Where are you from?
I am from Stagecoach, Nevada, a small town about 50 miles outside of Reno.
What was your undergraduate major, and from which university did you graduate?
I graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno as a dual major in International Affairs with an emphasis in the Middle East and Sociology.
What are some causes/ issues you care about? Why?
I care a lot about the refugee crisis caused by the Syrian Civil War and the human rights violations happening in Yemen. I care about these two issues because they have led to masses of people suffering and many outsiders unwilling to help out of fear. For me that fear is unjustified because I have met with refugees and I did not see them as any different from anyone else.
What work/intern/volunteer experience do you have and how has it prepared you for your studies?
While I was in Ghana from January 2018 to May 2018, I interned at the West Africa AIDS Foundation. This experience taught me how to work comfortably in an unstructured and under resourced environment. This opportunity also showed me the struggles that rural communities have in regard to acquiring adequate healthcare. I believe this experience will give me a better outlook on the situations of rural groups throughout the Middle East and North Africa and will allow me to contribute to class discussions.
What aspects of Mason made you choose to study here?
Quite a few aspects led me to choose Mason. Some of the most important aspects was the ability to study Middle East and Islamic studies in the DC Metropolitan area, it’s affordable cost, and the chance to be taught by professors who have extensive experience in the field.
What do you hope to accomplish while at Mason?
My hope is to have my ideas challenged and become a more enlightened person regarding the Middle East and Islam that will make me more effective and accurate at whatever job I have in the future.
What are your hobbies?
One of my favorite things to do is go hiking. I have always loved the outdoors because it helps me think and remove myself from whatever is stressing me out at home. However, when the
weather doesn’t permit outside activities I can usually be found inside playing video games with friends or reading a book.
What are you most looking forward to while living in the DC area?
Mainly just the opportunities present in my field of study. Where I am from a degree that is foreign policy is rather useless, so it will be nice to be somewhere where its applicability is there. Also, the proximity to historical sites is something that I am looking forward to taking advantage of.
What is your favorite thing about being a student?
My favorite thing about being a student is being able to learn from people who have worked or are presently working in their respective fields. The ability to get information firsthand is priceless. I also really enjoy being in an environment where your ideas can be challenged in a civilized and engaging way.
Which languages do you speak?
Unfortunately, the only language I am fluent in is English. I have taken classes in Spanish and can read it well enough to get by but conversationally the skills just are not there. I have also taken courses in Arabic and I can make small talk rather well. Arabic is something I have been practicing more and plan to continue until one day I can consider myself fluent.
What was the last book you read? Do you recommend it? (Why/why not)
The last book I read was Flight from Syria: Refugee Stories. As the title suggests, this is a collection of stories from Syrian refugees, not a standard start to end book. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone wanting to know about the experiences refugees are subject to. We hear a lot on the news about the broad happenings, but we don’t get a lot of personal stories like the ones present in this book and I feel that both viewpoints are important.