As I approached the culmination of my graduate studies in Global Affairs at George Mason University, I reflected on how my coursework and professional experiences have intersected to shape my understanding of international relations and global issues. Through an experiential learning internship tied to my role in the International Affairs Department at the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), I applied my academic knowledge to impactful, real-world initiatives while earning credit toward my degree.
At AFT, I work on a cross-cultural initiative involving two organizations in the Middle East: The Parents’ Circle and Standing Together. These groups focus on fostering peace and mutual understanding through dialogue and education. My responsibilities included organizing logistics for representatives of these organizations to visit the United States and designing a webinar series to help U.S. educators navigate sensitive topics, such as conflict and politicized issues, in their classrooms.
This hands-on experience deepened my understanding of global conflict and globalization processes, topics I have studied extensively in Global Affairs. For example, amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, I have relied on my academic background in historical and political contexts to analyze the crisis and assist educators in fostering a balanced understanding of both sides of the war. These efforts have also emphasized the importance of compassion and ethics, especially during AFT’s recent convention, where I helped facilitate dialogue among Palestinian and Israeli union leaders.
My time at AFT has strengthened my commitment to addressing global challenges through the lens of equity and education. I have participated in initiatives such as providing generators to students affected by the crisis in Ukraine and collaborating with Hand in Hand, a school uniting Arab and Jewish students. These experiences underscore how education can bridge divides and promote reconciliation, even in the most polarized contexts.
Additionally, I completed course in queer literacies at George Mason in Fall 2024, which provided me with new perspectives on how gender and LGBTQ+ identities intersect with global crises. This lens has allowed me to examine how marginalized groups, including women and LGBTQ+ individuals, are disproportionately affected by conflicts. At the Education International World Congress in Argentina, I contributed to drafting a resolution that acknowledged women’s reproductive rights and bodily autonomy, demonstrating the importance of inclusive advocacy in global labor movements.
Working at AFT has enhanced my ability to manage complex international projects and engage with diverse stakeholders. These experiences align closely with my career aspirations to work with global unions such as Education International or Public Services International. The skills I have honed—ranging from cross-cultural communication to navigating politically sensitive issues—will be critical in advocating for equitable policies and fostering international collaboration.
I am immensely grateful for the opportunities provided by George Mason University’s Global Affairs program. Through this experiential learning opportunity, I have been able to bridge theory with practice, making meaningful contributions to the labor movement while preparing for a career dedicated to global education and advocacy.