CFGU Public Affairs Series: Lectures and discussions with Muslim American Leaders from Congress, Business, Public Health and other fields. This year's activities included visits to the State Department, USAID, DOJ, Egyptian embassy, Middle East Institute and the World Bank. We also had meetings with Ambassador Rashad Hussain from the State Department, Congressman Keith Ellison and Ambassador Islam Siddiqui from the U.S. Trade Representative's office.

If you need any further information, please feel free to contact Fatimeh at Fatimeh@cfgu.us (727-215-9128) or Ghatul at gabdul@cfgu.us
(804-921-6320).

Fatimeh Shamseddine, half Lebanese and half Sierra Leonean was born in the small African Country of Sierra Leone. She moved to the great state of Florida at six years old after a very dangerous Civil War broke out. She speaks three languages: Arabic, Creole, and English. She has a Bachelor's degree in Criminology and Communications from the University of South Florida.

In the Summer of 2009, she applied to The Washington Center and Center for Global Understanding in Washington D.C. This is when she realized that the field of law was not for her- rather governance and entrepreneurship were the fields in which she had great passion and skill sets for. Returning back to Florida after having a wonderful Summer in Washington D.C, she applied to graduate school in D.C. Currently, she is attending George Mason University's International Commerce and Policy Master's program with an emphasis in Global Governance. She has been serving the Center for Global Understanding as the Program Coordinator for about two and half years now.

Ghatul: Fatimeh, Why is it so vital to intern in your college career?

Fatimeh: Well, Internships are more increasingly becoming a vital component to success in both the academic and professional environments. Many employers require candidates to have gained hands on work experience through internships. As graduate admissions become more competitive, their ideal candidates are those who have had exposure to the practical world and students most commonly gain this exposure through interning. Not only do internships enhance the attractiveness of your resume, but it is an excellent opportunity to test drive your major and interests. You are able to maximize your potential through interning and build new skill sets that will help you thrive in your career.

Ghatul: Fatimeh I agree that it is important to intern but Why should a student dedicate a whole summer to intern in D.C ?

Fatimeh: Well, Internships should be seen as an integral part of every students' academics. Internships help you gain experience needed for the real world. Interning in Washington, D.C. is most definitely an exploration process where you will learn more about yourself and what it takes to be successful. Washington, D.C. welcomes students to a fast paced, highly competitive environment that not only forces you to work harder but also helps you improve your flaws to become more effective in the work place. There is no city more notorious than Washington, D.C. for networking and establishing relationships with our nation’s most elite leaders. This is where it should all begin. In your local area, you may not get this exposure to benefit long term academic and career goals.

Ghatul: That’s great! However, then Why should a student apply for the CFGU program?

Fatimeh: Great Question! The Center for Global Understanding (CFGU) carefully selects the most qualified, ambitious students to come to Washington, D.C. to partake in this phenomenal internship experience. CFGU recognizes that each student is significant in a very special way; therefore, we treat every student with special attention and cater to their needs. CFGU truly works for their students and help guide the students through their respective career paths. We want every student to be successful that is why we not only develop a public affairs series program but also serve as a mentor. We encourage our students to be high achievers, connect them to the most prominent leaders in our nation, and expose them to a variety of domestic and international issues and perspectives. In the CFGU program, as a student will meet intellectual and prominent people that many other students do not have a chance to meet and network with them.

If you’re a regular at your neighborhood masjid or have a racially ambiguous background or just want to engage with other students from a diverse upbringing, the Center for Global Understanding (CFGU) is looking for you! CFGU is offering 25 scholarships for this year’s summer class of interns. Students in undergraduate or graduate institutions who are seeking a stimulating experience in Washington D.C. are encouraged to apply for one of these competitive scholarships. Prospective students can be anywhere from political science majors to business majors to even fine arts majors, as long as they possess a strong desire to “bridge the gap between different cultures and religions.” Because that’s what CFGU is all about—as this California-based nonprofit organization asserts in its mission statement.

CFGU is looking for students to cultivate the next generation of American leaders and “bring people together.” And these scholarships will provide more than just financial assistance for students; these scholarships are intended to provide underrepresented minorities, particularly Muslim Americans, the opportunities to participate on a civic platform and engage with other individuals in different career fields. In addition to the actual internship and an academic course, students will attend several professional development events throughout the summer. This unique program offers students the opportunity to contribute to the growth of diverse communities and help eradicate the ignorance and preconceived notions about different cultures. And what better way to spend your summer than in Washington D.C.?