Rodaba Husseini ‘25.5
she/her
Hometown: Afghanistan
High School: SOLA School of Leadership Afghanistan
Affiliations (CBOs, etc.): BOLD Scholar
Major: International and Global Studies with a focus in Global Security and South Asia
Minor: Anthropology
Main Extracurricular Activities: IT Consultant, CCI Student Ambassador, Rohatyn Global Fellow, Research Assistant Department of Religion, AGDAI Student Board Member, Muslim Students Association
Hey! My name is Rodaba. I’m an international student from Afghanistan. I learned about Middlebury College through the founder of my school, Shabana Basij-Rasikh, who is a Middlebury alumna. She connected me with Middlebury College’s admissions office, and with the support of the Admissions team, I was able to successfully submit my application and eventually come to Middlebury. I am grateful to have had great mentors who supported me throughout the entire process.
I am majoring in International and Global Studies with a focus on Global Security and South Asia, and I am minoring in Anthropology. I have a wide range of interests. On campus, I work in different departments, including the Technology Helpdesk and the Center for Careers and Internships. I enjoy both of my jobs because I love interacting with people and sharing my experiences as a Middlebury student, as well as highlighting what Middlebury has to offer. I’m also eager to learn new skills and connect with new people.
Why did you choose to attend Middlebury?:
For me, coming to Middlebury was under special circumstances. In 2021, when the Taliban took Kabul, Afghanistan, I was evacuated with my school, the SOLA (School of Leadership, Afghanistan), to Kigali, Rwanda. After spending six months in Rwanda, I was introduced to Middlebury College through the founder of my school, Shabana Basij-Rasikh, who is a Middlebury alumna. Before that, I did not know where Middlebury was or what it had to offer. After she connected me with the admissions office, I was able to successfully apply and attend Middlebury with their support. I am grateful for the opportunity and the resources I have received here on campus.
What’s been your favorite course?
During my sophomore year I took a class from the religion department “Women Religion and Ethnography” with professor Jennifer Ortegren. This course inspired me to write a senior thesis, I highly recommend it.
What is your favorite study spot on campus?
My favorite study spot is Davis library and my room.
Favorite place in Vermont? Favorite place in town?
My favorite place in Vermont is Burlington City Church street during summer time. I love to walk around and do window shopping with my friends. In town I love to go to Haymaker for brunch. It is a great place to go grab coffee with friends and family.
What do you do to relax and have fun?
I love to cook and host dinner parties for my friends to come and hang out. I also enjoy having movie nights.