Carly Sandstrom graduated from the Human Rights Studies M.A. (HRSMA) program in 2024. She shares her experience during her time as a student at Columbia.
Please share a bit about yourself and the work that you do
I graduated from ISHR with my MA in human rights studies in 2024. Following my studies, I worked at a behavioral health non-profit in rural Michigan as the grant administrator. I am currently a PhD student in political science at Notre Dame where my research focuses on themes of democracy, human rights, political violence, and armed conflict.
What was your research focus during your time at Columbia? What drew you to this particular issue/set of issues?
My research focus while at Columbia centered around children's rights during times of armed conflict, particularly exploring citizenship rights for children associated with armed forces and armed groups.
Which class would you recommend to students interested in the same issues as you?
Children and Armed Conflict.
Where did you grow up? In which countries and/or cities have you lived?
I grew up in Marquette, MI. I have also lived in South Bend, IN and Belgium.
What is a must-read for a human rights student?
Mighty Be Our Powers by Leymah Gbowee.
Can you describe any volunteer or extracurricular activities that you have been a part of during your time at Columbia and how this experience has impacted you?
While at Columbia, I mentored a local elementary-aged student with the organization Read Ahead. This mentoring experience helped me feel more connected with the city by seeing the challenges families and their children face, and how those challenges can impact a child's education. Mentoring also helped me feel like I was giving back and supporting the NYC community in a small way despite only being in the city temporarily.
Do you have any words of wisdom for students currently enrolled in the HRSMA program?
Graduate school can be hard so it's important to take time to step away from your studies and enjoy everything New York has to offer. Connect with your peers and find a good group of friends that you can reach out to when you need support or a group of people to explore a new bookstore or coffee shop with!
