Student and Alumni Profiles

Professional Experience Prior to Law School:

Middle School Math Tutor, Girard College; Senior Office Assistant, University of Pennsylvania Law Review; Development and Communications Associate, Philadelphia VIP.

What I Am Hoping to Do with My Law Degree:

I hope to stay in Philadelphia and change the city for the people I grew up with and grown to love.

My Best Experience at Penn Law:

So far, my best experience at Penn Law has been participating in (and winning) the pumpkin-carving contest with members of my cohort.

Professor Who Influenced Me Most:

Kristin Madison. I admire her genius, and tempered with tenderness she is one of the most effective professors I’ve ever had the pleasure to experience. I sincerely appreciate her willingness to discuss not only Contracts class material but also her other academic interests.

My Favorite Course:

Legal Writing. It’s been an unexpected challenge, but it allows me to express my strengths in writing. It's a nice break in the curriculum to do something less theoretical and more formulaic, and argue a point like the attorneys I see on Law and Order.

An Example of How the Law School's Cross-disciplinary Approach Influences My Legal Education:

I plan to apply for a Masters in Bioethics because of upperclassmen Emily Stopa. She shared her experience and how she learned empirical skills through the program at the College of Medicine that she didn't get in law school. Even though I cannot take classes in the program yet, the administrators have already been great about inviting me to events, conferences and symposia while also counseling me on course options for next year.

Meaningful Cross-disciplinary Experience at Penn (with a brief why):

I participated in the Penn's first Global Law Forum with lawyers and law students from six different countries who met at our school to discuss international health systems. We focused particularly on organ donation, and visited the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania to discuss transplantation with surgeons and medical administrators. Afterwards we had a chance to discuss, and cordially argue, about our opinions of an ideal transplant system. The knowledge I gained from my peers and seasoned attorneys offered me a broader view on a topic I knew nothing about but that is critical to saving lives.

Penn Law is known for its collegial environment. Why is collegiality important to a legal education? How has it affected your legal education?

I love coming to school every morning. I look forward to seeing my classmates. The collegial atmosphere has made me more excited about learning because my classes are not a chore, and my classmates are not a burden. I look forward to spending time with my professors and other friends. Penn Law allows its students to play as hard as we work, and I enjoy being in a school where friends, faculty and staff can work together, not compete.

My Favorite Philadelphia Moment:

When the Phillies won the World Series, all class, race, gender and age gaps closed and for a moment, all Philadelphians were one in the same. We were joined by mutual jubilation, and for a time, none of the things that ordinarily divided us mattered.

What I'm Most Proud Of:

Being the first person in my family to attend college and law school.

My Extracurricular Activities at Penn Law:

Christian Legal Society, Black Law Students Association, Health Law Group.

What I Did For Public Interest:

I worked in public interest for a year before law school. Although I have not had a chance to participate in a pro bono activity yet, I look forward to doing community service with BLSA next semester and joining a project that allows me to start helping people in the city once again next year.

My Favorite Place or Activity on the University Campus:

I love the Clock early in the morning. It is the best time to talk to some of the staff. As students trickle in, the people that make Penn Law run and keep the building beautiful are there, bright eyed and ready to interact. I learn about their families, gain new recipes, chat about sports teams, and receive invaluable encouragement.

How should I build relationships with my professors?

Instead of buying supplemental materials or trying to teach yourself topics from Wikipedia, go to your professor's office hours. They are usually laid back and friendly, and they enjoy getting to know you as much as you will enjoy their company. Plus, building a relationship with a professor that shares your interest will open up opportunities that you may not be offered otherwise. Also, I would never turn down a professor's willingness to meet for lunch or coffee. Having personal conversations with them is fascinating, and you will learn a lot about what you can do with a J.D.

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