Note: Each year, Nebraska Appleseed is fortunate to work with a number of bright, talented law clerks and interns. This is one of a series of posts that feature Appleseed’s clerks and interns discussing their backgrounds and experiences.
Immigrants & Communities intern Melissa Bumanglag traded in gorgeous beaches of Hawaii for the not-so-beautiful Nebraska winters.
Hailing from beautiful Mililani, Hawaii (on the island of O’ahu), Melissa decided to come to Creighton University because of the pre-medicine program and the larger Hawaiian population. “I found it to be an excellent home away from home and an added bonus to have a program in place to guide me to med school. However, when I knew I didn’t want to study medicine anymore, I was debating on transferring back home,” she says, “The only reason I stayed was, largely, because of the Creighton Center for Service and Justice Service and Justice Trips program.”
She graduated with degrees in Psychology and Sociology/Criminal Justice. She said that she will be continuing her education this fall when she takes her talents to the southeastern Minnesota where she will attend the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis. She said she isn’t sure what her life will look like after law school, but she hopes it involves work similar to what Appleseed does.
“I’ve heard wonderful things about Nebraska Appleseed through my co-workers at the CCSJ,” she says, “The CCSJ partnered with Appleseed in a few advocacy projects throughout the academic year, and, rather than continue to hear about the experience, I wanted to become a part of the experience as well.”
Melissa always seems to be moving. She admits that she danced hula and tahitian since she was three. She also ran cross country, track, and played soccer. She’s even run a marathon and a few half-marathons in Hawaii. Melissa says that when she is home, going to the beach is a must (the author is currently nodding in agreement).