In This Story
Earlier this semester, members of the Pre-Law Learning Community in the Schar School of Policy and Government traveled to Richmond, Virginia, for two days of immersive education.
The packed itinerary featured a meeting with Magistrate Judge Summer L. Speight, attending a live session of the Virginia General Assembly where they were introduced by House Majority Leader (and George Mason University alum) Charniele Herring, touring the historic Virginia State Capitol, meeting with State Senators Russet Perry and Kannan Srinivasan, visiting the Executive Mansion, and touring the University of Richmond School of Law.
Ella Waters, a sophomore government and international politics major, first became passionate about government and law in middle school, when she served as a page in the West Virginia state legislature.
“Being able to see the Virginia General Assembly in session and speak to members about legislation they’re working on and what their job looks like was invigorating,” she said. “It has given me clarity that I would like to use my degree from the Schar School to do something similar.”
Last June, Waters attended NEW Leadership Virginia, a nonpartisan, three-day residential program that brings together undergraduate students and women leaders in public service. There, she met Senator Perry and House Majority Leader Herring, who participated in the program. In Richmond, Waters reintroduced herself to them.
“Catching up with both of these inspiring women during our Richmond trip, I was able to share my experience and was encouraged to contact their offices about future opportunities!” she said.
Shea Holman, faculty director of the Pre-Law Learning Community, led the trip for the third consecutive year and felt proud watching her students navigate the experience.
“They asked thoughtful and substantive questions, introduced themselves to judges and legislators, and intentionally expanded their networks,” she said. “Watching them step confidently into these spaces and seeing them visualize themselves as future lawyers and public servants was the best part of the trip for me.”
For more information about the Pre-Law Learning Community, please visit this website.