How I've Changed
HDS has given me the academic background and interpersonal experience to articulate the importance of religion in policy settings. HDS has also helped me expand my familiarity with my region of focus and given me the tools to work across cultures.
Memorable Moment
This fall, I had the opportunity to host the Chaldean Archbishop of Erbil, Iraq, for a lecture at HDS. I was able to meet Archbishop Warda during my summer in Erbil, and the opportunity to bring some piece of that experience back with me to the Harvard community was a great honor.
Favorite Class or Professor
My favorite class was Imam Abdur-Rashid's "Islam and the Age of Democracy" offered with both HDS and HKS students. Thank you, Dr. Abdur-Rashid!
Message of Thanks
I would like to thank my friends, roommates, and parents, who pushed me to carry on in academia and provided banter when I needed it most. I'd also like to thank my colleagues at the Middle East Initiative, the Harvard Catholic Forum, as well as my friends at Hawthorne House and the wider Harvard Catholic community for their fellowship and guidance.
Future Plans
This summer I will be continuing my study of Arabic with a scholarship from the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center in Manah, Oman. I hope to start a position in development or foreign policy in Washington and continue to use my Arabic. Congratulations to my fellow graduates!