In an enlightening interview, Naimah Rahman ’25, a rising senior majoring in broadcast and digital journalism with a minor in political science, shares her enriching experiences during her semester abroad in London, and how ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s shaped her global journey.
Q: Can you give a bit of background about yourself and describe how your experiences at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, particularly with the Shared Competencies, influenced your global endeavors?Â
A: I am heavily involved on campus as a Resident Advisor and in student organizations. I spend the most time on campus interning for the as a Shared Competencies intern where I work to promote the six learning goals throughout the undergrad experience. While studying abroad, I am constantly using the Competencies to enhance my experience in Europe. I have become an efficient problem-solver by using the Competencies to rewire my framework of thinking. Studying abroad has allowed me to put into use my skills on campus in a new and global setting.
Q: Which Shared Competency do you feel has been most instrumental in your abroad experience, and could you share a specific instance where you applied this Competency?
A: Civic and Global Responsibility has been crucial in my study abroad experience. I am learning so much about United Kingdom and European Union relations through the classes I am taking here. I got to go to Copenhagen with the and learn about the sustainable practices happening globally and what welfare looks like across the Atlantic. Seeing how the other parts of the world live has shaped me as a student and citizen of the world.
Q: Can you discuss a project/initiative you’ve been involved in abroad that’s leveraged the Shared Competencies?
A: I got to visit Lockerbie this spring with the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ London program, which was life-changing. The Lockerbie and ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ connection is so special, and it was amazing to see how the University continues to foster that relationship decades later. In Lockerbie, I was asked to give the community dinner speech, which included members of the and a member of Parliament. Without my comprehensive Communication and Critical and Creative Thinking skills, I don’t think I would feel comfortable with such a daunting task. But with my time on main campus, and with the support from the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ London program, I was able to do so confidently.
Q: What advice would you give to current ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ students looking to make a global impact using the Shared Competencies they’ve developed at the University?
A: Sign up and apply for every opportunity held by your program! ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ London has so many great trips and learning opportunities within classes and the general program. Take advantage of those resources and become immersed in the place you are studying using the skills you learn on main campus!
Naimah’s semester abroad exemplifies how ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s Shared Competencies prepare students for thoughtful and effective global engagement. Her experiences and insights serve as a blueprint for other students looking to broaden their horizons and make a meaningful impact worldwide.
Written By Mack Jackson ’26, School of Information Studies