Evelina Strand

The path to EHS, education and professional career

Which program are you studying at EHS?

I am studying the master’s program in human rights and democracy. I also studied the bachelor’s program here just over nine years ago.

Who are you?

I am 32 years old and I grew up in Vilhelmina, a town in southern Lapland. I have lived in Stockholm for the past 10 years. In addition to my studies and work, my friends and family are important to me. Food, reading, travelling, volunteering and understanding other people and cultures are incredibly interesting and important to me. For as long as I can remember, I have had conversations with others about what is right and wrong, the equal value of people and what values are important. It should be added that I didn’t always argue well for my cause or maybe even the right cause sometimes, but my interest in people has always been there. I find an incredible number of MR issues interesting, but to name a few: women and children’s rights, freedom of religion and belief, rights of ethnic minorities and, in addition, the more philosophical and idea-historical part of MR is extremely interesting.

What attracted you to study at EHS?

What attracted the most to EHS was the knowledge, competence and experience that the teachers and lecturers have. I have yet to meet anyone whom I don’t think was on fire for their subject. Inspired people inspire.

What are the three best things about studying human rights at EHS?

Fantastic teachers. Good size of the class that gives a good result. Contemporary issues.

What are the most important skills will you take with you from your education at EHS?

If you think you have found several perspectives, there are always at least three more that can broaden the analysis even more.

What has been challenging in your studies?

Since the master’s studies have been going on during COVID-19, I think the most challenging thing has been having most of the interaction via computer and not being able to take part in live classes. It has been done incredibly well, but nothing compares to looking people in the eye for real and having spontaneous coffee/conversations between or during the lessons.

When will you finish your education, and what do you want to do then?

I would love to continue in the MR track one way or another. It would be an incredible opportunity if I could manage to get into some postgraduate training or could work at an organisation that deals with these issues.