Aisha Amjad is from Herndon, Virginia, and transferred to the University of Virginia from Northern Virginia Community College in 2023. She will graduate from the UVA Batten bachelor of arts degree program this spring. She has a deep interest in global affairs and a passion for advocating for human rights. Upon graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in humanitarian aid or the nonprofit sector that advocates for human rights.

Q: What drew you to the field of public policy and what has kept you passionate about it throughout your studies?

A: To be honest, I chanced it. I wanted to be a foreign affairs major because I enjoy learning about other countries, the culture, the history. I quite honestly didn’t know what public policy and leadership was. Fast forward to now … what keeps me going is my desire to see change for those who are suffering. I’ve always enjoyed the idea of being able to make a tangible impact and seeing the impact through my own eyes, knowing that using my academic degree, I can advocate for vulnerable people around the globe including people impacted by recent humanitarian crises. I wouldn’t change it for anything else. 

Q: You’ve been working on finding ways to highlight other students and their voices. Tell us more about that initiative and what it means to you. 

A: Yes, so currently I’m working on a project called the Voices of Batten to highlight students from various backgrounds in hopes of welcoming prospective students who otherwise may feel shy to apply for a school like Batten. I also want to showcase who these students actually are and how their journey to Batten has come about. I want viewers to connect and feel a sense of relatability with the students. I want to foster a sense of empathy for others through this project. Coming in as a non-traditional, minority student has really shown me the need to showcase diversity in our school. One thing Batten Undergrad Council supported this year was a Ramadan Iftar in the Great Hall, where students, community members, and guests came together to learn about the month and celebrate with each other.  

Q: As a transfer student, you have a unique perspective and experience. What would you want future transfer students to know about making the transition to a program like Batten?

A: I would tell future transfer students that it’s difficult. This isn’t going to be a walk in the park, but it is absolutely possible. You need to be able to have confidence in yourself. My academic advisor, Ms. [Kristine] Nelson, played a significant role in easing my transition and aiding me along the way. I’ll forever be grateful to her! I also think establishing relationships with my professors earlier on helped me significantly. Professor Peter Johannessen in Institutional and Political Context is extremely understanding and kind. You can engage with him in a warm conversation about anything, and he will engage with you in a way that doesn’t make you feel judged. And professor Jane Zimmerman was an amazing support in Spring 2024, at a time when I was feeling incredibly down with all that was happening in the world, and I knew that she would be open to conversation and provide a positive support system. She played a significant role in shaping my interests through her class.   

Q: What specific public policy issue are you most passionate about, and what change would you like to see in that area?

A: Foreign affairs, refugees, immigrants, migrants, and human rights. These issues are closely tied together, are deeply personal to me, and are extremely relevant as we continue to see grave violations of human rights. First, I think the biggest change I’d like to see is more empathy from people, especially in context of a larger political conflict like Palestine. There is a lot of misinformation, so before I would say anything derogatory or insensitive, I would be sure to educate myself. This applies to various other political conflicts like Yemen, Sudan, and Syria. As a human being, you have a moral imperative to learn and educate yourself about such issues because any human suffering is unacceptable. 

Q: What has been your proudest achievement during your time at school and how has it influenced your journey in public policy?

A: Being able to be who I am without feeling the need to fit in. Obviously, I am proud of my academic achievements and building relationships with those whom I would’ve never come across in my daily life, but I am extremely proud of the way I have kept true to my own nature. It’s unique and I like it. Also, to be a representative for my people is so meaningful for me. 

Q: As you look to the future, what are your career aspirations and how do you plan to make an impact in the field of public policy?

A: I’d like to work in the humanitarian sector. A special thank-you goes to one of my favorite professors at Batten, Jane Zimmerman. I hope to work as a humanitarian aid worker or human rights activist. I feel like I’m in conflict between the two but definitely would like to help alleviate the suffering of people, especially at this time. If that doesn’t work out, then I would like to be working at a nonprofit.  

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