Hi! I’m Olivia, a second-year Political Science major with minors in Spanish and Theatre & Performance Studies. I’m originally from Vero Beach, Florida, and I’m passionate about law, leadership, and the arts. Outside the classroom, I’m involved in several pre-law organizations, including serving as a founding board member of the UChicago Law Society’s Corporate Law Division. I love exploring everything UChicago has to offer, and I’m excited to share my experiences and help prospective students get a feel for campus life.

Hometown

Vero Beach, FL

Major(s)

Law Letters & Society, Political Science

Minor(s)

Spanish, TAPS (Theatre and Performance Studies)

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Women+ in Law, UChicago Law Society- Corporate Division Co-Founder, University of Chicago Law School​/​College Mentorship Program, Phi Alpha Delta (PAD) Pre-Law Fraternity, MODA (Fashion RSO), Pi Beta Phi Sorority

Describe your college experience

My experience at UChicago has been intellectually engaging and incredibly rewarding. The classes challenge you to think critically and engage deeply with new ideas, but what has stood out to me most is how supportive the community is. I was initially intimidated by UChicago’s rigorous academic reputation and workload, but I quickly found that professors genuinely care about their students’ success and are always willing to help. I’ve been able to build meaningful relationships with faculty, get involved in organizations that align with my interests, and make friends from all over the world, learning so much from their diverse perspectives. There’s truly something for everyone on campus, whether it’s attending a guest lecture, participating in a club event, or taking a study break with friends. Every week brings new opportunities, making my experience at UChicago both exciting and fulfilling.

Tip for future students

- Go to office hours. They’re one of the best ways to deepen your understanding of the material and get to know your professors. I’ve even had professors share helpful advice for final exams during office hours. Building those relationships can also lead to valuable mentorship and strong letters of recommendation down the road. - Take advantage of the quarter system and the Core Curriculum. One of the best parts of UChicago is the opportunity to explore subjects outside your major. Before coming to college, I had never taken an acting class. After taking one for my Arts Core, I enjoyed it so much that I decided to pursue a minor in Theatre & Performance Studies. Don’t be afraid to take classes simply because they sound interesting—you may discover a new passion. - Remember that everyone is on their own journey. It can sometimes feel like everyone around you has everything figured out, but the reality is that most students are still learning, growing, and exploring their interests. Focus on your own path, take advantage of the incredible opportunities around you, and trust that you’ll find your place and your own version of success at UChicago.

Favorite class

My favorite class has been Human Rights: Legal Reasoning. The course explored how legal systems address complex human rights issues, but what made it especially memorable was how interactive it was. My professor regularly invited guest speakers—from legal professionals to advocates—to share their firsthand experiences, and we also took field trips that connected our coursework to real-world institutions and issues. Those experiences made the class feel much bigger than the classroom and showed me how the concepts we were learning have meaningful, real-life applications. It strengthened my interest in pursuing a career in law and remains one of the most impactful courses I’ve taken at UChicago.

Career goals

I hope to purse a career in corporate law in NYC or Chicago for an couple years and then move to working as in-house counsel for a smaller company.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night starts with grabbing dinner downtown or in Chinatown with friends. Chicago has so many incredible restaurants, and Chinatown is always one of my favorite places to explore. If we’re in Chinatown, we always make a stop at Mango Mango for dessert because everything on the menu is mango themed, and it’s one of my favorite treats in the city. After heading back to campus, if the weather is nice, I’d love to have a bonfire at the Point or simply relax in a friend’s apartment and watch a movie.

High school or secondary school

Vero Beach High School Vero Beach, FL United States