Student Story: Emirjona Cake, Ph.D. Candidate

My name is Emirjona Cake and I am a recent PhD candidate at the American Graduate School in Paris. Most of my research and focus has revolved around Middle East state-building, particularly in relation to Sykes-Picot and the current upheavals in Iraq and Syria. I joined AGS because I was looking for a program that incorporates International Relations with a new life in a new city, and I found that at AGS. I felt like I was genuinely part of a larger family, and that helped me grow into a better student and person than I initially came in as. I was pushed by my mentors and my advisor to enhance my research skills and knowledge in all aspects of international relations, forcing me out of my comfort zone and preparing me for real-world experience dealing with differing opinions and opposing views.

Currently, I am working on a project with Homeland Security based out of New York City, designing and implementing a training program for citizen preparedness in case of a terrorist attack. The position itself involves high-level interaction with policy makers and developing new methods of emergency response to protect the city of New York and its habitants.

Before this post, I worked at UNESCO based in Paris, juggling Emergency Preparedness and Response for Culture in Syria and Iraq as well as helping to promote education for girls and women though tender projects. Since attending AGS, I also began a consulting firm with another AGS student, a recent graduate, who I consider one of my closest friends. We deal with numerous topics including counter-terrorism, public health, as well as mental health issues and integration.

All of these positions are extremely different from one another but they all have the underlying theme of helping society to make it safer and better for the future. This converges with AGS's spirit, which to be very forward-thinking, looking towards creating a better future.

My career goals are still centered on diplomacy and peacebuilding in fringe groups and communities facing identity and safety issues, working towards equality through human rights activism, giving a voice to the voiceless, and ensuring the security of all individuals. I would love to return to Paris to focus on my side projects more in the near future, particularly that of refugee integration into EU society.

After making it into the Ph.D. candidacy at AGS, I realized that if you are not doing what you love, then it is not worth doing. The common goal in all of my posts has been my love for humanity and what we are capable of, especially in times of difficulty. AGS helped me grow, both professionally and personally, into someone I really enjoy. They gave me just enough confidence to excel in any position I want.