By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Law student Giselle (Gigi) DeJong holds a unique undergraduate degree — she is one of two students who were the first in the world to study all three national varieties of the Dutch language: Netherlands Dutch, Belgian Dutch (Flemish) and Surinamese Dutch.
Earning her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan, DeJong minored in Dutch Language and Culture, and she focused on European politics and history with a particular emphasis on the Dutch political and cultural environment, and how colonization shaped its past.
“Because of its colonial past, the Dutch language is not limited to the Netherlands or Belgium,” she explained. “The Dutch language is also spoken in Suriname, a small country in South America that gained independence from the Dutch in 1975. Surinamese colonial history is largely unknown to most of the world, but it tells an important story of European colonialism. I would love to use the knowledge I gained studying the Dutch language and culture to shape how I practice law.”
Dejong’s Dutch roots run deep. Her grandfather emigrated to Canada from The Netherlands at a young age, from the small northern province of Friesland; and her grandmother came from Maastricht, in the south.
“The two of them settled in a very Dutch town in Ontario, where both of my parents grew up. Their hometown in Canada has many ties to Dutch heritage, and my grandparents were dedicated to keeping their heritage alive,” says DeJong, now a 1L at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
DeJong also has fond U-M memories of learning to play the carillo — a large instrument composed of bells swung using a set of keys similar to a piano. Not extremely common or accessible, carillons are located mostly in churches.
“Rather than it being exclusive to the wealthy, white male, the carillon at the University of Michigan is an instrument for decolonialization,” DeJong said. “My professor, Tiffany Ng, taught me how to play using a decolonizing framework — and I learned how to play common Surinamese children’s songs.”
After enjoying political science studies, DeJong turned her sights to law school, the first in her family with the opportunity to attend graduate school.
“I loved studying political theory and examining how the application of such political theory leads to the implementation of law,” she said. “I wanted to expand my knowledge and create a career surrounding my interests.
“I’ve always wanted a career that serves others,” she said. “My mom works as a court administrator for the Macomb County Juvenile Court — she inspired and encouraged me to follow my passion for service.”
DeJong was drawn to Detroit Mercy Law for its tight-knit community.
“I‘d heard firsthand from multiple graduates how great the Detroit Mercy Law program is. When I found out I got in, it was a no-brainer for me,” she said.
DeJong is particularly interested in intellectual property and contract law.
“I hope to work individually with clients and create strong bonds throughout my career,” she said.
Originally from Macomb, DeJong now lives in midtown Detroit with her partner, an emergency department nurse, and stays fit by lifting weights, doing Pilates, and walking her dog often.
“Staying active is a crucial part of balancing my school work and life activities. Exercise is vital in maintaining good mental health, even when going through the rigors of law school,” she said.
Legal News
Law student Giselle (Gigi) DeJong holds a unique undergraduate degree — she is one of two students who were the first in the world to study all three national varieties of the Dutch language: Netherlands Dutch, Belgian Dutch (Flemish) and Surinamese Dutch.
Earning her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan, DeJong minored in Dutch Language and Culture, and she focused on European politics and history with a particular emphasis on the Dutch political and cultural environment, and how colonization shaped its past.
“Because of its colonial past, the Dutch language is not limited to the Netherlands or Belgium,” she explained. “The Dutch language is also spoken in Suriname, a small country in South America that gained independence from the Dutch in 1975. Surinamese colonial history is largely unknown to most of the world, but it tells an important story of European colonialism. I would love to use the knowledge I gained studying the Dutch language and culture to shape how I practice law.”
Dejong’s Dutch roots run deep. Her grandfather emigrated to Canada from The Netherlands at a young age, from the small northern province of Friesland; and her grandmother came from Maastricht, in the south.
“The two of them settled in a very Dutch town in Ontario, where both of my parents grew up. Their hometown in Canada has many ties to Dutch heritage, and my grandparents were dedicated to keeping their heritage alive,” says DeJong, now a 1L at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
DeJong also has fond U-M memories of learning to play the carillo — a large instrument composed of bells swung using a set of keys similar to a piano. Not extremely common or accessible, carillons are located mostly in churches.
“Rather than it being exclusive to the wealthy, white male, the carillon at the University of Michigan is an instrument for decolonialization,” DeJong said. “My professor, Tiffany Ng, taught me how to play using a decolonizing framework — and I learned how to play common Surinamese children’s songs.”
After enjoying political science studies, DeJong turned her sights to law school, the first in her family with the opportunity to attend graduate school.
“I loved studying political theory and examining how the application of such political theory leads to the implementation of law,” she said. “I wanted to expand my knowledge and create a career surrounding my interests.
“I’ve always wanted a career that serves others,” she said. “My mom works as a court administrator for the Macomb County Juvenile Court — she inspired and encouraged me to follow my passion for service.”
DeJong was drawn to Detroit Mercy Law for its tight-knit community.
“I‘d heard firsthand from multiple graduates how great the Detroit Mercy Law program is. When I found out I got in, it was a no-brainer for me,” she said.
DeJong is particularly interested in intellectual property and contract law.
“I hope to work individually with clients and create strong bonds throughout my career,” she said.
Originally from Macomb, DeJong now lives in midtown Detroit with her partner, an emergency department nurse, and stays fit by lifting weights, doing Pilates, and walking her dog often.
“Staying active is a crucial part of balancing my school work and life activities. Exercise is vital in maintaining good mental health, even when going through the rigors of law school,” she said.
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