Gabby Crooks

Gabby Crooks is a sophomore majoring in International Relations, with interests in human rights and law. Gabby discusses how her experience as an IR major, ASSU Senator, and community advocate have prepared her for a career in human rights law.

“I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in law, largely driven by my service pursuits in high school. I took a class during my senior year [of high school] on International Human Rights that captured everything that appealed to me about a legal career - the opportunity to defend people’s human rights and have a significant, positive impact on the world. At Stanford, my IR specializations are Comparative International Governance and Africa, which inform my interest in a career in human rights advocacy work in the Global South.

The most fulfilling service opportunity I’ve had at Stanford has been my tenure as a Senator on the Undergraduate Senate. I first got involved with the ASSU as a Senate Associate, a program that allows freshmen to learn more about student government and advocacy. My time as an associate fueled my passion for student issues, and I had an amazing mentor who encouraged me to run. I’ve engaged with a number of issues as a senator, from condemning anti-Black racism to advocating for international students. The range of issues that the Senate addresses really allows me to feel like I’m making a difference in the lives of many students on campus.

I want to go to law school and I think my studies of both International Relations and Human Rights have already been great in my preparation for that experience. I’ve had the chance to dive deep into a range of topics like immigration and ethnic conflicts, so I greatly appreciate the flexibility afforded to me as an IR major.”