Student Highlight

Columbia College, Class of 2026

My academic and research interests center on human trafficking, sustainable development, and  the role of faith in shaping human rights. Growing up in a city heavily affected by human  trafficking inspired my commitment to confronting this urgent issue. 

In my Social Media & Human Rights course, I developed an advocacy campaign promoting  survivor-centered, trauma-informed policing in the fight against sex trafficking. Likewise, my  Seeking Sanctuary in NYC and Migration and Displacement courses deepened my  understanding of how human rights intersect with immigration, revealing the vulnerabilities of  immigrant communities to trafficking and exploitation. 

As a Columbia Kraft Global Fellow, I have explored how faith shapes conceptions,  commitments, and practices of human rights. From teaching Sunday school as a child to co-leading a Christian Union Bible Study, I have witnessed firsthand how spiritual frameworks  inform identity, values, service, and community engagement. 

At Columbia, I have been privileged to immerse myself in organizations and initiatives that  center on cultivating community and fostering belonging. I served as a resident advisor,  have served as a UN Millennium Fellow, Kraft Global Fellow, Earl  Hall Fellow, and Multicultural Ambassador. These roles reflect my values and priorities,  especially my commitment to cultivating a campus environment that welcomes a broad  spectrum of perspectives and models empathy, respect, and intellectual openness. 

As a Resident Adviser, one of the most meaningful aspects of my role has been creating  opportunities for authentic connection—whether through informal gatherings like ‘Pizza Nights’  or by initiating recognition awards for residents who actively invest in building community  among their peers. Acknowledging how demanding student life can be, I have sought to create  safe spaces that nurture resilience, camaraderie, and mutual support. 

Beyond the residence hall, I have served as a UN Millennium Fellow, Kraft Global Fellow, Earl  Hall Fellow, and Multicultural Ambassador. These roles reflect my values and priorities,  especially my commitment to cultivating a campus environment that welcomes a broad  spectrum of perspectives and models empathy, respect, and intellectual openness. 

I also serve on the board of the SIPA Student Association, where I help promote student success  by creating enriching experiences that cultivate empathetic leaders. 

I engage with the broader NYC community through Bread Breakers at my church, fostering faith  and fellowship through shared meals and reflection. On campus, the Christian Union  community has deepened my spiritual growth and strengthened my commitment to living out  my faith. 

Without a doubt, the highlight has been connecting with the people in this department.  Engaging with such passionate and dedicated students and professors has been profoundly  inspiring and has encouraged me to think more expansively about the many paths this degree  can open. 

The most challenging part of the program has been translating the daily learning experiences in  the classroom into real-world application. Balancing rigorous academic work with practical  implementation is demanding, but this process has been both rewarding and central to my  growth in the program because of the amazing knowledge by the professionals that are teaching me.

This major has opened up a wide range of opportunities for me to consider. As a student in the  dual degree program with SIPA, I am completing my Master’s in International Affairs and from 

There I am considering either law school or a career in international affairs. In ten years, I see  myself working at the intersection of law, policy, and human rights—whether through  international organizations, advocacy, or legal practice—contributing to the protection of  human dignity on a global scale. 

Outside of school, I model for runway shows and fashion magazines. I enjoy exploring the  intersection of creativity and advocacy, using both language and visuals to tell meaningful  stories. 

Houston is known for many things, including being the world’s largest medical hub, the  hometown of Olympic legend Simone Biles, and one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World  Cup. 

At school, I currently help lead a Bible study, and I would bring that same focus on justice and humanity into a book club. The Bible calls us to defend the oppressed, care for widows and  orphans, and to let justice “roll down like waters.” I would begin with the book of Ephesians for  its message of unity, grace, and purpose, and pair it with Leo Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich,  which illuminates the redemptive power of empathy and authentic human connection.  

Together, these texts challenge us to see justice not as an abstract ideal, but as something  deeply tied to how we honor the humanity of others in our daily lives- the way we treat one  another every day. 

I came to Columbia University specifically for the Human Rights major, and the program has far  exceeded my expectations. Over the past few years, I have been grateful for the opportunity to  broaden my intellectual horizons and engage with areas of human rights I had never previously  considered. It has truly been a memorable and transformative experience. 

For students considering the Human Rights major, I would encourage you to fully embrace the  rich culture of the program and take advantage of the many resources both on campus and  through the global centers. It is an incredible journey of growth and discovery.