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The academic year has come to a close, and we want to celebrate some of the graduating student workers who have been at the heart of our Global and Intercultural Affairs (GIA) office. Student employees in GIA, known as World Associates (WA), take on a variety of responsibilities—from peer advising and serving as the first point of contact for office visitors to supporting key administrative tasks. In addition to their day-to-day work, World Associates take part in a professional development training to help them grow and prepare for work in a global society. Among this year’s graduates are Elijah and Shravya, two outstanding World Associates whose contributions have left a lasting mark on our community.

Elijah is a finance major from Chicago, IL. He reflects on his time at GIA:

What was your favorite moment being a WA?

For Elijah, one of the most memorable moments during his time as a World Associate was serving as the MC for the Junior Council on World Affairs Quiz Bowl—a regional event engaging local high school students in global affairs. “Even though this experience wasn’t directly affiliated with our office,” Elijah shared, “I was able to share my passion for learning about international cultures and the importance of understanding our world on a greater scale.”

What did you enjoy most about working as a WA?

Elijah enjoyed advising students about study abroad opportunities and witnessing their excitement as they explored new possibilities. “Seeing all of the passion and drive from students made my job extremely rewarding,” he said. The role not only allowed him to support others, but also helped him grow personally and professionally. “This job challenged me and opened my eyes to the growth that happens when you just put your mind to it.”

What advice do you have for future WAs?

Elijah leaves future World Associates with this advice: “Always come to work with a smile and be confident in your abilities. Realize that you’ve already taken the step to step out of your comfort zone—embrace that and share it with others.”

Shravya is a Business Analytics master’s student from Hyderabad, India.

What made you interested in becoming a WA?

Shravya says that as an international student, she understood firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate immigration processes and university systems. “I wanted to help others feel more supported and confident during their transition,” she said. “Becoming a World Associate felt like the perfect opportunity to give back to a community I deeply care about.”

What did you enjoy most about the role?

Shravya enjoyed the human connection. From guiding students through OPT questions to offering reassurance before international travel, she found fulfillment in being a steady, trusted presence for others. “Every day brought meaningful conversations,” she said, reflecting on the deep trust students placed in her. These experiences made her more mindful and careful in her approach to support work—an awareness she plans to carry forward into her future career.

How did being a WA shape your time at the University of Dayton or influence your goals moving forward?

Shravya’s time as a World Associate didn’t just enrich her student experience; it helped sharpen key professional skills like communication, multitasking, and detail-oriented documentation. “It gave me a sense of purpose beyond academics,” Shravya shared. “It reminded me that no matter where my career takes me, I always want to work in a space where I can combine my analytical mindset with people-centered support.”

What advice do you have for future WAs?

Shravya encourages future World Associates to “lead with empathy and patience,” and to remember that their support can make a meaningful difference. “And don’t be afraid to ask questions,” she adds. “Every challenge you face will help you grow.”

As we say goodbye to another graduating class of World Associates, we reflect with gratitude on the energy, compassion, and dedication they’ve brought to our office. Their efforts have shaped the GIA experience for countless students and helped build a welcoming, globally minded community. We look forward to seeing how they carry these experiences into the next chapter of their lives.