When I was in second grade my class had a career day, and I dressed up as an attorney. I had on a black dress, my dad’s old briefcase, and my hair in a tight bun. All this to say, I have known that I wanted to go into the legal field since I was seven years old, so joining the Pre Law Society at Davidson was a no-brainer for me. I know that the path to discovering a passion for the law isn’t as clear cut for some people, and that’s why recruiting and educating new members has been my favorite role as President of the Pre-Law Society. Leaving a mock file review and hearing a classmate get excited about applying to law schools, or sitting in a networking seminar and listening to our members talk about looking for internships with senators and attorneys is what makes my role worthwhile. For this reason, the Greater Charlotte Law School fair was truly my favorite day of the semester.
As President, watching my peers listen intently to admissions officers speaking about the application process, course options, and notable professors, I felt that all of our hard work planning the fair was worthwhile. Afternoons spent advertising the fair to students and law schools alike were rewarded when nearly 70 law schools and 150 students came together to speak about career options and graduate school opportunities. For many of our first-year members the fair was a time to discover courses that excite them and really solidify whether or not law school is the best path. For juniors and seniors, I believe it helped decide which classes and campuses excite them the most, and maybe come to the realization that certain schools simply aren’t a good fit.
My own takeaway from the law school fair was perhaps less concrete than some of my peers. As a junior who chose not to grow abroad, I found my motivation beginning to waiver this semester. Classes seemed longer and LSAT prep was not moving along quickly enough. Speaking to admissions reps from my dream schools—Columbia, Duke, Boston College, and so many others—reminded me what I am working towards at Davidson and within the Pre-Law Society. Learning about immigration law classes and professors who take students to conduct research overseas rekindled a flame that had started to die down. The law school fair prompted me to see that the finish line is in sight, that the goal I have been working towards since I was seven years old is about to pay off greatly. To me, the Greater Charlotte Law School Fair was a truly invaluable experience.
Emily is currently a junior at Davidson College. She is pursuing a double major in English and Gender and Sexuality Studies. Emily is President of the Pre Law Society and hopes to have a career in the legal field.