Majors: Political Science and French
Minor: Philosophy
Hometown: Providence, RI
What makes the College of Arts and Sciences at URI unique?
The College of Arts and Sciences at URI is well-rounded and offers countless opportunities to its students. We must also applaud the greatness of the faculty. The professors in the department have helped shape my experience at URI. They genuinely care for each student in the department and they go extra miles to connect with us, and support us. These past years were definitely not easy for me. But I was able to overcome so many academic and personal barriers with the assistance of my professors and advisors.
Professors in this department advocate for me. I remember being honored with the Eric F. Kumpf Memorial Scholarship in 2018, which is funded by generous donors to URI, because professors in the department such as Dr. Marc Hutchison and Dr. Brian Krueger fought for me. Nothing is more comforting than going through my daily academic responsibilities knowing that I have people who have my back.
What research projects, internships, or study abroad programs did you participate in at URI? How did they enhance your education?
I was fortunate enough to study abroad in France last year. I studied at one of the most prestigious colleges in France, the Institute of Political Studies in Rennes, through the assistance of the office of International Education. It was a unique and enriching experience. I was able to learn both in the classroom setting, and alongside the people I met from different backgrounds themselves. I learned a lot about the French history and culture. This experience has significantly improved my language skills in French. I took several master level courses that challenged me, but also helped me become a better writer and researcher in French.
I am currently working on my honors project. Through these risky experiences of my life, I developed an interest in global crisis. I became particularly interested in the life of refugees. I wanted to know more about what it meant to be a refugee, the causes, the consequences. I especially felt the need to research the role and impact of NGOs in the life of refugees. The questions I am looking to answer are whether humanitarian actions truly improve an average refugee’s life or not? Do NGO actions enable refugees to live a fulfilling and self-sufficient life? Most importantly when and how does one stop being characterized as a refugee?
The goal for this project is to create a documentary film that portrays the reality of a refugee’s life when he is supported by an NGO, and what he becomes after that? With my findings, I intend to create/start a mission statement and plan for a non governmental institution that will fight for the effective reinsertion of refugees into society. This project will be conducted in the state of Rhode Island. I am working with the Dorcas International Institute in Providence, where I will be able to get in touch with refugees. My work will be documented in both French and English.
What’s next for you?
I intend on pursuing my master’s in international development or diplomacy. I also plan on joining the U.S. Air force for a few years before I pursue my dream career of working with the United Nations. I want to be an advocate for human rights, especially in African countries where poverty has taken hold and populations remain unaware of their own rights. I am particularly interested in working with refugee children. It pains me that some children grow up in war zones, making it difficult for them to fully enjoy their childhood and experience a more peaceful side of the world. Those children deserve better, and by creating opportunities for them we can help end the violence.
Anything else you’d like to share about yourself?
I am super thankful for the opportunity I got through the Talent Development Program, and through the College of Arts and Sciences here at URI. I was told that I had unrealistic dreams, and that I was not going to make it, and that’s why I am more than proud of myself for reaching this far.