When I got to law school, I felt like a fish out of water, to say the least. I remember on one of the first days of orientation we were doing the stereotypical first day “ice breakers.” Everyone was going around saying their name, hometown, undergraduate major, and a fun fact. As everyone was introducing themselves, I remember thinking, “I am the only person in here who did not major in political science or legal studies.” I was terrified that I wouldn’t be successful unless I was a political science major. I didn’t know anything about the law, and I didn’t know why I was even here to begin with. What was I doing? I felt like the world’s biggest imposter.

Thankfully, after that large wave of imposter syndrome subsided, it became readily apparent that everyone was starting on the same page. Once classes started up, I realized that everyone else was having the same feelings while trying to adjust to law school. Eventually, I realized that having a degree in psychology was not as much of a hindrance that I thought it would be. In fact, many people told me that my psychology degree would prove to be incredibly helpful in practice.

I didn’t major in political science because I realized I wanted to go to law school a bit later in my undergraduate career. Rather than letting this hold me back, I’ve decided to embrace the fact that I have a background in another subject. In fact, my passion for psychology has helped to shape my law school education. As an associate staff member of the law review, I am required to write a “comment,” which is a proposed solution to a current legal issue. I was able to tailor my comment to something I was actually passionate about (psychology), and I was excited to do legal research! This unique perspective on law school has given me many opportunities to grow and share my passion with others.

Here at Widener Law Commonwealth, I’ve met so many people who share a “nontraditional” educational background like me. I’ve met classmates who majored in Biology, Music, and even a few fellow Psychology majors. The most important thing you can do in law school is simply start. I know it is scary, but jumping in headfirst is the only way to begin. No matter what educational or career background you come from, that unique perspective is what makes each person’s law school journey their own. All your hard work leading up to law school and in law school will eventually pay off. You belong here and you deserve to be here!