Ashira Anderson, Trinity College Major in Middle Eastern Studies and Pre-Med Winner of the prestigious Posse scholarship, Ashira was a top student at Lindblom Math and Science Academy and continues to excel at Trinity College. Ashira participated in QFI's Chicago to Doha: Connecting Cultures, Exploring Science exchange trip in October 2011, where she learned about water issues and the global connectedness of the ocean.
Asia Lee, DePaul University Major in Business Management, Double Minor in International Business and Arabic
A graduate of Lindblom Math and Science Academy, Asia has been an active member of QFI’s online YALLAH platform and participant in various QFI programs. Asia takes courses in international relations, Arabic and Middle Eastern studies. One of her favorite classes allowed her to learned about the Arab culture, activities and neighborhoods in her hometown of Chicago.
Jason Dunn, Michigan State University Major in Arabic and International Relations
Before leaving for Qatar, Jason had never left the U.S. After experiencing the country, Jason graduated Lindblom Math and Science Academy and gained an appreciation for Arabic. “Since the time I walked into my first Arabic class my freshman year of high school, Arabic has done nothing but open doors and create unimaginable opportunities for me,� he says.
Jade Williams-Moore, North Park University Major in Political Science, Minor in Middle Eastern Studies
Jade's first trip to Doha during the Chicago to Doha exchange was one of many firsts – the first she'd ever been on a plane, rode a dhow and made lifelong friends in another country. After meeting the Qatari girls, Jade was inspired to further explore water issues and minor in Middle Eastern studies.
Joshua Short, Columbia College Major in Broadcast Journalism, Minor in Cultural Studies
Studying broadcast journalism has been Josh’s dream since the his days at Lindblom Math and Science Academy. A participant of QFI’s Chicago to Doha program, Josh says he hopes to use Arabic language and culture studies to enhance his broadcast journalism. Josh is currently interning at the online Arab American radio station, Yahala Voice.
Kelly Hernandez, University of California, Irvine Major in Mathematics with a Certificate in Middle Eastern Studies A graduate of Student Empowerment Academy in Los Angeles, and a student of the Aber: Expressions of Language, Culture and Identity trip, Kelly has taken the opportunity to pursue a future in math and Middle Eastern studies.
Kenechukwu Abajue Umeh, University of Massachusetts – Amherst Major in Middle Eastern Studies, Spanish and Interpreting Studies
Kenechukwu is language and culture aficionado, first studying Arabic at Boston Arts Academy, where she attended high school. During her first year at UMass, KC was invited to speak on a panel on Islamophobia in America. “There’s something about mutual love for a language and culture that brings people together in ways that other passions do not,” she says.
Maha Kamel, American University Major in Political Science and International Relations with a Middle Eastern Emphasis
Hailed from Granada Hills Public Charter School, Maha was on the Road to Doha program during the COP18 / CMP 8 climate change conference in Doha. Her experience gave her the passion to explore international relations and MENA studies at university. She hopes to get involved with the campus Middle Eastern Students Association, and and study abroad.
Olivia McDowell, Marquette University Major in Environmental Engineering, Minor in Arabic
A graduate of Lindblom Math and Science Academy, Olivia was one of the UN General Assembly participants on the Road to Doha program. She is continuing her Arabic and Middle Eastern studies from high school because “I enjoy the language and culture, and I want to carry my engineering talents internationally.�
Sarah Washington, Bowdoin College Major in Government and Legal Studies with International Affairs Concentration Sarah is a graduate of Washington Latin Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. Although Bowdoin does not offer an Arabic major or minor, Sarah plans on taking Arabic up to the highest level offered and earn a language certificate. She’s interested in participating in a collaborative Arabic study, and wants to study abroad in Morocco or Jordan.