Mehreen Mahida, a third-year political science major at UCI, has been named the 2023 recipient of the Elena B. and William R. Schonfeld Scholarship. The honor – which comes with a $1,000 prize – annually recognizes the School of Social Sciences’ outstanding scholar in the next to graduating class who combines excellence in scholarship with dedication to the university community and the highest level of achievement in other fields. Below, the Southern California native shares why she stayed local for her undergraduate degree and how connections made on the UCI campus with students and faculty alike have pushed her to become a better lifelong learner and listener.

What drew you to study political science, and specifically at UCI? What interests you most about your work?
From a young age I was encouraged by my family to show up for communities facing hardship, just as I hoped others would do for mine; whether that meant attending a protest, volunteering with nonprofits, or simply staying informed about the world around me. With hopes to be able to one day make a difference in the world from a legislative standpoint, a major in political science at UCI where I could learn from professors whose books I read in high school felt like a no brainer.

What activities have you been/are you currently involved with while an Anteater?
While you will usually find me fully immersed in academia while on campus, I do my best to volunteer with nonprofits and political campaigns that advocate for issues that are important to me in addition to organizing voter registration drives.

Who has played an important mentorship role in your life thus far and why?
I got the opportunity to participate in the ACLU’s National Advocacy Institute in 2019 where I met senior legislative and advocacy counsel member of the ACLU, Manar Waheed. I have since considered her an important mentor in my life as she has offered valuable pieces of advice regarding my life, career aspirations, and mental health that even years later I still implement into my life. Specifically at UCI, political science professor Matthew Beckmann has become another important mentor in my life. During every conversation with Professor Beckmann, he has never failed to give me the realities of a circumstance while simultaneously making me feel like I have the full ability to achieve any goal I decide to go after.

What would you consider your biggest accomplishment at UCI?
My biggest accomplishment at UCI is easily the connections I have made. Whether it be with students I know are going to transform the world or with professors that have made me better question topics I thought I knew like the back of my hand, each relationship has pushed me to become a better learner and listener inside and outside the classroom.

What unique circumstances or life experiences have shaped your journey and influenced the person you are today?
Like so many UCI students, my identity consists of numerous firsts; first-generation American, first in my family to go straight to a four-year university, and first to pursue a career in politics. While I have been able to go into each new circumstance with the support of my family and friends, it did not take away from the amount of obstacles I found in my way without certain resources. However, through it all I came across so many individuals who were dedicated to helping me in whatever way they could.

Where can you most often be found on campus?
In the colder months if I am not in class I will definitely be in the Bio Sci library, but once the sun is out, Aldrich Park is my go-to spot.

What’s your best memory thus far from your undergraduate experience at UCI?
My best memory comes from week two of Fall quarter of my sophomore year. I was on the Anteater express when a girl complimented my outfit and we exchanged socials; fast forward a year and a half later and she is one of my closest friends.

What are your plans after UCI?
After finishing my degree I hope to be able to be part of a company’s policy council. Combining my interest in social justice work and the research skills I have developed at UCI, I want to aid companies in their decision to donate or affiliate with causes and organizations that align with the morals and integrity of the business.