College: Law School
Major: Law
Hometown: La Salle, Illinois
Q: Why did you choose to attend Drake?
A: I graduated from Drake in 2017 with a major in broadcast news and a minor in sociology. By the time I started my senior year, I had a career in morning radio. I was on the Morning Moose Show on LAZER 103.3 FM from 2016–2021. I lost my job during the pandemic. Shortly after, I began working at a criminal defense law firm in downtown Des Moines. I was the administrative assistant. When I was in school, I thought about law school often, but I thought it was too much of a Cinderella story. I didn’t think it was something I could do well. But after about nine months at the firm, I told my bosses that I was thinking of applying to law school. Being in a law-centered environment gave me the energy I needed to completely change career paths and go from being a morning radio host to being a law student. Three of the four attorneys I worked for went to Drake Law School. Many of my sorority sisters (yay, Thetas!) and close friends from undergrad also went to Drake for law school. The decision for me was easy. I gained such incredible mentors and experience during my undergrad years. I knew law school at Drake would offer similar benefits.
Q: What is your favorite campus memory?
A: During my undergrad years, it was definitely the Drake Relays! I was an on-field reporter for three years. During law school, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to argue in front of the Iowa Supreme Court during my 2L and 3L years.
Q: How has Drake shaped who you are today?
A: Oh, boy. Drake has been a part of my life since I was 18, and I just turned 30. Drake has gifted me with incredible friends. When I got married, four out of the five people in my wedding party were friends that I made during my undergrad years at Drake. Returning for law school was like coming home. I’m still in touch with my professors from undergrad. In fact, I called several of them when I was admitted to law school. That’s the benefit of a smaller school. You actually get to know the people who are educating you.
Q: What is next for you after you graduate?
A: I will sit for the bar exam in July. Fingers crossed that I pass on the first try. After that, I will be working at Grefe & Sidney.
Q: Who have been some of your important mentors during your time at Drake?
A: Jennifer Harvey! She was the director of the Crew Scholars Program throughout my time at Drake. From the School of Journalism and Mass Communication: Lindsay Gilbert, Todd Evans, and David Wright. From the Law School: Andrew Jurs, Colleen Cullen, and Louie Sloven.
Q: Are you involved in any student organizations, groups, or community service work? Tell us about those experiences.
A: I am the captain of the National Moot Court Team. This year, we placed second in regionals and advanced to the national competition in New York City. I am also a member of the Black Law Student Association and OUTLaws, which is the LGBTQIA+ student organization at the Drake Law School.
Q: How has Drake helped you prepare for your future career?
A: Drake Law School has given me the tools, courage, and confidence that a young lawyer needs to succeed. Drake is small enough to offer one-on-one attention, but its reputation is far-reaching, which allows it to offer life-changing experiences. Not many lawyers can say they’ve argued in front of the Iowa Supreme Court, but I’ve done it twice as a student. Justices from the state’s highest court recognize me, and I don’t think I’ll ever get over that. I’ve also been able to represent clients in the Criminal Defense Clinic as a practicing student attorney. Because of the education I’ve received, I will begin my career as an attorney having made arguments in court, prepped for trials, and written appellate briefs.
Q: Based on your experience, what makes Drake special and sets it apart from other schools?
A: Drake doesn’t just admit intelligent and caring students, it also finds some of the most brilliant and empathetic professors. They all want to see us succeed. For example, my criminal law professor stopped teaching at Drake my 2L year, but when I had an upcoming trial, he was one of the first people I reached out to to ask for advice. He responded almost immediately. I also think our career development office is top-tier. I have talked to students from other law schools who felt like they didn’t have any guidance when it came time to look for summer internships. But at Drake, I can walk into the career development office with my eyes set on an internship, and they’ll work to make it happen.