Maria Talania

Maria Talania is a law student from Merced, CA

Hometown: Merced, CA

Year: Expected graduation: 2024

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received the Opportunity Scholarship, a merit-based, partial-tuition scholarship based on my aptitude and academic achievements. I am a first-generation law student, and without a scholarship, I cannot afford a legal education. This financial support paved the way for a middle-income student like me to finance my educational expenses at the law school, like paying for books and materials I needed for class.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
I am pursuing a Juris Doctor degree. I always wanted to be a lawyer. Growing up in the Philippines, I've witnessed institutional injustices, poverty and corruption. I told myself that I wanted to create positive change, and one way of achieving that goal is by becoming a lawyer, as lawyers have the power and influence in the decision-making process. Most lawyers become government officials, leaders and advocates in their own field. I wanted to be part of this profession, where I can contribute my skills and knowledge to make a difference in my community. 

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major as an undergraduate was political science with a minor in philosophy. I also have a master’s degree in public administration and policy and am now pursuing my Juris Doctor degree at the NIU College of Law. These majors are steppingstones for a career in the legal public sector. I plan to work for an NGO, nonprofit or governmental agency as a human rights advocate and civil rights litigator, to defend individuals who are marginalized and underrepresented in society.

Tell us about the research you are doing and why it interests you.
I am currently doing directed research on the Second Amendment. Gun violence is a modern phenomenon in the United States. Every day, more than 110 people in America are killed with guns, and the gun homicide rate in the U.S. is 26 times higher than other developed countries. The research explores the implications of the new Supreme Court precedent under N.Y. State Rifle & Pistol Ass'n v. Bruen regarding gun safety laws and regulations. The research primarily focuses on the “sensitive-places doctrine” under the Bruen case. The Bruen Court did not resolve the question of what constitutes a sensitive place in a Second Amendment analysis. Expanding or narrowing down the list of sensitive places will have an impact on future gun litigation in the country. I am interested in learning more about this particular amendment because I plan to practice as a civil rights attorney. This paper will discuss the potential legal challenges of applying a Bruen holding in future gun litigation and policies. 

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
The research experience improved my legal writing and research skills, which are essential skills for a future attorney.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
The research will help me become more competent and knowledgeable about the Bill of Rights and constitutional law, especially if I want to practice as a civil rights attorney.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
Professor Gregory Elinson: He is my research faculty supervisor, and I also work for him as a research assistant. Professor Mark Cordes: He is my Constitutional Law II professor and also contributed to my success in doing research, as he introduced and taught the Second Amendment during my second year of law school. I could not have done this research without these two amazing mentors and experts.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
Tap into your curiosity! There is so much to learn but so little time. Make the most out of your academic experience by pursuing a research topic you are passionate about, and at the same time figure out how this research will help and inform the community at large. 

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
NIU Law offers the best of both worlds: a top-notch legal education and affordability. I have always been passionate about access to justice. I wanted to be competent and at the same time not be in debt after graduation, so that I could better serve those who needed my legal services the most. In addition to NIU Law’s affordability, it also has consistently strong employment and bar-passage numbers. This proves that aspiring law students do not really have to go to an expensive institution to become lawyers. There are more efficient ways to use their resources to achieve personal and professional goals. All it takes is finding the right place to grow. For me, it was NIU Law.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
The NIU campus and DeKalb community are truly welcoming, even to out-of-state students. Students aren’t overwhelmed because they’re part of a very supportive, diverse and vibrant community on campus.

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
Affiliations:

• Champion Team, Best Oralist (Semifinal Round), Best Oralist: 2nd Place (Preliminary Rounds), Best Brief, Carl W. Cicero Prize & Scholarship Award - 2023 Lenny B. Mandell Moot Court Competition
• Participant, 2L Mock Trial Competition - Trial Advocacy Society
• Finalist, 1L Closing Argument Competition - Trial Advocacy Society
• President - Immigration Law Society (ILS)
• Treasurer - American Constitution Society (ACS)
• 2L Representative - International Law Students Association (ILSA)
• 1L Representative - Criminal Law Society (CLS)
• Member - Phi Alpha Delta (PAD)
• Student Ambassador - 2021-2022 NIU Law Student Ambassador Program
• Diversity Scholarship Foundation's First Generation Law Student Mentorship Program
• Women’s Law Caucus Mentorship Program
• NIU Law Study Abroad in France (Summer 2022) - Courses: Civil Law and Civil Lawyers, The Legal System of the European Union

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
Recognized as a “Best Value Law School,” NIU Law offers students an opportunity to make their dream of becoming a successful lawyer a reality, regardless of their socioeconomic status. And I am proof of this immigrant dream. When I moved to this country, I thought my dream of becoming a lawyer was impossible due to the costs attached to it. Being a minority and underrepresented in the legal profession, I always doubted whether I would be able to break the educational barriers of going to law school. When I found out about the amazing things NIU Law has to offer, I knew that this place would be my home for the next three years of my legal career. It was a great decision and has led me to success.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Professor David Taylor is my favorite professor at the law school. Not only is he the coolest person but also very approachable and a brilliant mentor to his students! He really cares about us and wants us to succeed professionally. He is my favorite because I learned a lot from him in litigation and trial advocacy. He made me a better public speaker and thinker in a mock courtroom setting. He teaches civil procedure, a study abroad course in French civil law, evidence and trial advocacy.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Being present is so important when it comes to a student's learning experience. Asking questions can clarify confusing topics. I retain information better when I attend my classes regularly; it keeps me motivated and focused on finishing any tasks at hand. Being in class also provides an opportunity to collaborate with my peers, and I get to learn from them. 

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
The East Lagoon! It's so relaxing to be in nature. It's a great place to decompress and read my favorite non-law books during my free time. 

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Choose a college that will help you become the best version of yourself, where you will find your unique self and develop your individuality. Find a community where you will always feel welcomed and appreciated, as well as a community that can provide ample resources for you to become personally and professionally successful in your chosen field.

Why is a college education important to you?
Mandela stated that education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. Obtaining an education has opened many opportunities for me. I developed my character and leadership skills, overcame my weaknesses and discovered my strengths. What I learned in college taught me values applicable beyond a classroom setting, values such as tolerance, open-mindedness, curiosity, creativity and resilience. Before I change the world, I must change first. Being educated is a tool for personal growth, and as we grow as individuals, society achieves progress as well.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I always make sure that I balance my work, school and social life. It's important for my mental health, and I personally need my friends and family during difficult times. I can be more productive at work and school when my physical, social and emotional well-being needs are met.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I regularly look at bulletin boards and postings we have on campus. I also downloaded the NIU app and it gives me notifications on events, services and happenings on campus.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
Most of the time, I watch movies and my favorite TV shows, go to the gym and listen to music to recharge.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I currently work as a graduate research assistant at the law school and will be having my federal judicial internship this summer in Chicago. My hobbies include travelling, playing an instrument (acoustic guitar) and spending time with my pets (three cats and two dogs).