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Student Orientation Leaders

Welcome Class of 2017!


We understand that adjusting to college life may be difficult. In order to ease your transition, each of you will be assigned to a Student Orientation Leader (SOL). They are upperclassmen who are eager to help you in any way they can. They can’t wait to meet you and want to introduce themselves to you!

Rhythm (2014)

Hi 2017!! I am Rhythm!!! I really can’t play any musical instruments or sing, but I dance.  I am from India, the land of spices and Bollywood, but I promise there is more to my beloved country. I am a senior, and your SOL. I can’t wait to welcome you!! I like to dance, read, dance, sleep and dance. I have seen 3 sets of SOL’s before I applied and I guess we are destined to be together! Cheesy? I love to engage in discussions, but I like to listen mostly. I have the ability to laugh at myself or laugh a lot in general. I went to Japan for study abroad, and I practiced French more than Japanese! Umm.. I guess this is almost everything I can think of myself right now…What about you?? Can’t wait to hear your stories!! Congratulations for being accepted!

Shilo (2016)

Hey everyone!  My name is Shilo Benic-Kluge and I am from Riverside, CA.  I’m from the class of 2016 and I am a part of Josho Daiko and History Department here at Soka.  I like to play any sport, especially basketball and I love to hang out with friends and just have a good time.  I really can’t wait to meet those of you from the class of 2017, because I know we will have great times together!  See you guys soon!

Mitsuko (2016)

First of all… Congratulations for your acceptance to Soka University!! You did it!! I want to praise all of the efforts you made to achieve this victory!! I am super excited to welcome you all, the amazing class of 2017, as a Student Orientation Leader.  I am Mitsuko from the class of 2016, and I am an international student from Tokyo, Japan. I believe you might be really excited, but also might have many concerns regarding your new life at Soka…But, no worries! We are here waiting for you, ready to support you in any possible way we can for your transition to college. Can’t wait seeing you!

Alfredo (2015)

Hello! My name is Alfredo, and I was born and raised in California. I speak English, Spanish, and I am studying Japanese. I am preparing to study abroad in Japan next spring to improve my fluency. I am really excited to meet the incoming freshman class, and I hope that I can help make your transition from high school life to college life here at SUA a more comfortable experience. I understand what it is like not having somebody there to guide you through the process. After all, I am a first-generation college student myself.  


Takako (2016)

Hello 2017! My name is Takako also known as TK, and I'm from the class of 2016. I really love to sing, make music, dance, and perform. I also love meeting new people and learning about different cultures. I am so thrilled to be one of your SOLs for this year's orientation. I can't wait to meet you all, and I hope we can build great memories together!


Brianna (2014)

Hi, my name is Brianna Faubel, I was born in Visalia, California but I grew up in Tucson, Arizona and Luray, Virginia before finding my way back to Visalia in 2000. I love to read and write and I hope someday that I will be able to share my passion for writing through teaching others, but right now I’m focusing on discovering different forms of writing. I am going to be a Senior in the 2013-2014 academic year and as a Junior this year I spent the Fall semester in Shanghai, China. I love exploring and doing new things and I hope to have many more adventures before I graduate.

Taylor (2016)

Hi, my name is Taylor Hollis and I am a Sophomore Class of 2016 at SUA! My nick name is Tay Tay. I am a 19 years old from Newark, California. I love Pink and ANYTHING Cheetah or Sparkly! I like to participate in many activities here at SUA. I am a recruit for SUA’s Women’s Soccer Team and Track & Field Team. I also am a writer for a school’s magazine called the “Pearl” and a member of Ka’Pilina Ho’olokahi, a Polynesian dance club on campus. I am so glad that I get the chance to meet you guys and build long-lasting relationships! Jaa mata!


Hideo (2016)

I still clearly remember the moment I got accepted to SUA – it was the happiest moment in my life. But now, I want to say that everyday I spend time here SUA with my best friends is the happiest time I have ever had! My name is Hideo Suzuki from the class of 2016. I am so excited to welcome you to your new home and so appreciative of being a SOL member to support you with my best. I love dogs, sports, and photos. Here I am ready for taking a best picture of you. Congratulations Class of 2017!


An (2016)

A Big Big 'Hi" to class of 2017! I am An Pho from class of 2016 and yes I am one of the SOLs. I love eating, singing, listening to music and seeing movies so I really want to have chance to do all of these with you. Also, I am learning how to play guitar and piano so if you could stand and play with my "beautiful" melody then it would be awesome! And I also like sports but unfortunately I think sports don't really like me so ... ^^! Anyway, Welcome to SUA! I hope you guys all have a great summer and please have a lot of fun, food, laughs because you will need so much calories for the next 10 months in Soka. I can't wait to see you and look forward to being part of your journey. La` la' laaaa ~

Shivangi (2015)

Hey! I'm Shivangi Khattar from the class of 2015. I come from India; the exotic land of mystery and “spices” and love interacting with people from various exciting cultures. I'm cheerful and optimistic and a tad hyperactive at times. My close friends know me to be a foodie who enjoys composing musical fusions (be sure to check out my trans-cultural music club-Etihad Melodies) and dabbling in theater. My passion lies in working for children with special needs. I'm also an avid animal lover and have 6 dogs back home that I love dearly. Studying at SUA has always been a cherished dream for me. I want to prove the worth of Soka Education by gaining admission into the best graduate school of this country.