Florida State University senior Nadia Rassech received the Center for Leadership and Service’s 2024 Undergraduate Humanitarian of the Year Award.
The prestigious Undergraduate Humanitarian of the Year Award recognizes students who exhibit tremendous commitment to service.
Nominated by the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, Rassech was the overall winner among thirteen honorees from different FSU schools or colleges. Her essay titled, “Why do I Serve?” focuses on her work with the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
“This is a much-deserved recognition for her service, care, and engagement in the Afghan community,” said Dean Timothy Chapin. “Her commitment to working through the IRC with displaced Afghan refugees is a testament to her big heart, excellence, and willingness to step forward when a challenge emerges.”
Rassech became involved with the Tallahassee Afghan community during her first year at FSU. In her essay, she describes her experience tutoring displaced Afghan children and realizing her passion for refugee protection and humanitarian work.
“I serve [with the International Rescue Committee] because my love for my family’s home country has opened my eyes to the necessities of advocacy, of connection, of empathy, and of respect and honoring of human life and dignity, especially when it feels that the world, its governments and its media included, have forgotten you,” Rassech said in her essay.
Rassech is dual majoring in International Affairs and Middle Eastern Studies and is both a Presidential Scholar and Social Science Scholar, among her many involvements.
“It’s an honor to represent the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy through this award, and I could not be more grateful for the opportunities and support that FSU has provided in my pursuit of this path,” Rassech said.
Rassech will be honored at the annual Leadership Awards Night on April 9, 2024. This event recognizes students, faculty, staff, and organizations that display leadership through their exemplary contributions to the Florida State University community through achievement, service, or organizational leadership involvement.
For more information on Rassech’s achievement, visit thecenter.fsu.edu/scholarships-awards/undergraduate-humanitarian-year-award.