Sandrien Mekany, a fourth-year political science student, has become the first Truman Scholar in San Diego State University history.
The Truman Foundation, which offers graduate scholarships for students interested in public service, chose 62 new scholars from more than 700 candidates. The Foundation looks for applicants with an extensive record of community service, a vision for creating change in their area of interest, and a strong academic record.
“Looking at all the scholars, [it was clear] each and every single one of them had something they were passionate about,” said Mekany. “It’s just a huge list of passionate people who are eager to make change.”
Jacqueline Toy, one of Mekany’s advisors, said she knew Mekany had what it took to become one of these scholars.
“Learning more about her story from her parents immigrating, her childhood school experiences, her involvement in student government, the work she has done in learning about public policy and interning at the capitol, all you want to do is root for her,” Toy said.
Along with wanting to join this network of people, Mekany was drawn toward applying because of her identity as a Chaldean America.
“I wanted to apply for this because I want to be connected with this amazing network. But I also feel a responsibility to bring awareness to my community because I knew, in my application, I would be talking about the Middle Eastern community,” Mekany explained. “It gives me a chance to shed light on the issues that so many people face, but not a lot of people know about.”
The most extensive part of her application was a policy proposal, which was sent to Gov. Newsom’s office.
The proposal outlined plans to create a task force that would oversee the educational rights of Middle Eastern people in California. This idea was sparked by the fact that Middle Eastern is not a category on the census.
“So I was thinking, if we are not even able to be identified on paper, how can the government know what our needs are?” said Mekany. “So the committee I was proposing would create resources for the Middle Eastern Community.”
After submitting her proposal, Mekany was interviewed by a panel of previous Truman Scholars, members of the Truman Foundation’s Board of Trustees, and other figures in public service.
Mekany found out that she won the award when SDSU President Adela de la Torre, Provost Salvador Hector Ochoa, and other faculty and staff surprised her in one of her classes.
“It was something I’ll never forget, it was a surreal moment for me,” said Mekany.
After she graduates, plans to seek an internship in Washington D.C. before going out of the country to teach English. In a few years, she will be applying for law school.
“I see her excelling in a career of law, policy, and organizational leadership,” said Charlotte Roberts, one of Mekany’s advisors. “Her positive impact on society has only just begun, and I am eager to watch her advocate for others on progressively larger scales.”
(Courtesy photo)
