By Shanna Louis

This past term at Drexel has felt like the real beginning of my college experience, not just another semester to survive. I was always the ambitious one in my family, the one who would reach for the stars and then aim even higher. But that part of me almost vanished until she was reawakened in a better environment that valued how hard I work and how deeply I strive to become the best version of myself. When I transferred here, I wanted a fresh start and a chance to rebuild my relationship with school. University 101, along with my law classes, helped me realize that I’m allowed to take ownership of my path, what I study, how I use my time, and what kind of future law student I want to be. I’m ending the term with a clearer sense of control and a stronger belief that I can build a version of college where I actually thrive.

One of the most important things I learned this term is that there is no single “right” way to be a law student. For a long time, people made it sound like there was only one path to law school: major in political science, join mock trial, do debate, and follow a formula. The problem is that I hate mock trial and debating, and I’ve realized I really don’t enjoy political science as a major either. I’ve sat in real trials during my internships and seen the legal world up close, so trying to force myself into activities that don’t fit me just to look like the “ideal” pre-law student never felt honest. This course showed me that there are many different pathways to law school and legal careers. I can still build essential skills like public speaking, writing, and research, but I can do it through things that actually match who I am. Knowing that I don’t have to be the perfect picture of a future law student has permitted me to imagine a path centered on public interest, creativity, and the kind of systemic change I care about.

Another lesson I’ve gained this term relates to my values and what I actually want from a law-related education. I know now that I want to focus on areas of law that are public interest–oriented and still leave space for creative writing and something art-related. My whole personality is not built around shows like “Suits” or the image of a high-powered business lawyer, because that isn’t who I am, and it isn’t the kind of work that motivates me. My goals are to help people, challenge injustice, and contribute to real societal and systemic change. This term taught me that becoming that kind of person starts now, not years from now. It starts with redefininthe choices I make about what I study, what I say yes to, and what I walk away from.

So, when I look back at the goals I had at the beginning of the term, I can see how far I’ve come. My main goal was simple: I wanted a good, fresh start and a new experience. I didn’t know exactly what area of law I wanted to go into, but I came in with a long-term vision of working in the legal field. Over the term, that vague goal turned into something more grounded. Because of this class and the supportive atmosphere at Drexel, I now believe I can take bigger risks, like studying abroad or even starting my own student organization one day. I also feel more comfortable going to law-related events and meeting people, even though I naturally tend to keep to myself. Having people around me who are kind, welcoming, and encouraging has made it easier to step out of my bubble and see myself as someone who belongs here.

I’m proud of a lot of the progress I made this term, especially the parts that don’t always show up on a transcript. I’m proud that I took the time to explore different student organizations and look through the course catalog for classes and potential minors that genuinely interest me. It matters that I’m figuring out what I want early, so I can adjust my path instead of staying stuck in something that isn’t right.

I’m also proud of the class schedule I built. I created a schedule I can realistically get up for without feeling dread, stress, or disinterest, since I know all too well what it feels like to wake up and walk into classes I hate. This term, I started learning what it feels like to go to classes I can enjoy or at least care about. I’m also proud that I’ve begun asking for help and using resources instead of trying to handle everything alone. That, to me, is another sign of growth.

Next term, I want to keep this momentum going by being more involved and intentional. Now that I feel more adjusted, I want to join and actually enjoy a few clubs, even if it’s just two or three. Ideally, I’d like to find spaces where I can connect my interest in law with my love for public interest work, writing, and art. My goal is to balance ambition with self-respect, so I can keep moving forward without losing myself in the process.

Overall, if I were giving advice to next year’s first year UGLaw students, I would tell them that college is the time to build their version of success, not someone else’s. Ambition matters, but it means more when it’s rooted in what actually fulfills you. It’s important to work hard and care about your future, but it’s just as important to notice what actually works for you. Being a Law major doesn’t mean you have to follow a strict formula or fit into a box. What matters is that you’re willing to do your best, build strong skills, and stay open to the many different paths connected to law. Law touches so many parts of society, and the knowledge you gain can help you become not only a better future lawyer but also a better, more informed person. Most of all, I would tell them to stay open to change and be adaptable. Your plans will shift, and your interests might evolve, and that’s okay. So, keep choosing what’s right for you because the world doesn’t need perfect people; it needs the ones brave enough to be themselves.