I’ve been with Pipe Dream for all eight semesters of my college career, all of which I have spent in the copy section (something people have and will continue to ask about). As a result, some people think that I will be pursuing a career in journalism after graduation.
While I certainly value my Pipe Dream experience for helping me grow as a person and allowing me to work with some of the most passionate, talented and eccentric people on this campus, I have my heart and mind set on making my way into the legal field.
Surprised? Yeah, you’re not the only one. But I get it. I’m not as assertive or outspoken as people tell me I need to be in order to make it as a lawyer. I’ve been fooled one too many times by the same trick. I tend to put more trust in people than I should. And I avoid direct confrontations at all costs. But everyone loves a good underdog story, right?
People often ask about your plans after graduation, but it’s rare for them to ask you why those are your plans. People aren’t necessarily interested in the “why” as they are in the “what,” the “where” and the “how much will you be making?” But if you take an extra minute or so to ask someone what made him or her choose that particular path, you might be pleasantly surprised by what you find out. It’s something most people, including myself, normally don’t do.
And it wasn’t until this past winter break during my law school application process that not only was I finally able to put my “why” into words, but I also began to understand the importance of having a “why” in the first place.
My family has unfortunately been affected by injury, illness and tragedy over the past 10 years, the details of which I won’t delve into. Their perseverance in the face of adversity and the strength they found by coming together during difficult times, rather than alienating one another, are admirable and have motivated me to do the same for myself and for those around me.
I have learned that it’s not enough to simply focus on getting good grades or being a social butterfly, but that it’s equally as important to use your experiences to better yourself and to help others.
This is something I’ve strived to do during my four years here at Binghamton and something I’ve witnessed as well. By being an active participant and leader for Circle K and Student Volunteer Center, I have worked tirelessly with two of the most selfless and dedicated groups of people I have ever met, individuals who would (and have) given up their weekend mornings to help improve the community, whether it be by collecting food for the homeless, interacting with underprivileged kids or raising money for a local charity.
This kind of continuous devotion combined with a growing sense of determination against all odds have become a big part of my “why,” things I want to embody not just in law school but also wherever life brings me. And more importantly, they’re two things I’m glad to have taken away from my time here, if nothing else.
From the bottom of my heart, it has truly been an honor to serve for two years as the copy desk chief of this esteemed newspaper, working alongside a staff of hardworking people, all of whom I have absolutely no doubt in my mind will succeed for many years to come. Being a part of this campus publication involves more than just staying until four in the morning twice a week. Because if you ask any one of us why we chose to join Pipe Dream, I can guarantee you that our “whys” go far beyond what words can say.
Surprised? Yeah, maybe we are too.