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Get to know a little about International Sponsored Student Advisor, Tori Hoeninghausen, who has been working at ISSS for 2 1/2 years!

Where have you lived (in the U.S. and abroad)?

I grew up in Yellowstone National Park (the world's first national park) and have since lived in Laramie Wyoming, Ifrane Morocco, Washington D.C, Erbil Iraq, and now am in Denver!

What countries have you traveled to?

I I have traveled to around 15 countries. Some of my favorites were Morocco, Iraq, India, Turkey, and Spain. Once the Pandemic is over, I would highly recommend that people visit Chefchaouen, Morocco. It is the most beautiful little village in the Mountains of Morocco. The colors in the city are so vibrant, the food is amazing, and the people that live there are so friendly!

Where would you like to travel to some day?

Someday I hope to travel to Southeast Asia. I have friends that live in Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines that I hope to visit so they can show me around their homes!

What is your favorite Colorado destination?

I'm a huge snowboarder, so my favorite Colorado destination is Steamboat Springs. The mountain is incredible, and soaking in Strawberry Springs is an experience unlike anything else!

Before working at ISSS, what was the most unusual or interesting job you had?

Previously I interned for the U.S. Senate in D.C. writing briefs on proposed Foreign Policy Legislation, and giving tours of the U.S. Capitol building. Right after that, I moved to Erbil, Iraq where I worked as a Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator for USAID development projects around the country of Iraq.

How do you like to spend your free time?

In my freetime, I like to be outside. In the summer I enjoy white water rafting with my family and paddle boarding on the lake near my house! In the winter I love snowboarding, and drinking hot chocolate while cuddling my cat.

Tell us something about yourself that sounds made-up but is 100% true!

When I was little, a Grizzly Bear robbed my lemonade stand. Luckily, he left all the money, but took all of the cookies and lemonade.

What was your favorite subject to study in school?

My favorite subjects in school were Chemistry and Trigonometry. Once upon a time I was good at math and even better at science!

Share a favorite movie, tv show, book, blog or podcast.

I have a lot of favorite TV shows, but my top favorites would be Law and Order: SVU, and the Bachelor/Bachelorette. I'm not ashamed of my interest in silly reality TV shows!

What is your favorite take-out food?

My favorite take-out food is a Dominos Pepperoni/Pineapple Pizza. The crust is the best part!

Do you have a pet?

I have an 8.5 year old cat named Dottie, and she is the grumpiest, but most loving old woman you'll ever meet! She enjoys bopping my roommate's very curious German Shepherd, Billie, and saying "hi" to students during Zoom Advising!

What motivates you each day?

Every day at work, I am motivated by the hard work of my students. Adjusting to American culture is very difficult in a lot of ways, and I believe the difficulty increases for my students, who are primarily from the Middle East. My students are some of the most respectful, intelligent, trailblazing individuals and I can't wait to see how they better the world after their degree program!

Share something you are doing to take care of yourself during the pandemic.

I have started doing yoga with my roommates each morning before work. I am quite bad at it, but it still helps me wake up and set intentions for the day. Sometimes Billie the German Shepherd assists us with licks of encouragement right on the face!