Lena Ayesh, a fourth-year student at UNC Charlotte, exemplifies how education can be a powerful tool for overcoming personal challenges. Ayesh is pursuing three majors—data science, political science, and international studies—alongside two minors in legal studies and security and intelligence studies. Despite facing anxiety, she has excelled academically, maintaining a GPA of 3.7, while engaging in various extracurricular activities and internships.
Ayesh’s journey began at Independence High School, where she graduated in 2021, earning multiple honors including cords for her participation in the Academy of International Studies, JROTC, and Key Club. She received a $1,000 scholarship from her local community, which helped her transition to university life.
Adjusting to her data science major posed significant challenges for Ayesh. “I’m not a math person,” she admitted. “I added data science to my studies because I’m interested in policy research and analysis, but shifting from liberal arts to STEM was tough.” Nevertheless, her commitment led to various academic successes, including two Critical Language Scholarships for Persian and Urdu, each providing $8,000 for summer programs. She also garnered a $5,000 Intelligence and National Security Alliance Scholarship.
During her time at UNC Charlotte, Ayesh completed five internships. Her early experiences included virtual positions with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, where she analyzed data competition between private and public sectors, and the Department of State, focusing on reforming foreign policy programs. In her third year, she secured a paid internship at the U.S. Department of State’s Intelligence and Research Bureau, where she engaged in research on foreign policy and attended briefings with policymakers.
Last summer, Ayesh contributed to the Marian Drane Graham Program, investigating how artificial intelligence can assist North Carolina’s prison systems in providing educational opportunities to inmates. Currently, she is interning at the Office of Undergraduate Research, working on a documentary about the Palestinian diaspora, which involves filming, editing, and website coding.
Despite her impressive accomplishments, Ayesh faces challenges with social anxiety, particularly in public speaking. “I experienced severe panic attacks during internships and at college,” she shared. “Learning to cope with those moments has helped me confront my anxiety and realize that I can handle these situations.”
To combat academic burnout, Ayesh prioritizes self-care, finding it essential to balance her time between school and personal relaxation. “Taking time for myself is vital. It helps me separate my work from my home life, allowing me to unwind and recharge,” she stated.
In addition to her academic and internship commitments, Ayesh has been actively involved in student organizations. She served as president of the Palestinian Cultural Organization and is currently president of the Security and Intelligence Student Organization. Following graduation, she aims to work as a research and policy analyst in political affairs or foreign policy.
Ayesh attributes her interest in this career path to her multicultural upbringing. “Growing up in a bi-cultural household—my father is Palestinian and my mother is white—shaped my fascination with foreign policy and politics,” she explained.
Throughout her college years, Ayesh balanced her studies, internships, and a part-time job at Target while also supporting her grandmothers. “Being a commuter student added to the challenge; UNC Charlotte is primarily a commuter school. It can be tough to form friendships when you’re constantly juggling work and school, so managing my time effectively was crucial,” she noted.
Ayesh encourages her peers at UNC Charlotte to embrace opportunities that expand their horizons. “Getting involved is essential,” she said. “Participating in different events not only enriches your experience but also allows you to meet people from diverse backgrounds, which can be incredibly rewarding. Don’t shy away from activities you might initially feel uncomfortable with; you might discover new passions.”
Ayesh’s story illustrates the potential for personal growth through education, even in the face of anxiety. Her determination and proactive approach to managing challenges serve as an inspiring example for students navigating similar paths.
