Yasmin Hussein ’20 was born and raised in New York, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges and struggles that many immigrants and people of color endure within underprivileged communities. As a result of these experiences, Hussein realized the need to develop solutions and implement strategies that would aim to assist and improve these neglected regions. “I knew I wanted to help those that were in underrepresented and underserved communities,” she explains. With this objective in mind, Hussein decided to pursue a degree in political science in hopes of being able to better understand how she could apply her major’s expertise to fulfill this goal. Hussein says her identity as a first-generation Palestinian American also greatly influenced her decision to specialize in the field of political science. “Being Palestinian American, my identity was always politicized by others and as I got older, I naturally became drawn to political science and international relations as a whole,” she says. Along with her political science major, Hussein also earned a degree in public relations after recognizing her passion for public speaking. She describes her pursuit of both disciplines as a “natural fit.” 

Thanks to the strong work ethic instilled in her by her parents and the work she’s done within her majors, Yasmin was granted a Michael P. Metcalf Memorial Scholarship. This award eventually lead to an internship at the Mother’s School Society in Palestine, a non-profit organization that assisted Palestinian women in starting small businesses by providing funding, an action that aligned with her goal of assisting those in underrepresented communities. “During my time there, I was able to work with these women, hear and understand their struggles, and realize that although the country and language might differ, at the end of the day, the socioeconomic struggles that we see in the United States can be related to people all over the world,” she says. Currently Hussein works at Falvey Cargo as an underwriter assistant where she’s constantly learning new things and working with diverse people. “My favorite part about working in this position is that there’s so much to learn and room for growth,” she says. “It’s such a diverse market that I’m finding that I can use my majors to my advantage.”

For students interested in a political science and or public relations major, Hussein urges them to take advantage of all the incredible opportunities available to them here at URI, particularly fellowships. “It really can make such a life-changing impact being able to travel to another country, learn from the people there, and immerse yourself in that culture,” she says. “This applies to both public relations and political science because you want to have a holistic view of things. Whether creating a campaign or working in government, you want to be thinking about all of the people who might be affected, not just the majority.” Hussein also wishes to share some very insightful words, once given to her by her mother, Amal Hussein, with all URI students who may need a little motivation: “You are your biggest supporter. You’ll be able to accomplish whatever you put your mind to. If you believe you can do something, then go out and do it!”

~Written by Briana Ciceron