Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University

Desiree Matel-Anderson

Desiree Matel-Anderson

I chose my major because … I wanted to make an impact on society and, in order to do so, I thought receiving a legal education would give insight into how I could accomplish this.

My favorite thing to do on campus is … talk to other students and get their perspectives on current world events and their recommendations on realistic resolutions.

Outside of the classroom, my favorite thing at NIU that really enhances my experience here is  … working with students through the Mediation Department in Judicial Affairs to resolve conflicts and find solutions to better enhance both parties’ end result.

When I have free time, I like to … study African politics. I am currently reading the opinions and books of Justice Mobido Ocran, one of the Ghana Supreme Court Justices. I also will be spending the summer working in Accra, the capital of Ghana, assisting the efforts of the AFLA, a well-respected international organization.

One thing I wish I knew about actual college life before I got here is … how very important it is to open your mind up to all of the opportunities a university has to offer you and to not be afraid to dive in and get involved.

One positive thing I have learned about myself since coming to NIU is … that I am capable of anything that I set my mind to.

If I was guaranteed success, I would ... work in a field utilizing the grassroots forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution methods to assist in conflicts over resources, labor and oppression. My theory is that by incorporating these collaborative schemes it will benefit both parties in financially, economically and socially sound ways.

After graduation, I plan to … I am not sure what is in store for me, but I do know that I hope I can be of assistance in creating a more efficient legal system, whether it is on an international, local or personal level.

The one NIU experience I will always remember will be ... walking into the law school library with its rows and rows of treatises encased in neat little rows towering the library walls and wondering if I would ever be able to navigate this terrifying maze!

NIYou

Area of study: Law

Graduation Date: May 2009

Other Degrees: B.A., Communications, Business and Mass Communications.

Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis.

High School: Nicolet

Current Employment: Department of Mediation, University Judicial Affairs Office

Campus Involvement:

  • AFLA intern working in Accra, Ghana, on human rights efforts (2007)
  • First-Year Representative, Student Bar Association (2006-2007)
  • Treasurer, Student Bar Association (2007-2008)
  • NIU Division Coordinator, Student Hurricane Network (2007)
  • Public Interest Volunteer (Auction 2007)
  • Illinois State Bar Association/American Bar Association

Highlights, achievements and awards:

  • Pro Bono certificate for 60+ hours of service with the Student Hurricane Network

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