What is your favorite law school memory?
Some of my best law school memories took place in the Law School lobby at the high top tables. I would sit and work (and socialize) there almost every day, and my friends knew where to find me. Classmates and professors would come to chat, and while I may not have always been productive, I treasure the sense of community I felt in those times.
The 2021 Law Review Symposium is also one of my favorite memories because I got to plan the event with one of my best friends, Erin O'Brien. We spent an entire year preparing for the event, getting the best speakers and making necessary adjustments for a virtual symposium. Not only am I incredibly proud of the event the West Virginia Law Review hosted, I am immensely grateful that I got to share in the trials and successes with Erin.
Who/what inspired you to to go law school?
Lawyers are given the tools to make a profound impact and I wanted to learn how to use my voice to make a difference. I was encouraged to go to law school by my mother and was also fortunate to have role models in the legal field including my stepfather Brent Van Deysen and Sara Walker Jones.
Who would you like to thank?
I owe a debt of gratitude to so many people who supported me along my academic career and made my law school graduation possible. To name a few:
To Dean Taylor and Professor Lofaso: Thank you for offering my favorite classes in law school and for investing your time in me. Your feedback and counsel have been instrumental to my success.
To Erin, Emily, and Denali: Thank you for making the last three years, not just survivable, but incredibly fun. Whether studying for finals or going on adventures, I had the very best time doing law school with you. Your friendships are one of the best things I will be taking with me from law school.
To Ally: Thank you for being my best friend and for listening to me talk about law school, even if it did not make sense to you. Thanks for the pep talks, study breaks, and constant support.
To My Parents and Family: Thank you for always having faith that I could do big things, even if I was not as sure. Thank you for supporting my ambitions and doing whatever possible to help me reach my goals. And to my Mom, there are not enough words to encompass how grateful I am for you. So I will just say, we did it!
