Théa Adam
I am Théa Adaml, I am 19 years old and currently a first year student in the UC Berkeley Sciences Po Paris Dual Degree. Originally from Paris, my family moved to Spain when I was seven years old. I speak four languages, French, Spanish, English, Catalan and I am actively learning Italian. I am deeply passionate about geopolitics and social sciences in general, particularly the subject of unchosen migrations, a topic I have been actively exploring on a research project for the past two years. Beyond academics, I love sports: I practice competitive skiing, climbing and play tennis. I also like to volunteer for foodbanks.
Sono Théa Adaml, ho 19 anni e attualmente frequento il primo anno del Double Degree tra UC Berkeley e Sciences Po Paris. Originaria di Parigi, mi sono trasferita in Spagna con la mia famiglia quando avevo sette anni. Parlo quattro lingue — francese, spagnolo, inglese e catalano — e sto attualmente imparando l’italiano. Sono profondamente appassionata di geopolitica e, più in generale, di scienze sociali, con un particolare interesse per il tema delle migrazioni non scelte, argomento che sto esplorando attivamente attraverso un progetto di ricerca da ormai due anni. Al di fuori dell’ambito accademico, amo lo sport: pratico sci agonistico, arrampicata e gioco a tennis. Inoltre, mi piace dedicare parte del mio tempo al volontariato presso banchi alimentari.
Which city has changed you — and why?
Barcelona shaped me more than I realised while I was there. Growing up, the city was just home, the beach at the end of the metro line, Bicing bikes everywhere, streets designed for people not cars, a neighbourhood culture where life happens outside. It was only when I left for Reims that I understood how rare that is.
What kind of city do you dream of for the future?
My ideal city is safe, affordable, and accessible to everyone regardless of income. Public transport is free and reliable. Parks and cultural spaces are shared by all. Different languages on the street are a source of pride. People can walk home at night without fear. Housing is decent, schools are equal, and public services actually work for everyone.
How will you help transform cities?
My contribution starts with policy. Urban life is shaped by governance decisions on housing, transport, public services and I want to help make those decisions fairer. My research on Spain's migration policies introduced me to circular migration: managed mobility that benefits both cities and migrants. Ideas like this show that better policy exist and I want to work on improving them and bringing them from research into practice.