Georgetown University in Qatar student Ranneme Abu Hajar has been selected as one of the 15 Rangel Scholars for 2024. This prestigious honor, awarded by the US State Department and Howard University’s Charles B. Rangel Summer Enrichment Programme, recognizes her dedication to public service and international diplomacy. Ranneme’s interest in international affairs was sparked by witnessing the devastation of war and famine in countries like Syria and Yemen at a young age. She discovered the Rangel program while looking for US Diplomat preparation programs before attending GU-Q and became inspired by the alumni stories on the program website.
Ranneme credits her professors at GU-Q for their support during the rigorous selection process for the Rangel Scholars program, which required a personal statement and multiple essays. Her bicultural perspective as a Palestinian-American impressed the committee, as she drew inspiration from her grandparents who were refugees during the Nakba in 1948. She will spend her summer at Howard University studying Political Economy and the History of US Foreign Relations, focusing on US involvement in the Middle East. Ranneme is excited to join a community of aspiring US diplomats and take advantage of networking opportunities with key institutions like Congress, USAID, and the US State Department.
During the Rangel Scholars program, Ranneme will engage in simulations with the US State Department involving crisis management, peacebuilding, and migration. She will also gain insights into NATO’s security and military challenges at the 2024 NATO Washington Summit Public Forum. Ranneme plans to leverage the opportunities provided by the Rangel program to further her studies and career in international affairs. She emphasizes the importance of networking and staying informed on current foreign policy priorities within the US government for fellow students looking to pursue similar opportunities.
Ranneme’s commitment to addressing global issues through her bicultural perspective has been recognized through her selection as a Rangel Scholar. She plans to use her experiences in the program to build connections with experts in the field and deepen her understanding of US foreign relations, particularly in the Middle East. Ranneme’s passion for amplifying Muslim and Arab American voices in American foreign policy discussions drives her desire to excel in the field of international diplomacy.
As she prepares for her summer at Howard University, Ranneme looks forward to engaging with like-minded individuals and learning from experts in the field. She encourages her peers to take initiative in networking and seizing opportunities in the field of international affairs. By staying informed and proactive, Ranneme believes that students can position themselves for success in pursuing careers in diplomacy and public service. Her dedication to her studies and commitment to making a positive impact on global issues highlight her potential as a future leader in international affairs.
