Mariam Takes London

Hi, I'm Mariam Coker. I am a first generation Nigerian Muslim college junior double majoring in English-Creative Writing and Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Currently, I am the Vice Chair of UW Madison's student government where I have been able to engage campus in conversations about sexual assault, privilege, and student rights. In this position, I have helped to bring about UW Madison's first ever cultural humility program, Our Wisconsin. As a member of the OMAI First Wave program, I have had opportunities to perform poetry to crowds of hundreds, curate art galleries, teach poetry workshops to high school students, write and perform in hip-hop theatre, collaborate with all types of creative minds and push my boundaries as an artist. Academically, I have had mentors who have encouraged my research ideas, and in the fall I will be studying the experience of Black Muslim women on predominately white college campuses.

I have so many opportunities and successes whilst in college, however my view of the world is limited. Attending college should not only prepare students to be citizens of their country, but an informed student of the world. I am sure those who have had the opportunity to study abroad in their undergraduate and/or graduate years can attest to the importance of study abroad.

This summer, I have the opportunity to intern abroad in London working with youth of color and organizing art workshops. I have never been to Europe before and this is all very exciting that I will be able to discover a new country, meet cousins I didn't know I had, and expand my perspective. Your donation will pay for:
- Flight expenses
- Program fees
- Food

Anything helps really. Thank you all for the support of my goals and dreams!