Student Spotlight: Alexandra Hussey (’25MA, Global Thought)

What drew you to your field?
Growing up in Portland, Oregon, I witnessed an increase in teacher strikes over unfair working conditions and a rise in forest fires driven by climate change. I always knew I wanted to become a teacher. These early experiences inspired me to study political science so I could help drive the change I wanted to see. Coming from a family that valued travel and learning from different cultures, I was naturally drawn to a BA in international relations, with a particular focus on environmental and education policy. I couldn’t stay away from teaching for long, so I eventually earned my certification to teach middle and high school social studies.

What led you to pursue a Global Thought master’s at Columbia?
After interning with the United Nations Environment Programme in Nairobi, I realized that many of the roles I was most excited about required a master’s degree. As I explored graduate programs, I was drawn to Global Thought because it perfectly captured the interdisciplinary nature of my academic interests. It allowed me to focus on global challenges without having to choose between my passions for education and the environment. I was especially drawn to the program’s diverse, international cohort, which offered a wide range of perspectives. The program’s shorter duration and fellowship also made it more accessible than many others.

How would you explain your MA thesis research to someone outside of your field?
In my MA thesis I analyzed climate education bills from New York and Oregon that died in committee. I chose these two states because, despite both being politically blue with a strong history of passing climate legislation, they have struggled with climate education policies. I also found it interesting that nearly half of their populations are concentrated in a single urban center, while their state capitals are located elsewhere. This contrast made them compelling case studies for examining how geography, demographics, and political structure influence the passage of legislation. I found that the primary barriers to these bills were not controversy over climate change itself, but rather concerns about educational mandates, specifically the added pressure on teachers and the funding required for implementation. 

What did you enjoy most about being a student at Columbia GSAS?
What I loved most was the people. From professors to fellow students, it was inspiring to be surrounded by driven, passionate, and empathetic individuals. I admired how my peers consistently stood up for justice and how my professors led our classrooms with thoughtfulness and care. Having the freedom to choose my own courses allowed me to be surrounded constantly by people who helped me grow both academically and personally. I’ll miss all the opportunities to engage with the GSAS community through lectures, events, and social gatherings. 

How do you like to spend your free time in New York?
I loved picking a new neighborhood, coffee shop, or restaurant and planning a day around exploring on foot. New York is such a walkable city, full of interesting people and places to discover. Treating myself to a new coffee shop during a long study day became one of my favorite routines. I also kept an eye out for ticket resales to Broadway shows I was dying to see.

What is your comfort movie or TV show?
My favorite comfort movie is Howl’s Moving Castle, and my go-to show is Parks and Recreation. I’m always rewatching them and never get tired of either.

What music or podcasts have you been listening to lately?
I recently discovered my love for This American Life and my 2021 summer playlist, both timeless in their own way.

You just graduated this spring – what’s next for you?
I’m currently on the job hunt, looking for social studies teaching positions or roles related to education and environmental policy. Ideally, I’d like to stay in New York, but my dream job would involve working with people internationally. Although my time as a Columbia student has ended, I’m excited to start my journey as an alum and would welcome connections from anyone interested in discussing opportunities or collaborations. Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn or through email!