AQB Human Rights and International Law Program: A Personal Success Story of Shahd Sataria
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By Shahd Sataria,
When I joined Al-Quds Bard College (AQB) in 2012, and enrolled in the Human Rights and International Law program, I underwent different changes. AQB quickly began shaping my outlook, perspective, and personal growth. One of the most powerful lessons came early in my studies during an assignment in the Introduction to Human Rights course. I was tasked with defining “human rights” based on a fifty-page text. Frustrated by the lack of a clear answer, I turned to my professor, who encouraged me to develop my own definition through research and critical thinking. That moment transformed my approach to learning, teaching me that true knowledge lies not in ready-made answers but in the courage to ask deeper questions and embrace uncertainty as a path to growth.
AQB didn’t just change how I think—it empowered me to see the world not as it is, but as it could be. It challenged me to question the status quo, embrace the unknown, and envision new possibilities for positive change. My BA journey at AQB was more than an education; it was a transformative experience of self-discovery. At AQB, I learned to think deeply and critically, to question the foundations of my knowledge, and to challenge assumptions that shaped my worldview. Growth, I realized, comes from discomfort—confronting beliefs that confine us and uncovering our authentic selves. This journey made me unafraid to question, to learn, and to evolve.
The lessons I learned during my time at AQB laid the foundation for my life beyond undergraduate studies. These skills prepared me to pursue a Master’s degree in Human Rights at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where critical thinking and intellectual rigor were essential. Today, I serve as a Project Coordinator at The Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development (PWWSD) and a member of its International Advocacy Unit. In this role, I apply the critical inquiry and vision AQB instilled in me to advocate for women’s rights and gender equality on both local and international platforms. I am deeply grateful for the transformative education I received at this college, which continues to guide me as I look toward future accomplishments.
