Home State
Alabama
Undergraduate Institution and Graduation Year
Auburn University, 2021
Legal Interests
Higher Education, Family Law, Domestic Relations
Hobbies
Reading, baking, running, talking
What do you think is the best thing about Cumberland School of Law?
100% the people! I’ve found that’s the most common answer to this question, but it’s so true. The people at Cumberland have made the past two years some of the best of my life even though they have also been the most difficult academically. The faculty and staff are so supportive and are always there to make sure students are doing okay, both in and out of the classroom. I have had so many people go out of their way to help me along the way, which is so appreciated because I am a first-generation law student. My classmates at Cumberland are also absolutely incredible – the friends I have made here have been the most loving and supporting, and I know they will last a lifetime.
Why did you choose Cumberland School of Law?
My Cumberland story is so fun to tell because it all is a great testament to the Lord’s perfect timing. When I was a junior in high school I fell in love with Samford’s undergrad and had considered doing the 3+3 program they offer with Cumberland. Long story short, I ended up going to Auburn instead and I kind of left my Samford dream in high school. It all worked for the best though, because I loved my time at Auburn so much and wouldn’t trade it for anything.
When I was applying to schools, I thought I wanted to go out-of-state for a change of scenery since my family had been in Alabama for about nine years at that point, which was the longest I had ever lived in a state. I applied to about eleven law schools, but funny enough, the first application I submitted was to Cumberland. After I was accepted, I took a trip with my family on a random day in January 2021 just to walk around, and it just felt right. There’s no other way to describe it. I knew it was a good school that produced good lawyers and I felt led to go there. That night I made my decision before even hearing back from some of the other schools I applied to. I still say choosing Cumberland has been one of my best decisions.
What do you most enjoy about studying law in Birmingham? What do you like to do in Birmingham?
The best part about Birmingham is just the variety that is available in this area. There are so many wonderful lawyers in Birmingham working in all different kinds of fields – there are courthouses, large firms, solo practices, universities, hospitals, etc. I also love how you can experience the city if you want, but there is also an abundance of suburbs if working in a big building downtown isn’t your thing. Overall, there are just countless opportunities available within 10-20 minutes of the school.
Outside of school, there is so much history and culture in the city. Birmingham is famous for its food as well! And I’ve met so many friendly people just from chatting at a farmers’ market, coffee shops, and grocery stores. I’ve grown to love this city so much, and I think anyone moving here for the first time will as well.
Student Organizations/Extracurricular Activities
If you could give any advice to your pre-law school self, what would you say?
I have two pieces of advice that I have stuck by the past year after finishing my first year – don’t be afraid to be wrong and don’t compare your journey to others.
I know I was, and so many others are scared of sitting in class and saying the wrong thing, and it is still a little nerve-wracking to be on call, but I told myself fairly early on that it was better to say something wrong and learn it was wrong than to stay silent.
As to comparison, it is so easy in law school (and life in general) to look at what everyone is doing and wish your life looked different. But I always try to remind myself that I am here for my own specific purpose which is not meant to look like anyone else’s.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
For now, I plan to stay somewhere in Alabama and would love to work for a university in some capacity. But I also know that anything can happen, so definitely still keeping my options open!