Both the instructors who have worked with Abigail Mariam and the undergraduates who have taken her classes agree that the PhD student in sociology and social policy has a gift for fostering community in the classroom.
“From my very first meeting with Abi, she immediately understood and valued my intention to help students build meaningful relationships with each other in order to help them deepen their learning, confront difficult structural realities, and grow as people in community,” says Matthew Lee, lecturer on sociology and lead instructor of the course Conflict, Justice, and Healing. “Her leadership was absolutely essential as we worked with students to co-create what some might call ‘beloved community.’”
Harvard’s PhD program in social policy notes Mariam’s mix of intellectual drive and empathetic teaching style. “What distinguishes Abi as a teacher is her deeply-considered understanding of the purpose of learning, coupled with unusual wisdom, sensitivity, and compassion,” the program’s nomination reads. “We are especially struck by the profound sensibility of purpose Abi brings to her teaching.”
In evaluations, students describe Mariam as “kind,” “encouraging,” “insightful,” “passionate,” and “an amazing teacher.” “Any educator would be thrilled to be recognized for these characteristics,” says Henry Ford II Professor of the Social Sciences Robert Sampson in the Department of Sociology’s nomination letter. “In Abi’s case, these qualities were evident from her first semester of teaching.”
Mariam draws on the passion she has for the subject matter of Conflict, Justice, and Healing to engage students with the material. Undergraduate teaching evaluations describe the lasting impressions she leaves on participants in the course. “I am learning things I can carry into life beyond this class,” one student wrote. Mariam also receives high praise for her teaching skills. “She gives absolutely wonderful feedback,” wrote another student. “Her advice is extremely constructive, and she is just so kind. One of my favorite people in general.”
At a time of extraordinary challenges for students and educators alike, teaching fellows and tutors like Mariam have made online classrooms feel more connected and less remote. Her gifts as a teacher transcend the limits of technology and transmit to students a love of learning that they will no doubt carry with them long after they leave Harvard.
Abigail Mariam, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is pleased to present you with the Derek C. Bok Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Teaching of Undergraduates. Congratulations!
Photo by Tony Rinaldo
