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Nora Olsewski '11

Nora Olsewski '11, Political Science | Carbondale, Pa.

No time to be bored

Coming to SU was a perfect opportunity for someone like me. No one knew me here, so I had no fear of failure and was ready to try all kinds of extracurricular stuff, from working with new freshmen as a student advisor to joining the SU College Republicans. I haven’t lost sight of the fact that these activities are called “extras” for a reason; studies come first. Still, the opportunities I’ve been afforded have been even better than I might have imagined. During my sophomore year, for instance, a few of us from the College Republicans traveled to D.C. where, along with students from other colleges, we met all the Republican presidential candidates. 

One of my favorite activities here is the SU Mock Trial team. My goal is to become a lawyer, but there are students on the team who just want to have some fun, or polish their public speaking or improve their understanding of how the law works. We argue cases in front of practicing attorneys, who sit as judges and juries.

I guess I didn’t realize how much SU had prepared me to become a law student until I worked as an intern in the county district attorney’s office last summer. Michele DeMary, a political science professor, is the pre-law advisor and is great at helping students think through all of their options. I’ve never felt like she’s trying to sell law school; she wants to help me find what’s right for me. She’s also like a Mom to us, inviting us over her house for lasagna and making herself available when we need help. 

In fact, that personal touch has marked my whole SU experience.  You’re not going to get that at some huge school, or even at most small schools.

Connections:

• Prelaw Program Prepare for a legal career »
• Michele DeMary Dedicated to student success »
• Career Preparation Make your mark in the world »
• Preprofessional Programs Your pathway to a profession »