Sometimes, stepping outside the classroom is the best way to learn the lessons taught on the inside. On Nov. 27, Dominican Law Studies students stepped outside their classroom and visited Loyola Law School to learn about paths to their future.
The whole idea of bringing the class to Loyola started with a simple conversation between Dominican junior Lizzie Algero and her mother, Loyola law professor Mrs. Mary Garvey Algero (‘82), Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Faculty Development. This mother-daughter conversation ultimately led to the Law Studies students visiting the law school.
“Lizzie and I were discussing the Dominican Law Studies course,” said Dean Algero. “We both thought it would be fun for students to visit the law school to hear from professors and students about the law.”
Learning Law Studies on Loyola’s campus instead of on Walmsley Ave., DHS students take a lesson from Loyola law professor Mrs. Mary Garvey Algero (‘82), Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Faculty Development. Dean Algero teaches DHS students about false imprisonment during the Law Studies class’s visit in November. – photo by Paige Dawson
The idea was met with excitement from the students and Ms. Anne Comiskey, Dominican Law Studies teacher. “I was just very excited to be touring the campus while also learning about the process of law school since I plan to be a lawyer in the future,” said senior Bridget Adam.
One goal of the trip was for students to find their own paths to their future. From the welcome by Loyola University College of Law Dean Madeleine Landrieu to the end of their visit, students were encouraged to make their journeys their own.
“I truly believe that the more exposure students have to different educational experiences and careers, the more likely they will be to discover something they love to do for their careers,” said Dean Algero. While some of the students in the Law Studies class plan on pursuing law careers, this field trip also “helped students prepare for entry into college and let them see what it takes in all fields,” said Ms. Comiskey.
DHS alums Ms. Erica Sensenbrenner (’11) and Ms. Kristen Rooney (’11) share their love of the law with Dominican Law Studies students Alyssa Galpin (junior), Bridget Adam (senior) and Allie Norvell (junior). The class visited Loyola Law School in November. “I hope that students were able to learn a little bit about the number of ways a law degree can benefit you whether you practice law or not,” said Ms. Rooney. – photo by Paige Dawson
DHS alumnae. including Professor Jeanne Woods (’70), enlightened the visiting student throughout the day. Current Loyola Law School students and DHS alumnae Ms. Erica Sensenbrenner (‘11) and Ms. Kristen Rooney (’11) shared their stories of their journeys to law school. They both emphasized the importance of doing what they love.
“I hope that the students learned that there is no right way to get to law school. Do what you are passionate about and do it well,” said Ms. Sensenbrenner. This message resonated with junior Rachael Hahn. “I realized that I could potentially have a career in law,” said Hahn.
Another topic of discussion was how these law school alums felt prepared for college and their writing successes after graduating from Dominican. Both Ms. Sensenbrenner and Ms. Rooney sang Dominican’s praises. “I have used what I learned at Dominican to keep me ahead in the class. Being a lawyer involves a lot of reading, writing and analytical thinking. I really believe Dominican gave me the fundamental skills I needed in those areas,” said Ms. Rooney.
“Dominican’s rigorous curriculum trained me to stay organized and focused,” said Ms. Sensenbrenner. “It taught me to be responsible and independent.”
She added that Dominican helped her become a strong writer. “It is something I have been able to build upon thanks to the strong base that Dominican provided,” said Ms. Sensenbrenner.
“I hope that students were inspired by the women they met,” said Dean Algero. “I hope this motivates the students to be the best they can be at whatever they do.”
- Paige Dawson
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