International Student Services

Joseph Ocheja and Anton Skopich

Joseph Ocheja and Anton Skopich found the intersection between Kogi, Nigeria and Shymkent, Kazakhstan in Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.A.

Joseph Ocheja and Anton Skopich found the intersection between Kogi, Nigeria and Shymkent, Kazakhstan in Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.A.

Joseph and Anton, who are both studying petroleum engineering in the world-renown College of Engineering and Natural Sciences at The University of Tulsa, have become close friends. They met on Anton's first day at TU.

"I was new to campus," recalls Anton. "Joseph was the resident assistant in the dorm, and he was great - plus, his name was easy to remember."

"As the RA, I helped incoming students get acquainted with the campus and make a smooth transition to TU," says Joseph, who is also a University Ambassador, someone who gives tours of the University to prospective students. "I'd been at TU for three semesters by the time Anton arrived," Joseph recalls, "and it turned out that we lived on the same floor in Twin Towers."

Both Joseph and Anton are fully engaged in all that the University offers. Joseph continues to be a university ambassador, and recently talked Anton into taking over for him as president of The Association of International Students. Anton is also an officer in the TU chapter of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

"Getting involved in campus activities is important because it helps you meet other students and really get to know the school and the city," says Anton.

"And, because our classes are small, we get to know our professors well," adds Joseph. "It is just amazing to talk with a professor who is known throughout the world as an industry expert - to find yourself interacting and being taught by someone who is considered the best in their field!"

Each acknowledges that the academic standards at TU are challenging. Anton says: "I was always comfortable in my life before and did not ask for a lot of help. Here, I've learned to communicate when something isn't clear to me, and my professors are always willing to make sure that I understand."

Beyond the classroom, both participate in extracurricular activities. Joseph plays soccer and was on the winning team in the A league intramural competition. (Anton teases that he got on the team because of his size.) Table tennis is another fun pastime. Together they helped organize the "Welcome Picnic" for international students and helped plan the International Student Bazaar, which showcases students' various countries, culture and food.

"American students are eager to learn about cultures outside the U.S.," Joseph says. As officers for The Association of International Students, they also helped organize the international banquet, a semi-formal dinner and dance, designed to unite all cultures.

Anton and Joseph find the city of Tulsa a very friendly and welcoming place. "Everyone says 'hello,' on and off campus," notes Anton.

Joseph concludes: "If you are interested in an academically challenging school with great professors who are always available, come to TU."