MONIKA WNUK

We recently asked Mikva Challenge Alumna, Monika Wnuk, to share a few things about her experiences at Mikva Challenge, and here is what she had to say: 

Something that I hope students considering joining Mikva take into consideration is that Mikva isn’t just about politics. The program directors don’t expect you to come in knowing everything about local government and honestly, they don’t expect you to leave claiming that you know everything either. What is promised, however, is that you will grow more knowledgeable of local issues and professional environments and that you will leave excited to discuss broader questions such as inequality in public schools, crime, or even illegal immigration with those you meet in everyday life.

For me, at least, Mikva provided vital training for the fulfillment of my political aspirations. From the age of 13 I knew that I was interested in political activism. Having learned about the state and federal governments through the Illinois mandated constitution exam, I yearned to learn more about the people behind the words.  As a shy, but politically motivated, sophomore in high school, I apprehensively signed up for my first campaign, the Miguel Del Valle Campaign for City Clerk. I talked to walk-ins, discussed political strategies with campaign workers, and participated in hours upon hours of phone banking. Here I was at 16 discussing local legislation with seasoned voters in their 30s and 40s.

I went on that summer to work as an intern for Alderman Gene Schulter of the 47th Ward, which served as my introduction into the hierarchy and duties of government bodies in Chicago. In the meantime, my personal political platform was forming. At weekly workshops, I interacted with students who were not of similar political views. We discussed our opinions on current issues and collaborated on a plan to encourage voting eligible high schools students to take an interest in the issues and go out to vote on Election Day. We presented our recommendations to Bill Daley.

While I did a number of other memorable things with Mikva, including participating in a variety of workshops with local leaders and serving as an election judge, perhaps my most rewarding experience was the time I spent on the New Hampshire Primary campaign trail. Having solidified my right-leaning political views, I worked on Rudy Giuliani’s campaign, putting hours into phone banking and visibility, meeting the candidate at town hall meetings, and discussing the issues on Chicago Public Radio and Chicago Tonight. For the first time, I felt entirely on board with a candidate. Giuliani was the social liberal and fiscal conservative that I was and his views on immigration as an issue of national security aligned with mine perfectly.

Having developed an interest in illegal immigration during the Presidential Primary, I went on to intern for Republican Cook Country Commissioner Tony Peraica the following summer and worked closely with him on researching and discussing the issue within Cook County. During my time there, I learned plenty about the powers of the County, taxation, the healthcare system, and my supervisor worked closely with me in the development of my professional resume, portfolio, and cover letter. That summer I also traveled with Mikva to the Republican National Convention in Minnesota which was particularly important to me, as I had the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and study the Republican candidates. I remember getting chills the first time I heard Sarah Palin speak on the radio in the van on the way there. Something about her dedication to transparency in government and her achievements as a woman instilled in me hope for the party and for the future.

Currently, as a student at the University of Chicago, I work 20 hours a week at both the Career Advising and Planning Services center on campus and with the students of the Office of Special Programs.  I left Mikva with a deep understanding of the inequality in Chicago Public Schools and a dedication to being a part of the solution. I tutor the students at OSP during the week, and on Saturdays I teach classes in Spanish and ACT preparation, and work closely with the seniors throughout the college admissions process. My love for the Spanish language has grown significantly throughout my time at the University and I just recently applied for a full-year study abroad program in Barcelona.

In 3 years, I see myself as a civics/ social sciences teacher within Chicago Public Schools, a local political activist, and a candidate for law school. Perhaps one day I will serve as an immigration lawyer to the Polish and Spanish speaking communities of Chicago. Perhaps I will run for local office. All I know for certain is that I have Mikva to thank for much more than just increasing my interest in politics.

At Mikva Challenge, our mission is to train life-long civic leaders, and our alums, like Monika, and students affirm our success in getting young people to become today and tomorrow's leaders.