About Me
Name
Debora Gunawan
Prior Education
Universitas Gadjah Mada (sarjana hukum, 2022)
Before Ann Arbor
I grew up in Surabaya, Indonesia.
Before My LLM Year
I was a human rights activist and corporate lawyer in Indonesia.
My Time at Michigan Law
Why I Chose Michigan Law
I was drawn to Michigan Law for its strong international legal scholarship and the opportunity to learn within a small, intellectually vibrant cohort that fosters close mentorship and collaboration.
What Makes Michigan Law Special
What makes Michigan Law special is the balance between serious academics and a really fun, supportive culture. The Law Quad is one of the most beautiful places to study; it actually makes you romanticize your workload. Football games are a big thing here, and the energy on campus is unbeatable.
Beyond that, people are genuinely kind, collaborative, and always down to hang out or help each other. It doesn’t feel competitive; it feels like you’re all in it together.
My Favorite Class
Corporations and Human Rights with Professor Steven Ratner
UN Human Rights Practicum with Professor Karima Bennoune
Critical Race Theory with Professor Elise Boddie
What Surprised Me Most About Michigan Law
How genuinely warm and collaborative the community is, including JD students and professors. I expected it to feel more isolating as an international student, but I found myself having deep conversations in class, attending house parties, joining organizations, and feeling like I truly belong here.
The Most Difficult Thing About the LLM Year
Honestly? Balancing everything. The classes are intense, especially when you’re adjusting to the US legal system, but at the same time, you want to make friends, be involved, travel, and enjoy the experience. Trying to do it all without burning out is the hardest part.
Biggest Hesitation About the LLM Year
I was worried I’d feel like an outsider, that I’d just be passing through without really being seen or forming real connections. But that changed quickly once I found my community, both in the LLM cohort and beyond.
The Best Things About Ann Arbor
It’s such a charming little city—cozy but never boring. The food scene is surprisingly good (especially for a small city), the art and music culture is fun, and it’s nice to live somewhere walkable and peaceful while managing law school activities. Plus, fall in Ann Arbor is very beautiful.
If I Could Time Travel, I Would Give Myself This Advice at the Start of My LLM Year
Don’t try to do everything perfectly. Say yes to new things, but also protect your peace. You won’t remember every case you read, but you’ll remember the people, the late-night talks, the road trips, and the vulnerability. Let yourself live a little.
Extracurricular Activities
Salzburg Cutler Fellow, Michigan Journal of International Law, Phi Delta Phi (Kent Inn), Women Also Know Law, Sentence Commutation Project, Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA), and Indonesian Student Association at the University of Michigan (ISA-UM).
Fun Stuff
When I’m Not Studying
You’ll find me at the gym, trying out restaurants, hosting dinner parties, singing at karaoke bars, wandering through museums, playing games, or watching anime in my room.
Favorite Book
Woman at Point Zero by Nawal El Saadawi
Favorite Movie
Big Fish and Begonia
Favorite TV Show
The White Lotus
Favorite Musical Artist
Dash Berlin
Favorite Beverage
Lychee soju with Yakult
Favorite Food From Home
Balinese babi guling (roasted suckling pig)
Favorite Food in the United States
Mofongo con carne
Favorite Item at the Kirkland & Ellis Cafe
Cheese quesadilla