Schar School of Policy and Government

Gabriella Grabovska came to the United States in 2022 just after Russia invaded her homeland of Ukraine. The Kyiv native’s first visit to the United States was as a George Mason University student in the Schar School of Policy and Government. Now, four years later, she’s leaving with ambition, experience, and a clear mission.

Life is filled with unexpected twists and turns. In the case of George Mason University lacrosse twins Kaitlyn and Regan Bestick, that road has split and come back together several times. Now, as they compete in their final season together and prepare to separate again, they reflect on their time in the Mason Nation.

Graduating senior Mariamme Latif Estafan grew up as virtually the only child of immigrants in her hometown in New Jersey. Once she arrived at George Mason University, she found outlets for her desire to study—and improve—the immigrant experience.

Vice President Mike Pence is now Distinguished Visiting Professor of Practice at the Schar School. Read students’ reactions to the first class of his course, The Character of the American Constitution.

For first-year Schar School student Bora Yoon, identity and advocacy are inseparable. As a woman, a person of color, a child of immigrants, and an LGBTQ+ student, she says her story fuels her drive to pursue political study—and to fight for equity for everyone.

First-year student Apoorva Navale plans to attend law school with the help of the Schar School and the Honors College. See how she’s making the most of her college experience.

Taiwan’s national security is at a precarious inflection point. A Schar School online platform looks to raise awareness of the threats to the island nation. See what the Taiwan Security Monitor is and meet the students behind it.

Schar School senior June Johnson is a leader on the women’s rowing team, an advocate for athletes’ mental health, and in her spare time rejuvenated the Patriot Pre-Law Program. Read how she does it all.

Nathan Stolzenfeld graduated as an undergraduate with distinction and could have started a meaningful career right away. See why this scholar decided to return for a Master of International Security and Law degree and discover who inspired them.

Corruption prosecutor Jack Smith provided testimony that the rule of law is in trouble in the United States. But it’s not hopeless. See what he said could save the rule of law—and perhaps democracy itself.