Hi! My name is María Alba and I am very thankful to have been given the opportunity to participate in the Baldwin Scholars program. I grew up in Washington, D.C. as the daughter of two Colombian immigrants who catalyzed my passion for education. I am currently planning on majoring in political science with a concentration in international relations, and hope to pursue a career in international or human rights law.
I’m very passionate about resource equity, both in the U.S. and globally, especially pertaining to education. Both of my parents were able to come to the U.S. and build a better life for themselves through their education; I grew up watching them succeed in their master’s programs and in their respective careers. Their hard work and success showed me all the doors education can open, while their humble beginnings serve as a reminder that not everybody is as lucky as I am. In general, I’m very aware of the privileged life I lead, and hope to spend my career giving back to the world outside of the one I live in.
I’ve spent a lot of time volunteering with international organizations and immigration firms that serve the low-income. I am currently working as an intern at World Relief Durham’s Immigration Legal Services Department, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping immigrants and refugees achieve the best possible legal care.