Class of 2018
When I looked at Walsh University as a high school senior, one of the selling points for me was the small class sizes and the ability to develop relationships with professors. Four years later, I can say that the combination of these two factors has had a significant impact shaping me as a student.
My professors know my name, say hello when I see them on campus, and are always willing to discuss course material outside of the classroom. It is very beneficial to know that if I have a question about something I can go to my professors for help and the small class sizes make classes more engaging and encourage discussion and debate, which has improved my understanding of the class material.
I have truly felt this among my Honors courses. The Honors Program has certainly been rigorous, but it has pushed me outside of my comfort zone and as a result I am much more confident in my writing, critical thinking, communication, and time management skills. These are skills that will be invaluable both in law school and in my future career. I am genuinely appreciative of all of my honors professors and am grateful to have been a part of this program.
I was able to transfer these skills when I began looking for an internship. After determining that I wanted to pursue law during my sophomore year, I decided that it would be good experience to find an internship in the legal field. While home for Easter break that year, I printed off a dozen copies of my resume, put on my suit, and drove down the main road of my hometown stopping at each law firm I saw. I knocked on doors, introduced myself, and politely handed the secretary or office manager a resume and cover letter. I was fortunate to be hired as a legal assistant at a law firm and I have worked there for two years during summer and winter recesses. Throughout my time spent working at the firm, I have learned an exceptional amount about the legal profession and the criminal justice system. I have also begun to develop skills that will be invaluable as I begin my legal education next year.
Walsh has truly helped to prepare me for my future legal education, which I will be starting next year at the University of Notre Dame’s Law School. From the different activities that I was involved in on campus including Business Club, which I was CEO of, Pre-Law Club, where I served as President, four-year varsity member of the Cross Country team and Captain for two years and being able to travel abroad with other athletes to Rome and Sorrento, I was able to become a well-rounded person. I feel that my greatest achievement at Walsh has been successfully balancing academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities at the highest level, all without sacrificing personal relationships and a balanced social life.
While I am excited to begin my journey in Law School, I will be sad to be leaving behind Walsh which has become a home for me. I am incredibly blessed to be graduating from Walsh with many memories and several lifelong friendships.