As applications open for the Fayyaz Hussain Scholarship for IDS and GLIS Freshmen and Sophomores, we talked with Hannah Clark, an Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science (IDS) major to learn how the award shaped her MSU experience—and why support for interdisciplinary and global learning matters.
What motivated you to apply for the Fayyaz Hussain Scholarship, and what stood out to you about this opportunity?
I chose to apply because I believed in the scholarship’s unique focus to uplift and support a student’s journey in Interdisciplinary Studies/Global and International Studies. Oftentimes scholarships are for specific disciplines, so as a student focusing on integrative study, it was encouraging to come across a scholarship that celebrates multidisciplinary approaches. I felt this scholarship truly aligned with and supported my academic interests and is a powerful way to support new students in these programs.
When you found out you were selected as a recipient, how did it feel?
I was ecstatic when I got the notification that I was selected for this award. The Fayyaz Hussain scholarship was the first academic scholarship I’ve ever received, and it provided a sense of validation for the hard work I’ve put into my educational journey. It truly made me feel seen and supported, not only just as an IDS student, but as an individual who is simply trying to advance their professional journey. Through this experience I realized that though the path of college can be difficult and overwhelming, there are many opportunities for support if you are willing to open yourself up to them.
How has receiving this scholarship impacted your time at MSU?
Receiving this scholarship strengthened my appreciation for my field of study and solidified my sense of purpose here at MSU. Because Integrative Studies departments can sometimes be overlooked in academia, times like these motivate me to be a representation for our program. Interdisciplinary and global studies are essential tools to navigate our increasingly complex, globalized society. This award gives me the confidence to advocate for the credibility of my major and reinforces my beliefs that interdisciplinary work is just as valuable as any other discipline. I am now more inspired to not only pursue my educational goals, but also to represent Integrative Studies with pride.
Why did you choose to major in IDS, and how does this scholarship support the direction you hope to take with that degree?
I chose to major in Interdisciplinary Studies because I wanted to personalize my undergraduate experience in a way disciplinary programs may not always support. I began my journey at MSU as an exploratory major and spent my first year dabbling in various classes in hopes of finding my ‘major’ or what I wanted to focus on. The biggest lesson I learned during this time was that I liked variety in my learning experience. Learning about and from different disciplines made me respect diverse perspectives and value each discipline’s strengths and weaknesses. I also found it interesting to analyze issues through contrasting lenses. However, this only made it more difficult to choose one major or focus to pursue. When I learned about the IDS program, I knew it would be a good fit because it allowed me to continue my integrative learning. Here, I am free to build skills in economics, history, sociology, and even social science data analytics. This major truly allows me to define my degree and focus on building the skills necessary for the career pathway I wish to pursue.
What does it mean to you to be supported by a donor who believes in interdisciplinary and global education?
Dr. Hussain’s recognition and contribution to interdisciplinary and global education means a lot to me. Firstly, it signifies an understanding that interdisciplinary education has academic value. Today's global issues are too complex to be solved by any single discipline. They require the fluidity that interdisciplinary work seeks to provide which is the ability to connect differing ideas and view the world through multiple perspectives rather than just one. Having the support of Dr. Hussain is also validating my choice to pursue a non-traditional academic path, helping me appreciate my ability to synthesize different areas of study.