Before even stepping on campus, Susanna
Atanessian (IH 2024-25) wanted to live
at International House Berkeley. "It felt like
the perfect fit with its mission, community,
location, dining, and architecture, along
with all the opportunities and experiences I
imagined having there," she remembered.
Susanna's interest grew when, as a first-
year student on campus, she visited a fellow
Armenian student who lived here. "I saw how
she made new connections in the dining
hall and how someone was always playing
amazing music on the piano," she said.
"I-House brings together talented, loving,
and curious people." Susanna was certain
she wanted her own I-House experience.
Her opportunity came when she
was awarded the Simone Sciobereti
Scholarship, which helped to relieve
some of her fees for room and board. She
cherished her experiences at I-House,
including a close friendship with her
roommate from Japan and the opportunity
to share her Armenian culture with the
community by organizing the first Armenian
DiversiTEA & Coffee Hour. "No one even
realized I was the only Armenian at I-House,
because of the incredible support of my
I-House friends," she shared.
"It's unbelievable how every semester the
cohort at I-House changes, yet the feeling,
unity and vibrancy never do," Susanna
reflected. "It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime, and
for-a-lifetime experience."
Finding Home
at I-House
International House Berkeley | 2024-2025 Impact Report 8
