Accelerated MS in Humanitarian Studies Student Spotlight: Safiyyah Edwards
October 26, New York — Safiyyah Edwards is a student in the accelerated Master of Science in Humanitarian Studies program, offered by Fordham’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and housed in the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs. Before attending Fordham for her undergraduate studies, she lived in Chino Hills, California but was immediately fascinated by the opportunities, energy, and wonders that New York City had to offer. With awe of a potential life in NYC , Safiyyah shares, “Call it a divine message or a gut feeling, but I knew my purpose would be in [New York].” It seems that the jump from the West to East coast was well worth it; she is set to graduate with a double major in International Political Economy and Political Science in the Spring of 2021. In this interview, she looks back on her educational journey to Fordham.
Safiyyah found her path to becoming a humanitarian when she realized that she knew of one her entire life: her grandmother. It was a pivotal moment that shaped her path to the MSHS program as she describes here:
“Moving in with my grandparents and uncle during high school was the first interaction I had with a humanitarian. My own need for a safe home and encouraging environment to thrive was met with my grandmother. Together, we built my future. Humanitarian and development workers enter into a similar covenant with people in crises to uplift them and rebuild in even the most dismal situations. When I think of why development specifically, I think of my grandmother. Yes, she gave me immediate assistance, but she also helped guide me through the means I would need to have a future long after I was outside the comfort of her home. When I was in need, she responded and she helped me build. Whether she knew it or not, she was my first interaction with being a humanitarian. Whether I knew it or not, she is who and what I aspire to be in my field of work. Caring, empathetic, yet pragmatic and equipped with the knowledge and diligence to pursue longstanding solutions. I am pursuing development because I know how pivotal immediate assistance is in the midst of a crisis, but I am impassioned by the need to unearth sustainable frameworks that can keep a community afloat long after international aid ceases.”
The IIHA has long been a part of Safiyyah’s educational journey, even before pursuing the MSHS program. During her freshman year at Fordham, she joined the Institute as a student worker and soon found that the accelerated Master’s degree could provide everything she was searching for. She recalls being in awe of the MSHS students when she was tasked with filing and sorting through their resumes. Never did she think that she would see her name on that list of students. That is, until now. After realizing that the IIHA could help Safiyyah carry out her dream of becoming a humanitarian the same way that the other MSHS students had before, she knew she was being called to the institute.
Safiyyah is impassioned by a desire to uphold sustainable development in vulnerable communities. Her International Political Economy coursework has highlighted the importance of maintaining an ethical framework during economic growth. As she puts it:
“Economic growth should not happen at the risk of eradicating cultures, traditions, and the environment associated with an affected area.”
While Safiyyah is still deciding what to specifically research for her Master’s thesis, she also mentioned she is interested in uplifting economic opportunities for children. Regardless of which route she takes, she finds inspiration in one of her classes — taught by Dr. Nora Murad — called Fundamentals of Humanitarian Action. She is inspired by her peers and is reminded that she, along with many others, are passionate about resolving issues of injustice:
“To know that I am in a class and program with so many passionate people who refuse to accept the rampant injustice of today’s world invigorates me. I am living this life for more than just myself, and I intend to add as much goodness to this world as possible.”
During her final year in the MSHS program, Safiyyah hopes to transfer the learned skills and experiences from the classroom to an international non-profit or NGO position. Currently, she is taking all of her classes virtually via Zoom. Although there is the occasional Zoom fatigue, she dedicates a set amount of time for brief meditation or walks outside. She also makes sure not to take Zoom calls or do homework in her bedroom so that she can mentally rest at the end of the day.
For Safiyyah, humanitarian action isn’t about notoriety or accolades but being able to help build a future for others in the same way that her grandmother did for her; this means spreading a little bit of kindness, care, and compassion everywhere you go. A quote that Safiyyah leaves with us is from her grandmother: “leave something better than you found it,” because each person is given an opportunity to make a positive impact in some way, shape, or form. The humanitarian sector is multifaceted and rewarding, to say the least, and Safiyyah is unquestionably excited to explore all of the different opportunities that are out there for her.
Written by Lena Rose, IIHA Marketing and Communications Intern
About the IIHA
The Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA) prepares current and future aid workers with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively in times of humanitarian crisis and disaster. Our courses are borne of an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines academic theory with the practical experience of seasoned humanitarian professionals. The IIHA also publishes on a wide range of humanitarian topics and regularly hosts a number of events in the New York area, including the annual Humanitarian Design for Humanity Summit.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact: Camille Giacovas, Communications & Research Officer, cgiacovas@fordham.edu
