MA in Global Affairs
Jennifer Vigil
Where are you from?
I am from El Salvador.
What was your undergraduate major, and from which university did you graduate?
I graduated from George Mason University with a major in Government and Political Science and a minor in Spanish.
What are some causes/ issues you care about? Why?
One issue that has recently taken my interest is the problem of migration, which is becoming exacerbated worldwide. People are migrating from all over the world due political or economic instability, wars, gangs, etc. The reason this issue concerns me is because certain countries do not seem to be prepared to respond to aid these migrants, on the contrary, they are abused and mistreated. Migrants, most of the time, are treated like criminals while their only objective is to seek for better living conditions, and opportunities for success somewhere else.
What work/intern/volunteer experience do you have and how has it prepared you for your studies?
During my last year as an undergraduate student I interned for congressman Don Beyer of the 8th congressional district in Virginia. There I had an insight of how congress works, how they respond to their constituent, as well as how policies are analyzed and developed. After graduating from George Mason University, I worked with a state-licensed shelter, funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement and the Department of Homeland Security, that was in charged of providing quality care and safe living conditions for Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC). In the Unaccompanied minor program I learned about UACs living situations in their country of origin. I learned about the risks they had to take to come to the United States, and the difficulties they had to overcome to finally be reunited with their families, if they were lucky enough not to get deported. However, I also learned about the steps necessary for a family reunification to be successful. Now, I am currently working for a non-profit organization called “Ayuda.” This organization focuses on providing legal, social, and language services for vulnerable immigrants around the DMV. In Ayuda, I have been able to expand my knowledge in regards to immigration law and immigration policies, and how the U.S. new administration is affecting the lives of thousands of immigrants within the United States. The working experience that I have gained now, has helped me realize that I want to continue working in the non profit sector, and continue providing my help to those in need.
What aspects of Mason made you choose to study here?
I attended Mason and obtained my Bachelor’s degree in the past, and can attest that it is a great school that provides multiple opportunities for educational and career growth, which helped me decide to continue my education here.
What do you hope to accomplish while at Mason?
I hope to expand my knowledge in Global Affairs, which will help me obtain my MA degree.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy going out to dance after a long week of work. I also enjoy staying at home and cooking new dishes.
What are you most looking forward to while living in the DC area?
I have lived in the DC area since I came to live in the US. One of the reasons I have stayed and plan to continue to live here is because I live close to the capital of the United States, which is where there are more opportunities to find jobs related to International Relations.
What is your favorite thing about being a student?
My favorite thing about being a student is having the opportunity to continue learning about subjects that interest me and can help me in my career growth.
Which languages do you speak?
I speak Spanish and English fluently.
What was the last book you read? Do you recommend it? (Why/why not)
The last book I read (I am still reading) is called “Una Vida de Perros” “A life of dogs.” The book was written by a Spanish writer named Estefania Salyers. The book has a theme of romantic comedy/ romantic narrative. I would recommend the book because it is fun and easy to read, and it helps if I want to take my mind off the day-to-day problems and relief some stress.
