Cooke Scholar Kate Hegay: From Uzbekistan to Refugee Advocate
Kate Hegay was just five when she left Uzbekistan to live in the United States. Her experiences have shaped her passions and career goals:
“It’s really ambitious, but I’d like to work at the United Nations.” Kate is particularly interested in United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
“I was born in a third-world country. I’ve seen refugees. I know what that’s like. I’ve seen human rights abuses. It stuck with me, and it’s really shaped who I’ve become as a person.”
Kate is a 2016 recipient of our College Scholarship Program, which will provide up to $40,000 per year for her to pursue a degree in international relations with an interest in pre-law at Princeton University.
“Being a Cooke Scholar has meant absolutely everything. It’s become my family and my support system.”
She also has a message for current high school seniors: