Background
Class Year: Expected 2024 (Flex Time)
Hometown: Skowhegan, ME
Undergrad: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Majors/Minors: Biology and Biotechnology with a concentration in Ecology; and Technical, Scientific, and Professional Communication
Graduate: VMD (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
What did you do prior to coming to the University of Maine School of Law?
I am a small animal veterinarian, and am continuing to practice during law school.
Maine Law
Why did you choose to attend the University of Maine School of Law?
The biggest factors included location and class sizes. I was drawn to the more intimate settings with smaller class sizes and more faculty interaction that mirrored my previous educational experiences. Since my family is well established where we are, I also needed a school within driving distance.
What has been most helpful to you in making the adjustment to the life of a Maine Law student?
The entire team, faculty and staff, is incredibly supportive of students. I have enjoyed making new connections and new friends at a stage in life where this can be more difficult. Everyone is always available to answer questions, and I have not been shy!
How would you describe your experience at Maine Law?
It has made me fall in love with school again. I had a more difficult experience in veterinary school, but knew I really wanted to go back to school. I have honestly been excited to learn every day at Maine Law and it has been a great experience. Although it will take me longer to complete the curriculum due to being a flex-time student, I know I will enjoy being able to develop stronger relationships with everyone at Maine Law.
What are you hoping to do after graduation, and how is Maine Law helping you to facilitate that goal?
I have a great many interests, and will likely pursue whatever opportunity arises out of those that will make me feel fulfilled. I enjoy learning and growing, and because of this I am interested in academia. I hope to potentially be an adjunct faculty member at a university, along with continuing to practice veterinary medicine. I also hope to run for political office and use the knowledge I have gained to be a stronger advocate for my community.
The Career Services Office does a lot to help students. I have met with multiple staff to work on my resume, and discuss paths moving forward. My path is not traditional, and so I don’t fit into a typical mold, but the staff has still been very supportive and helpful in trying to advise me and is always willing to answer questions.
Activities
Are you involved in extracurricular activities, either on or off campus? What are they?
I am currently on the curriculum committee and have enjoyed working with other students and faculty at that level. I try to attend meetings for multiple student groups and the educational lunches they provide –there is so much to learn! I am particularly drawn to the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund Chapter and the Environmental and Energy Law Society.
When you are not at school, how do you like to spend your time?
How do I like to spend my time or how do I spend my time is the real question!
I have three young children – currently 5, 7, and 9 years old. We have a dog, three cats, and three guinea pigs. I work part time during the school year at the practice I previously owned and have worked at for the past 10 years. I do a lot of volunteer work for the veterinary profession. This includes at the state level, but also nationally. My goal in volunteering is to keep our profession sustainable in a time of high change including gender shifts, large generational shifts, and client expectation changes.
As I mentioned, I love learning. This includes hobbies! I read a lot, even during school. I sew and make most of the clothes for my children, and I also enjoy gardening.
Portland
What do you like best about Portland?
Having attended school in much larger cities, I love the size. To me, Portland is a small city which provides all of the amenities and attractions of a city without the bad traffic and crowding.
Portland has a reputation for its vast array of food options. Do you have any favorite restaurants or grocery stores?
Taco Escobarr! And for close to school – Punky’s makes great sandwiches.
Advice
For someone who is considering attending Maine Law, how would you describe the student community here?
There is a large age diversity which is really helpful for older students. There are also a lot of parents juggling law school and parenting and it is nice to commiserate. There are always students willing to help others. Overall, it is very non-competitive and welcoming.
If you could tell a prospective student one thing about Maine Law, what would it be?
The smaller size of Maine Law compared to other schools allows for you to have a more unique experience. You have a lot of leeway in choosing your own educational path, and there are many opportunities to specifically learn more. For classes Maine Law does not offer, you can still do independent projects with a faculty member to learn more about that subject.
Law school is a professional degree, so of course it is stressful at times and it is a lot of material to learn. However, I think Maine Law and the community work hard to make sure every student is successful and enjoys their time as a student.