From Teaching to Transformative Change: Meet Elias Massion

/ Sangeeta Kishore

There are numerous roads to law school, and no one-size fits all path to a successful legal career. Follow along with our new series highlighting BC Law students and how they got here! 

Our first entry was a Q&A with Sara Womble, a 2L from Winston Salem, NC. Our second entry is with Elias Massion, who comes from Nashville, TN and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

What did you do before coming to law school?

I completed the Teach For America program in New Orleans! I was a 5th and 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher at Mildred Osborne Charter School. I taught Native American history and European colonization in the Americas as well as ancient civilizations (my personal favorite). I’ve always had an interest in teaching so this was a great opportunity to gain that experience on my path to law school.

Why did you decide to go to law school? And why BC Law? 

My decision to go to law school was based on two factors: 1) my natural inclination to pursue a career that is highly interpersonal, and 2) my strong conviction to work towards ending the racialized policing and mass incarceration that plagues the American criminal justice system.

I chose BC Law because of the quality of legal education and the strong alumni network. I have had phenomenal professors, and my friends here bring joy to me every day.

How have your past experiences informed your law school experience and future career interests? 
I saw how the justice system affected the attendance and mental health of my students. Whether they had a parent that was incarcerated, had to appear in court for a custody dispute, or were a juvenile defendant themselves, my students’ abilities to receive a quality education were hampered. Working at a public school in a community struggling with crime, housing insecurities, and lack of access to public services thickened my skin, deepened my empathy, and broadened my perspectives. It also shed light on the variety of ways I can make a positive impact in the lives of others such as advocating for their needs, providing financial support, or simply being a kind, caring listener. I am privileged to be in the position I am today, and I feel a moral duty to serve communities like the one where I taught.

Sangeeta Kishore is a second-year student at BC Law and president of the Impact blog. Contact her at kishorsa@bc.edu.