Describe your central passion(s) and how you hope to carry that into your post-grad plans:
Throughout the course of my four-year undergraduate experience, I’ve found that my passions have only been strengthened and expanded to depths I never imagined. I’ve come to find I am extremely passionate about juvenile justice, the process and proceedings of trials, and criminological theory in relation to our everyday lives. Each of these components have inspired me to pursue a career in law and attend law school to become a prosecutor.
What (or who) helped inspire your passion in this area (or areas)?
I feel that many professors have inspired my passions including Professors Moser, Upchurch, Bos, Parker, Steverson, and my mock trial coach Jonathan Growick. More generally, the Criminology and Pre-Law departments have 100% influenced me. Without the professors in these disciplines, I would not be the student and person I am today. I am incredibly thankful for their time and effort over the last four years.
Briefly tell us the story of one stand-out memory from your time at Flagler that will always make you smile:
A standout memory that will always make me smile was receiving a bid to attend Opening Round Championships (ORCs) with my mock trial team in the spring of 2021. This was one of the greatest moments of my college career because it solidified for me that delayed gratification and hard work are worth it. Seeing all of my teammates so excited was a valuable experience and being able to share our success together is something I’ll never forget.
What academic resources, experiences, or mentors proved most valuable throughout your Flagler experience?
An academic experience that has proven to be valuable to me was the mock trial team. The real-world experience it provides with trial simulation and understanding of the legal system has benefited me greatly and made me understand a career in the legal field is something I want to pursue. Further, experience with my job in the mailroom for the last three academic years has provided me with customer service skills and time management between work and school. My supervisors Terry, Esther, and Robert have been superb mentors and a great support system. Lastly, Professor Moser and Jonathan Growick have been outstanding mentors who have shown me what true leadership and integrity looks like. Dr. Bos has also been a huge help and mentor in my academic success, and I am thankful to have taken a course with her every semester since the spring of 2021.
What is one piece of advice or lesson you learned about the college experience that you wish you could tell your freshman year self?
Hard work will pay off and be patient with yourself. As a freshman, the concept of delayed gratification or success is hard to understand because you haven’t seen the payoff yet. Persevering through challenges and rising above hardship is the best way to ensure you stay on track and remain goal oriented. Some days you may not feel up to a challenge, but if you persevere it will be worth it in the end.
Tell us about what you’re up to next! Any cool experiences, professional positions, or unique opportunities you have lined up after graduation?
I was recently accepted into The Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania and will be attending Fall 2023.