A graduate of UChicago’s Woodlawn Charter High School, Sabirah Muhammad was no stranger to the University as she grew up nearby in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood.
Her high school not only talked about the school’s affiliation with the University in the classroom, but was able to experience some of what campus had to offer through visits—including participation in MUNUC (Model United Nations at the University of Chicago) as a sophomore, where she met UChicago student mentors and faculty. She also participated in a pre-med prep program—where she recently served as a summer intern.
A second-year studying comparative human development, Sabirah plans on going to graduate school for clinical psychology.
Why UChicago?
I think there were a lot of different reasons why I chose UChicago—one being that I graduated relatively young at 16, so staying close to home and having that familial support was important. Coming from a smaller school, the class size compared to some of the larger state schools was appealing to me. I was already used to having that close knit, community-feel and like that everyone has the opportunity to get attention from professors and advisors.
The atmosphere and the environment being so close to Hyde Park is great, there were a plethora of resources offered to students and I was happy when the College offered me a really generous financial aid package—all helped make my decision to come here easy.
What is an experience that stands out during your time here?
UChicago has a space for everyone, really. And people find community within the most random places, but everyone feels like they have somewhere that they belong on campus.
I’ve personally gotten involved with the Organization of Black Students (OBS), and really enjoy the community that we've created there, and am proud of all the group does to empower and support Black students. I’ve really appreciated being able to find space within this institution for people that look like me.
We’re planning fun and enriching events for Black students that foster community and unity. As this year’s co-culture chair, I am helping to put on a culture show that showcases Black creativity and artists for the entire UChicago community to enjoy.