Behind the Scenes, She Does it All

For many students, attending college is making sure your work, dedication and time does not go unrecognized. Building a resume and skill set that others will notice immediately; just trying to stand out in this competitive world we live in. While Nooran Alhamdan, a junior political science and analytical economics dual major dedicates herself to her work, organizations and school, more often than not she does it all, behind the scenes.

With a goal to help students at UNH have a voice and feel like they are heard, Alhamdan is involved with many on-campus organizations.

21-years-old, Alhamdan, an Arab-Muslim American wears an infectious smile and bears a humbling personality. With dark brown, wavy hair, and brown eyes with a shimmer of gold she blends in with the busy campus around her. Just another face many students pass by daily, unaware of all the work she does.

Recently taking on the role of managing Cailee Griffin’s campaign, who is running for the University of New Hampshire’s student trustee. Alhamdan said her role consists of contacting organizations on Griffin’s behalf, advocating for her and prompting discussions about what works on campus and what concerns students may have. Voting for students begins Mar. 25, at 12 a.m. and concludes Mar. 29 at 11:59 p.m. on Wildcat Link.

Growing up in Portsmouth - New Hampshire, attending UNH was the most practical and financial choice for Alhamdan. She said that this decision was worth it because she is not too far from home, and by staying in-state it helped her family financially.

Starting her freshman year, she joined the Middle Eastern Cultural Association. When she joined the organization, there were about five members; that number has now grown to 25 in the three years Alhamdan has been a part of it.

During her first year in the Middle Eastern Cultural Association she was elected to be the chair of public relations. She then became co-president with Sarah Waterhouse, a 2018 UNH graduate. With her experience with Waterhouse, she took on the role as president this year.

Much of Alhamdan’s time along side the campaign is spent working on events for the Middle Eastern Cultural Association; however, she also works at the office of Multicultural Student Affairs and works as an associate Chaplin at the Waysmeet center.

Like most college students Alhamdan keeps busy by spending time with her friends, working on school work, and taking time for herself. She recently began attending events for presidential candidates who come to the area to speak. She likes to hear what they have to say and often asks questions.

Alhamdan met Griffin through student senate a few years back which quickly grew into a friendship. Alhamdan decided to take a break from the organization this year; however, managing Griffin’s campaign has kept her close.

“Nooran is a natural born leader,” said Griffin, a junior political science and international affairs dual major. “She is very passionate about the university, and she is passionate about issues in our country. She is very strong minded and independent.”

Griffin asked Alhamdan to be her campaign manager because of how intelligent and involved she is. For Griffin the decision ultimately came down to shared values between the two women and Alhamdan’s willingness to speak up.

“I feel like when you are running a campaign you need to surround yourself with the kinds of people who are challenging to you,” Griffin said. They are going to ask you to think about things critically all the time. I didn’t just want a yes-man, I wanted somebody who was going to say, “we need to think about these issues” and that is something she does all the time.”

Alhamdan admits she likely would not have joined any campaign if it weren’t for Griffin asking her. She said she believes in Griffin’s work, morals and goals and the commitment she promises the university and students. Standing hand in hand with Griffin’s passion and drive Alhamdan eagerly joined the campaign and not long after offered to be Griffin’s campaign manager.

“Honestly, I feel like all these fancy titles make me sound like I’m higher up than I actually am,” Alhamdan said. “We are definitely not managing the campaign of a presidential candidate. Really, a lot of it is at the grass-roots level; it gives me the opportunity to advocate for her in a more serious way. If I was just advocating as myself, people might take that seriously, but if it is me as her campaign manager going out and having the conversations with people - and really that is what the campaign has been about. It’s about having conversations with people and meeting with student orgs and other student leaders and getting the word out.”

Griffin reflects on Alhamdan’s work behind the scenes that often goes unaccredited. Working so close with Alhamdan, Griffin sees all the little things she does for her organizations and the student body.

“Just last week, Nooran organized the vigil, that was just hosted at UNH for the Christ Church shooting,” Griffin said. “She organized with other students to amplify Muslim voices on our campus and talk about the incident; I think she just brought out the best in everybody. She made sure there was something happening on our campus to make sure students felt appreciated, loved and wanted on our campus. I think that speaks volumes about the type of person she is.”

Working with Griffin’s campaign and Alhamdan’s steady involvement with many organizations on-campus are helping build her resume and take steps towards her future aspirations. Alhamdan’s goal is to impact the world around her, specifically helping Palestinian refugees.

“I am the granddaughter and daughter of Palestinian refugees and have witnessed the conditions that refugee camps are in,” Alhamdan said. “I have also witnessed the hopes and dreams that exist in these camps. I want to make it my mission in the future to help uplift and support these refugee communities in every way I possibly can. I can see myself working in the field of human rights and the NGO world in order to help others.”

Her work may often go unnoticed, but many are positively affected by the work Nooran Alhamdan does on a daily basis. Whether it is for her local community in Portsmouth, the University of New Hampshire or working to impact the world on a global scale, she continues to work tirelessly to meet her goals.