Have you visited our front lobby desk lately? Then there is a pretty good chance you have run into Student Assistant Malak Alrifai. Malak assists those entering the building and completes special projects in support of various units throughout the School. Malak will be taking on a new role in the School starting this fall, as she enters the BSW Program with a minor in Psychology.

What is your favorite course you took at WSU and why?

My favorite course I’ve taken up to this point is Intro to Global Stories because the instructor and content that was taught, brought awareness to situations or that others around the globe experienced that I never knew about. It made me realize how unaware we are of other people’s circumstances, despite the impact on certain communities.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

One of my favorite things about my job is interacting with students, guests, faculty/staff, as well as informing others about the School of Social Work.

What do you plan to do when you graduate?

In addition to earning my Master’s in Social Work, as well as to receive my licensure, I want to conduct or assist in research related to trauma and its biological or developmental impacts, specifically in children. I’d also like to learn about how to support immigrants who come into America from an unstable environment. There is not much time for them to process what they’ve experienced before they must establish a new life in a country that is foreign to them.

What city did you grow up in?

I grew up in the Metro Detroit area, in which I’ve found that despite people coming from various backgrounds, cultures, or religions, still maintains a strong sense of community I have not felt anywhere else. I look forward to learning how to support those within in the community and create resources for vulnerable populations.

What is one interesting thing we don’t know about you?

I’m the new leader of the Muslim Women Social Work Association (MWSA). Not only will we be creating an inclusive space for Muslim Women at Wayne State but provide opportunities to help the Metro Detroit community. This not only embeds social work values, but the of values of a Muslim, which is to give back, support people around you, and those in need if you’re capable.

View more Social Work Warrior profiles.