“It was the first time that my family has been talking about mental health,” said Hussain. “My parents did not believe it entirely. It was the first time that we have been talking about what it said to take care of you mentally. »»
Hussain’s experience has led him to the major in family sciences, emphasizing marriage and family advice and therapy. The initial hesitation of his parents with mental health made him think of other minority communities with similar feelings on psychological health and fueled his passion for the major.
Now 20 years old, Hussain was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in Prince George County, Maryland. Her Caribbean heritage has informed her point of view when she took courses in the family science study program.
“As a minority, you really see how the different subjects and theories we are talking about manifest in your own community, and the more we know better, the better we can do better, which is why it is so important for me Learn these things, ”said Hussain. “Wanting to go ahead and breaking these cycles within our community is really important to me, and I think I have a unique privilege as a major in family sciences to learn these things of the first hand and how Fight them, so that I can pass these tools to other people in my community. »»
Hussain describes family sciences, or family health, as a combination of sociology and psychology, where students study people and relationships and their links with the world around them. She noted that family science helped her develop a stronger feeling of empathy and understanding towards individuals from different backgrounds. Hussain’s favorite course has been “FMSC190: Man Up! Where are the fathers? A class on masculinity that helped Hussain understand the male perspectives of his own life.
“FAmily Science is a vital field because families are the foundation of public society and health, “said Anna Lacy, director of the first cycle of family sciences. “Family science professionals identify strategies to establish stronger relationships, ultimately contributing to a healthier society.
“Alisha is an incredibly brilliant and dedicated student,” said Lacy. “It demonstrates an extraordinary initiative, constantly looking for opportunities to learn and give back to its community. The major in family sciences are fortunate to have it in the program. »»
Last summer, Hussain did an internship with American in The Generation Teach Fellowship, working in public schools for eight weeks to combat the reduction in education possibilities during the summer for children. In addition, Hussain is part of the Black Student Union, Maryland Gospel Choir and the association of Black Public Health Scholars. She also directs as a student in Ambassador Family Sciences and member of the Honor Omicron Honor Society of Phi Upsilon.
As an entrant spring 2025 Karabelle Pizzigati Fellow, Hussain will continue to develop her skills by working with children and directly in the communities she hopes to help.