By ELIZABETH
VALENTIN
Arts Editor
The daughter of immigrant parents paves her way in America as she ventures off to Emory Law School. Maria Henain, 21, was born in Chicago, IL to Egyptian parents.
Part of her heritage and Egyptian culture makes her connection to her religion a strong part of who she is. She explains that she has strong cultural ties to her Catholic Orthodox church.
Henain also explains that she has an appreciation for the Egyptian-American community. Part of this appreciation comes from her experience with Egyptians who already live in America helping those who have recently immigrated here.
Aside from her strong connection to her Egyptian culture, Henain also feels a strong bond with her family. Her family is fluent in Arabic and she is not, although she is able to understand some words and phrases. This creates a small barrier between them sometimes, but despite this, she embraces both her Egyptian and American cultures.
“I’ve found myself immersed in both cultures,” said Henain.
Her older brother, Joe Henain, who was born in Saudi Arabia, is graduating this year as well. He is receiving his medical degree from Albany Medical College. He also matched for residency at Emory. This became something that “strongly influenced by decision to go to Emory for law school,” said Henain.
Henain has had a successful college career in the field of criminal justice, which ultimately led her to law school. Professor Alfred Chapleau has worked with Henain in classes as well as through her work on the Loretta Preska National Collegiate Mock Trial Team. She was a member of this team for two years, and was captain during her last year. While she worked with the team, she won the title of best attorney four times.
“Maria has been recognized all over the east coast,” said Chapleau.
Chapleau also commented on Henain’s character as an intellectual. He said that she wants to achieve perfection.
“She has a combination of drive, motivation, and desire that are second to none,” Chapleau said.
Henain is commended by Chapleau for being “one of the best participants of the Mock Trial Association.” Professor Angela Ledford also commented on her successes in mock trial, saying that she is a “well respected member of the team.”
When asked to describe Henain, Ledford said “She came in as a smart, poised, and curious individual. She leaves that way, with more sophisticated thinking.”
Ledford also said that Henain is an ideal student because she is so willing to ask hard questions and press her own beliefs.
“She does this willingly,” said Ledford. “She goes where the questions and evidence lead her.”
Ledford also built a relationship with Henain when she interned with the New York State Assembly. Through this internship, she was able to develop both intellectually and professionally, according to Ledford. Henaine was one of 160 student interns during her time there. Of these 160 students, she was awarded one of 10 paper awards presented to outstanding students, who were able to work through policies.
Ledford describes Henain as a role model, which Josephine Rivera, who is bestfriends with Henain, can attest to. She said that Henain has been an inspiration for her throughout college. “She has won so many awards in mock trial and been published by the NYS Assembly, I mean who wouldn’t want her to look up to,” said Rivera.
Rivera also explains that Henaine is a person who cares about everyone around her and who“only wants to make the world a better place. Her love for civil rights will only continue to flourish in law school.”
In addition to all of this, Henaine also has a love for music. She has a particular liking for rock and alternative music, including bands like Blink-182 and Pvris. According to Rivera, she “may be really passionate about school but honestly she’s a walking Shazam because she loves to listen to music in her spare time.”
Henain overall thanks any of her professors, peers and advisors who have helped her along the way through her college experience. Similarly, her professors wish her luck after her graduation from college.
“I know she is going to be successful beyond this,” said Chapleau.
