Admissions Fellow
Background
Class of 2022
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Undergrad: Westminster College
Majors/Minors: Biology
What did you do prior to coming to the University of Maine School of Law?
I worked for 3 years in biotechnology, developing rapid diagnostic tests to detect various infectious diseases. However, I knew that I needed more out of a career and decided to pursue a profession that focused on human rights issues. I left my research associate position, worked in a less demanding job for an online retailer, and allocated my time to community-based organizations focused on LGBTQ+ youth and refugee communities.
Maine Law
Why did you choose to attend the University of Maine School of Law?
I knew from my undergraduate experience that I excelled in a small, community-based learning environment. After visiting Maine Law for Admitted Students’ Day, I knew that it was the perfect fit for me. Maine Law is truly unique because it is a small community with an equal opportunity to that of the largest institutions. It was clear from my visit that I would receive an excellent education, unmatched professional experience, direct access to world-class professors, and develop lasting relationships with my peers.
What has been most helpful to you in making the adjustment to the life of a Maine Law student?
My husband is the most supportive yet grounding person in my life. His ability to push me to finish my last few pages of reading on a Tuesday night has been just as important as his request that I close my books by four o’clock on Friday nights.
Second, my peers have been such an incredible resource and support system. At orientation, they told me that I would meet some of my life-long friends in my 1L classroom and they were not wrong. No one understands quite what you are going through like your classmates. Leaning on my 1L class and upperclassmen has been incredibly helpful in my adjustment to life at Maine Law.
What is one thing that has surprised you about Maine Law?
I have been genuinely surprised by how small the Maine Bar is and how integrated Maine Law is within it. I have received opportunities because a student or professor has connected me with an attorney they know. I have attended lectures and panels that are given by impressive judges, attorneys, and organization directors. The legal community is very small in Maine and Maine Law does an excellent job of connecting students to it early.
What are you hoping to do after graduation, and how is Maine Law helping you to facilitate that goal?
I hope to work for a legal services provider that focuses on providing affordable or free legal aid to marginalized and under-represented communities.
Because Maine Law is small and focuses on community-based learning, I feel like my career-goals were considered from day one. For example, I was assigned a faculty advisor based on my interests and goals. After speaking with my faculty advisor about my long-term career goals, she quickly connected me with an attorney at Pine Tree Legal Assistance, where I interned my 1L summer. Beyond the networking, Maine Law has provided me with an education that has proven equal to my peers from other law schools. Finally, Maine Law also provides numerous opportunities to become involved in the clinics, which will be integral in becoming a practice-ready attorney upon graduation.
Activities
Are you involved in extracurricular activities, either on or off campus? What are they?
I am the Admissions Fellow for the Class of 2022, where I am given the opportunity to interact with prospective and incoming students, supporting them through orientation.
I help the Maine Association for Public Interest Law (MAPIL) with planning and hosting the MAPIL Auction, which provides funds for students who want to spend their summer working in areas of public interest. I also am a member of the Multicultural Law Society, which focuses on issues impacting underrepresented ethnic groups, including Maine’s refugee population.
When you are not at school, how do you like to spend your time?
I am usually cross-country skiing, hiking, or camping with my husband and our dog, Tucker.
Portland
What do you like best about Portland?
Maine has really packed everything you need in such a small city. The food is unreal, and you can’t go wrong when trying something new. The city is surrounded by ocean, which is best appreciated from a local breweries’ patio. And, the people are incredibly kind and welcoming.
What are some things that have surprised you about Portland?
The city is very walkable and bike/pedestrian-friendly. To my constant surprise, a car will come to a complete stop if there is a chance that you might enter a crosswalk. The city is also incredibly dog friendly. We usually bring our pup anywhere with a patio, there are off-leash areas just outside of the city, and dogs are everywhere.
Advice
For someone who is considering attending Maine Law, how would you describe the student community here?
My peers challenge me constantly; however, they are also incredibly supportive and truly want me to succeed as a person and future-attorney. I am constantly impressed by my classmate’s ability to answer a cold-call perfectly or explain a concept to me that I am not quite grasping. We are a community that works together to lift everyone, and we are fun enough to hangout with on the weekends.
If you could tell a prospective student one thing about Maine Law, what would it be?
Visit us. Every school sells a different type of learning environment and not all types are for everyone. It is important that you experience our community directly to assess whether you and Maine Law are a good match. We are very welcoming and love meeting prospective students.