Read what Students have to say about working with Merna…

The class was the most stimulating class I have had ever. It involved me emotionally and made me think through various perspectives.

-UW Art in Time of War student.

Sometimes words are not enough to express your opinion, feelings, or perception. You can have all the existing words to express but if you don’t know how to use them, are you really fully expressing yourself? This is when you meet poetry, a way to communicate with your heart.

-Stories of Arrival Student, from Mexico

I was amazed at the Professor Merna’s knowledge of art in a time of war with many resources available!! This class is a must and I’ve recommended it to my friends already.

-UW Art in Time of War student.

Poetry is the power that you can show it with the words in your heart. Poetry is the biggest hope of my life, it gives me hope for life again. 

-Stories of Arrival Student, from Afghanistan

 I didn’t know how much I didn’t know about the conflict situations around the world. Definitively changed my view and opened my eyes. This class changed my life!

-UW Art in Time of War student.

Poetry helps others understand what young people who come to the U.S. as refugees or immigrants experience, because poetry helps immigrants and refugees talk through their hearts and say what they want and show their strength and how they still stand on their own feet. 

-Stories of Arrival Student, from Somalia

I absolutely loved this class. It gave me a whole new perspective on war and the power of art.

-UW Art in Time of War student.