Why USC Joseph F. Rice School of Law: I chose USC Joseph F. Rice School of Law based on the high level of academic and career success as well as the overall environment of the law school. My time spent here has only solidified that I made the right decision! The professors have been absolutely wonderful and my peers I’ve met along the way have become some of my closest friends.

Favorite Things About Columbia: Columbia has proved to be a great city to live in with plenty of career opportunities, especially for someone like me who is interested in government and politics. I also love living in close proximity to my friends and doing things with them whether it be walking the River Walk, getting together for a trivia night, or trying a new restaurant!  

Advice to incoming 1Ls: My advice to 1Ls would be to not be too hard on yourself. Law school brings together incredibly talented people from all over the country and so it can be hard coming from undergrad where getting good grades and such might have been “easier” - grades in law school are definitely more difficult. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes or hard days, create a plan to ensure better success next time, and then move on. Your peers and professors will become your greatest source of encouragement in this area.