At just 25 years old, Mulan John is already making waves in her community and beyond. Born and raised in the Marshall Islands, she now works at the Office of the Attorney General as an Assistant Attorney General and a Prosecutor under the Criminal Division.
John’s roots are deeply intertwined with her island heritage. She proudly hails from multiple atolls, including Enewetak, Utrik, Wotje, Likiep, Aur, and Jalwoj.
“I am the youngest daughter of the late Mishael John and Arosina Maddison John,” she shared. “My family legacy also includes grandparents who were influential figures in their communities. With five older siblings, 14 nieces and nephews, and my son Azariah-Eliezer, my family bond is a cornerstone to my identity.”
Growing up in the Marshall Islands, John experienced the challenges of living in a small Pacific nation. Limited access to resources like research tools, transportation, and even basic necessities was part of her daily reality.
“There were times when my friends and I had to skip lunch or share what little we had due to financial constraints,” she recalls. Yet, these struggles were offset by her family’s unwavering support and an early recognition of the value of education. Her older siblings’ experiences became lessons that inspired her to persevere, honor her culture, and strive for success.
John’s educational journey is remarkable. After completing primary and secondary education in the Marshall Islands, she participated in the Junior Statesmen Program, a college preparatory initiative in Washington, DC This experience opened doors to new opportunities and ignited her passion for learning.
She later pursued tertiary education at The University of the South Pacific (USP), attending both the RMI Campus and the Emalus Campus in Vanuatu.
Several factors influenced her decision to attend USP. Her passion for Pacific studies and a desire to understand the region’s cultural and legal frameworks played a significant role.
“A close mentor, who became like a mother to me, inspired me to explore USP,” John says. Stories from USP alumni, talanoa sessions, and the University’s reputation for fostering academic and cultural exchange further cemented her choice.
At USP, John thrived in a diverse community of students and lecturers. She participated in cultural and academic events, with highlights including Open Day and Social Night, which underscored the importance of education and cultural exchange.
“Being a member of the USP Students Association (USPSA) for two years helped me engage more with students,” she says. John also joined the Micronesian Law Students Association and the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC), groups that deepened her connections to both her peers and pressing regional issues.
Studying in Vanuatu allowed John to build a sense of community with residents. This holistic approach to education, blending academic rigour with cultural immersion, left a lasting impression. Her determination and passion for making a difference eventually led her to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (PDLP), which she completed earlier this year.
John’s legal career began with internships that provided a critical foundation. Over two years, she gained hands-on experience in legal offices in both the Marshall Islands and Vanuatu, including the Attorney General’s office in the RMI, the Vanuatu Law Reform Commission, and the Vanuatu Intellectual Property Law Office. These roles offered invaluable insights and prepared her for the challenges of the legal profession.
In May, John’s hard work paid off when she officially entered the legal field. By September, she had joined the Office of the Attorney General in the Marshall Islands. Transitioning from academia to the professional world has been both challenging and rewarding.
“As a prosecutor and Assistant Attorney General, the work is surely not easy,” she admits. “It’s a steep learning curve, but it’s an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to my community while continuing to grow professionally.”
John’s role allows her to apply the legal knowledge and skills she has acquired while addressing real-world issues in her community. Whether it is advocating for justice or navigating the complexities of legal frameworks, she approaches her work with the same determination that has defined her journey.
Looking ahead, John remains committed to her vision of giving back. “From a young age, I’ve always wanted to contribute more to society,” she says. Her story is not only a source of inspiration for young people in the Pacific but also a reminder of the transformative power of education and resilience.
“Investing in tertiary education empowers Pacific youth to contribute meaningfully to their family, communities and country,” she shared.
“It provides our Pacific people with the knowledge and skills to address regional and even universal challenges, preserve cultural heritage, and drive sustainable development. It can shape one’s future, personal growth and even those of the generations to come.”
