Manar Zayed
About Manar: I graduated high school when I was 16 and finished my associate’s degree when I was 18. I then spent a year in Palestine teaching English to students in kindergarten, 5th, 6th, and 7th grade. Afterwards, I came back home to pursue my bachelor’s degree. Teaching showed me how much I wanted to make a positive impact.
Previous Legal and/or Professional Experience: I’ve been a police dispatcher for several police departments for the past 5 years. Because of this experience, I’ve had the opportunity to see both sides of the issues, which encouraged me to pursue a legal career. I wanted to make a bigger impact through law, rather than just listening to the issues. I wanted my words to be heard.
What activities are you involved in? I teach written and spoken Arabic at different schools and at my mosque.
Why did you choose NIU Law? I chose NIU because I can get a high quality education at an affordable price. I get to know the professors very well, and I get to interact with them. I like that everyone is friendly, motivating, and encouraging. Around every corner I turn, I get advice. In law school, you can’t have negative people surrounding you, and I really like the positive support.
This interview was conducted in Fall 2011.