Alexandra Saieh (Photo by Lee Pellegrini)
Activist, organizer and researcher
Part of our 'Six to Remember' series: Alexandra Saieh has taken issues of Middle East geo-politics and brought them closer to BC
By
Alexandra SaiehHometown: Miami, Fla.
Major: International Studies; minor in Arabic Studies
Notable Activities: Co-president, Arabic Students Assoc.; politics editor, Al-Noor, the journal of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies; associate director, Social & Cultural Affairs, UGBC; peer advisor, International Studies Program; summer study in the West Bank in 2007 and 2008; winter break class trip to Israel and the West Bank in January 2009.
Post-Graduation Plans: Immersion program in Modern Hebrew at Middlebury College this summer, then enter Master’s Degree program in gender studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, U.K.
Overview: Alexandra Saieh has taken the complex and emotional issues of Middle East geo-politics and brought them closer to BC students – be it on campus or traveling in the West Bank. Her goal: to find common ties across cultures and countries in an effort to bring about social justice. An editor, organizer, researcher and activist, Saieh leaves behind student organizations and activities that have been strengthened by her energy and hard work.
What did you take away from the success of reviving the Arabic Students Association?
The BC community really values cultural groups so that was definitely encouraging. They play such an active role in campus life and the fact that there was a lack of representation of Arab culture created a real need to get beyond the political descriptions of Arab life. And everyone loves Mediterranean food.
Which faculty members have had the greatest influence on you?
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs Prof. Donald Hafner (Political Science) encouraged me to study in the West Bank the summer after sophomore year. He said, “You have to do that.” A lot of the work I’ve done since stems from that one meeting.
Assoc. Prof. Eve Spangler (Sociology) takes the issue of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and looks at it from many viewpoints.
Asst. Prof. Dana Sajdi (History) has influenced my academic viewpoint on the conflict. She’s of Palestinian descent like me, so I see her as a role model.
How has your decision to attend Boston College shaped your life?
I will take the Jesuit traditions and commitment to social justice wherever I go. Those values have influenced my work in spreading awareness about injustice in the Middle East, particularly around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Looking at events through the Jesuit tradition has had a deep influence on me. Those values will be reflected in the work I do in the future.
What are you going to miss most about Boston College?
I’m going to miss the people the most; my friends, my professors, the people I’ve worked with at BC. I’ve loved working with my professors and school administrators to put on events and activities for students. I’m really going to miss campus life. It’s been so much fun. It’s just been great to be surrounded by people my own age all the time.
Check out our next senior profile: http://www.bc.edu/publications/chronicle/TopstoriesNewFeatures/features/Denice050709.html