Moscow for Homecoming. I fell in love with the university and the special community of Vandals the university forms. Seeing the amazing experiences, opportunities, and friends that my family member has gained at the university set a high standard of what I wanted to get out of my college experience, making it an obvious decision for me to attend to the University of Idaho.

My biggest piece of advice for future students is to lean into the U of I experience and opportunities. Don’t hold back from getting involved within campus, don’t stay silent in the back of the classroom all semester long, don’t decline the fun events hosted throughout campus – because these are the aspects that shape your time in college and turning these few years from just receiving a degree to gaining a whole, well-rounded college experience.”

Destiny is a sophomore from Shoshone, Idaho studying criminology, sociology and Spanish.

“U of I is special because it brought me the greatest life-long friends. U of I gave me constant support, and it has become my home away from home. My biggest piece of advice for future students is to follow your dreams, passions, goals and desires! I never knew I could love and be more passionate about my department and majors until I came here.”

From Asotin, Washington, Jack is a senior majoring in political science and minoring in philosophy.

“U of I is the perfect size, with enough people to have a vibrant campus life while at the same time promoting a great learning environment. My major and clubs have enabled me to make friendships and connections that I deeply cherish.

My biggest piece of advice is to get involved! U of I has so much to offer, so take advantage of the college experience however you can!”

Natalie is a senior studying Psychology and Philosophy with minors in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics and Spanish. Upon graduation, she plans to attend the University of Idaho College of Law.

“As a first-generation student and a Chicana, having family support is everything. The university not only offered a family environment through the College Assistant Migrant Program but also through my departments and organizations on campus. U of I offers an immense amount of support and opportunities to all students. During my time here, I have been able to write policy for the state of Idaho, conduct my own research, and advocate for minorities on campus and statewide.”