In this Q&A, we speak with Safaa Turner-Rahman, a senior majoring in international studies, who was selected as a 2024-25 recipient of the Donald C. and Margery S. Hellmann Scholarship award.
Unique to the Jackson School, the Hellmann Scholarship provides a $5,000 stipend to support the education and training of Jackson School undergraduates with demonstrated excellence in international studies, clear interest in a career in international affairs, and a strong and creative commitment to promoting the international public good.
Safaa Turner-Rahman
Name: Safaa Turner-Rahman
Degree: B.A. in International Studies
Expected to graduate in: Spring 2025
Hometown: Pullman, Washington
What made you choose the University of Washington?
I chose the University of Washington because it has always been my dream school. Growing up in Pullman, I knew Washington State University was close by and always an option. But hearing my dad’s stories from his time at UW, watching the Huskies beat the Cougars in the Apple Cup year after year, and driving by the beautiful campus every time I visited Seattle made UW feel larger than life. When it came time to apply to colleges, UW was my first choice, no questions asked — I was so set on becoming a Husky that I barely considered any other schools.
What led you to the Jackson School?
I started at UW with an Environmental Studies major, but my interest in history — and specifically in exploring the unique British-Bangladeshi and white Italian-American backgrounds of my family — made me want to connect these distinct cultural histories into something meaningful to study. Late in my freshman year, I spoke with my freshman adviser about this interest, explaining that I was curious about history but wasn’t sure if it was the right fit alone. She suggested a few paths, and the Global and Regional Studies major in the Jackson School stood out. I was drawn to the flexibility of the regional and thematic concentrations, as I wasn’t entirely set on a Political Science route. I signed up for two introductory Jackson School courses, JSIS 201: The Making of the 21st Century and RELIG 201: Western Traditions. JSIS 201, in particular, really challenged me, expanding my understanding of International Studies and sparking a genuine interest in the field’s interdisciplinary side. From there, I knew I wanted to dive deeper, leading me to fully immerse myself in International Studies and the Jackson School.
What was your reaction like to becoming a Hellmann Scholar?
I was genuinely shocked and overjoyed! I was on a FaceTime call with my mom, and just happened to check my email when I saw that I’d won. Let’s just say there was a lot of excited yelling and celebration happening!
How will this award help your goals and career path?
This award is a tremendous help, significantly easing my financial burden and allowing me to concentrate fully on my academic and professional growth. With this support, I can dedicate myself to the capstone task force project, a crucial course that aligns with my career aspirations of becoming a Foreign Service Officer in South Asia or a government foreign policy specialist. Freed from financial concerns, I can fully immerse myself in the project, gaining valuable hands-on experience and honing the skills necessary for my future career. This relief enables me to approach my studies with renewed focus, ensuring I make the most of every opportunity to develop and prepare for the next stage of my career.
What Jackson School class has impacted you the most and why?
The Jackson School class that impacted me most was JSIS B 441: Forced Migrations with Professor Kathie Friedman. Migration, both forced and voluntary, has been a big and integral part of my family’s history, so I was genuinely excited to learn more about this process that felt so personal yet remained unfamiliar to me. This course gave me a much broader perspective and a deep understanding of migration and refugee experiences, helping me appreciate the incredible lengths my family — and so many others — have gone to create opportunities for future generations like me. I’m especially grateful to the Jackson School and Professor Friedman for opening up this area of study, which I now feel truly passionate about and hope to explore further.
What key skills have you learned at the Jackson School that you’ll apply to your career?
The Jackson School has equipped me with a robust set of skills that I am confident will serve me well in a future career in foreign service, particularly focused in South Asia. Through my courses, I have developed both in-depth content knowledge and practical expertise. I’ve gained a comprehensive understanding of the economic aspects of U.S. foreign policy and a strong historical foundation in U.S.-South Asia relations. My studies have also prepared me to address key regional challenges, such as environmental issues, while refining my skills in negotiation and policy writing. Two years of intensive Bengali language training have deepened my ability to engage meaningfully with South Asian communities. Additionally, serving as president and co-director of public relations of the Jackson School Student Association has allowed me to hone leadership, strategic planning, and public relations skills, including organizing multiple professional events. These experiences have been invaluable in preparing me for effective communication, diplomacy, and policymaking in the field of international relations. I doubt any of this would’ve been truly possible without the Jackson School.
Any advice for prospective Jackson School students?
Take as many courses as you can, and especially explore different thematic concentrations once you’ve completed your major requirements. While having a specific focus is valuable, if you’re still figuring out your path, my best advice is to dive in and try a variety of courses until you discover the one that truly ignites your passion. The Jackson School offers a wide range of diverse courses, all taught by exceptional professors, making it feel like the world is truly at your fingertips. At the very least, you’ll emerge from your time here as a well-rounded individual with a broader perspective.
Anything else you’d like readers to know?
If you’re a new Jackson School student or just a student interested in International Studies and the community around it, I suggest joining/taking advantage of the many Jackson School and international studies-based registered student organizations (RSOs), including the Jackson School Student Association, Euro Club, the Rainier Institute, the Students African Studies Association, and the Jackson School Journal. The Jackson School Student Association in particular hosts great events and opportunities for students to get fully immersed in the Jackson School experience. We are holding faculty cohorts every quarter and really do encourage Jackson School students, no matter how new you are to the school, to sign up!
