Dafina Hajrullahu

 
A problem solver, an advisor to many, and diplomat, Dafina Hajrullahu feels that these are the aspects of her personality that lends her to become successful in her career.  She aspires to “find solutions to our economic problems or work as an ambassador.”
 
From the start of her childhood, she had a different career path in mind.  However, she changed her mind from becoming an artist because she felt that she needed a more realistic goal.  Furthermore, her dad and uncle’s jobs as political journalists influenced her to become more involved in the political side of things.
 
At first, when she came to UIC she wanted to major in International Relations, but then a friend of hers suggested that she take an economics class with her.  There, she discovered that she “really loved the subject because its analysis is applied to society, business, and government.”
 
Because of her friends and family, Dafina said, “I am lucky to say that I have a great group of people -my family, friends and professors here at UIC- that have inspired me in my future goals and motivated me to push myself to work harder. However, I would like to distinguish Professor Ali Akarca who has given me advice and aspirations towards my future career.”
 
As an economics major, she received many awards such as the Cook County Sheriff Award which she earned because of her volunteer work.  While helping refugees from Africa over the summer, she helped them learn subjects such as English and arts and crafts.   Volunteering there helped with her interests of economic development in underdeveloped countries.
 
Through participating in clubs such as the UIC economics club, she has risen through the ranks and led the club with her role as Vice President.  After UIC, Dafina hopes to receive her PhD in Economics from a “prestigious University and work as a research Economist in International and Development Economics. Furthermore, I would love to work with non-profit organizations and foreign affairs in [under] development countries.”