A Government major at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and an aspiring litigator, Shaheen has studied political systems all over the globe, and it has fostered in him the desire to seek reform, first at a political level and then a social level. As President of the student government and a former member of John Jay’s Judicial Committee, Shaheen led a push to reform the Student Activity fee to provide students with a $1.5 million cash injection for their health services, graduation, and clubs. He has also contributed to the social development of his school, and is often found with his guitar, networking with students all over the campus. Shaheen believes that music helps to "erase the dividing line" between people and creates a community network, which, he asserts, is essential for understanding where true reform is needed. Shaheen was recommended to take advanced writing courses that enabled him to work in the college’s writing center, where he tutored peers ranging from freshmen to doctoral students. He was inducted into Phi Eta Sigma, a national honor society during his freshman year.

During his time at the Center for Court Innovation, Shaheen formatted and assembled a needs assessment and feasibility report for a new community court and helped to facilitate a Youth Court, both inside of Newark, New Jersey's Municipal Courthouse. In addition to his internship work, Shaheen most enjoyed spending time and living with the other Scholars.

Shaheen is finishing his senior year at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.