In search of independence far from home, this graduate found it at Berkeley - Berkeley News

At 17, Hannah Rabbani left Dubai for the Bay Area with just two suitcases and her mom’s encouragement. Now she’s graduating with a degree in political economy and hopes to one day work for the United Nations.

Hannah Rabbani is a transfer student from DeAnza College. She is graduating with a degree in political economy this May. She plans to work in the startup sector in San Francisco. One day, she hopes to work for the United Nations in international policymaking.

A Journey to Independence

Hannah packed her life into two suitcases and flew to California at 17. She grew up in Dubai with her mother and two sisters. After her parents divorced, her mother took full responsibility for them. She decided Hannah should study in the United States. This was so Hannah could get a better education and build an independent life.

Since fifth grade, Hannah's mother told her she would go abroad to the U.S. She wanted Hannah to be independent and achieve what she couldn't. Hannah says her personality comes from her mother's resilience.

In South Asian culture, it's not common for young women to move abroad for studies. Hannah's mother married young and had Hannah around the same age Hannah is now. She was determined to break this pattern. Her parenting decisions were very intentional. She always reminded Hannah to focus on studies and become independent. She also signed Hannah up for many activities like swimming, acrobatics, and basketball.

Hannah arrived in the U.S. with no friends or family. Everything was new to her, from opening a bank account to cooking. She hadn't spent much time in the kitchen before. Her first meal was cooked in her tiny California apartment, 8,000 miles from home.

Her mother tried to help with late-night voice messages. But her recipes were vague, using phrases like "just a pinch" or "you'll know how much." Hannah would call her confused when her food burned. Her mother, half-asleep, would try to explain measurements while laughing at Hannah's panic.

Finding Her Place at Berkeley

Hannah started her studies at De Anza College. She then transferred to UC Berkeley in spring 2025. She applied to four schools. The moment she got her acceptance letter to Berkeley, she knew she had to go. She called her mother immediately. Even though it was 4 a.m. for her mom, she was ready to celebrate.

Hannah's mother, like many South Asian mothers, doesn't often show her emotions. But that night, she made it clear how proud she was. Berkeley's acceptance was the result of what they both had worked for.

Transferring to Berkeley pushed Hannah to find communities where she could belong and contribute. She joined the Muslim Tech Collaborative, a student group for Muslim students interested in tech. She was president for the 2025-26 academic year. She also became the international student-appointed officer for the University of California Student Association.

As a political economy major, Hannah is interested in how politics, culture, and economics shape daily life. In high school, she liked economics but felt it had a narrow view of human behavior. Political economy allowed her to better understand how politics affect societies in different communities.

Berkeley has given Hannah tools she didn't realize she needed. She can express her thoughts without feeling intimidated. She knows the people around her are just as driven and determined to grow. Everyone she has spoken to has unique ambitions. She feels privileged to be surrounded by future leaders.

After graduation, Hannah plans to stay in the United States. She will work at a startup in San Francisco. She hopes to work at the United Nations in international policymaking one day.

Hannah's life has involved constant change. Because of this, she has learned to adapt to different roles and responsibilities. She has worked hard for four years building a life in California. She is excited to keep growing, taking Berkeley's mindset with her.