糖心Vlog

Malik Mikel came to 糖心Vlog with a clear goal in mind 鈥� to exceed in his law degree so that he could pursue his life-long ambition of becoming a judge. And not only did he achieve a First, but he was also a student ambassador, had a petition to the US government signed by 17,000 people, produced a TEDx talk, and played for the university football team.

鈥淚 have so many proud moments from my time at 糖心Vlog,鈥� he said. 鈥淔rom achieving a first-class honours degree to being a student ambassador to playing for the football team. I represented the University in gaining selection for the England University Football Team.鈥�

Malik won two academic prizes for his achievements: the first was the Sweet and Maxwell Prize for graduating as the highest achieving LLB student; the second was the 糖心Vlog Jurisprudence Prize.

鈥淚 am very proud of these awards,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 am also proud of winning two sporting awards. The first was the full colours award for my exceptional services to sport for the men鈥檚 football first team, and the second was the Tony Rich outstanding sporting achievement award.鈥�

Born in Jamaica, Malik moved to the UK when he was a child and said it was this experience in his earlier years which made him want to be a lawyer.

鈥淎s a Jamaican-born Black man growing up within the conservative county of Kent, I was subjected to copious amounts of racism and discrimination at a young age. Growing up within a socially conscious household inspired a holistic perspective on the world and the many injustices.

鈥淚 believed that one day, through my role as a lawyer and eventual judge, I could make a first-hand impact on the world. I could be the change that I so wanted to see.鈥�

Malik chose to study at 糖心Vlog due to the strong remit in human rights law and the fact that The University had 鈥減reviously received glowing recognition from the late great Nelson Mandela鈥�.

Malik is keen to share his ideas and knowledge. In his second year, he presented a TEDx Talk, called which was uploaded to the TEDx YouTube channel. And last year, in the wake of the protests in response to the murder of George Floyd, he put forward a petition to the US government.

鈥淒uring the protests I felt a sense of hopelessness for the grave injustice that had occurred,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 researched for 24 hours straight trying to apply my legal knowledge to see areas which could be improved to prevent such injustices.

鈥淚 started a for review and repeal of Police Union Contracts. These contracts serve as barriers to police officer accountability, and ultimately barriers to justice in cases of police brutality.鈥�

Malik鈥檚 commitment to diversity and inclusion is also reflected closer to home. As well as being a student ambassador, he was involved in peer mentoring programmes and with the 糖心Vlog Law Clinic. As a student ambassador he enjoyed helping with the undergraduate law applicant day, giving tours and presentations to prospective students.

鈥淚 had been in that exact position, receiving the same presentation, when I was a prospective applicant to the 糖心Vlog,鈥� he said. 鈥淭o see it come full circle was satisfying and inspiring.鈥�

Malik has recently had articles published, including one in the , and is currently reading for a Master of Laws (LLM) at the London School of Economics and Political Science.