As part of last week's Orientation activities, Michael Donnelly-Boylen, RWU Law's Associate Dean of Enrollment and Strategic Initiatives, addressed the Class of 2025., While other speakers introduced the students to the State of Rhode Island, the School of Law itself, its wide and supportive alumni base, and the state's legal community, Donnelly-Boylen focused on introducing them to themselves., Excerpts from his comments follow. Please note that all statistics cited are preliminary and not yet certified., {"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/law/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/6eirbeKNZgY.jpg?itok=f_4Getqg","video_url":"https://youtu.be/6eirbeKNZgY","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":1},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive, autoplaying)."]} Let me formally begin tonight’s chorus by welcoming you to Roger and its School of Law. We…, not, from Rhode Island — essentially three-quarters of your class. And, half, of your class is not from New England. I want you to realize how many of you have come from far and wide to join us here on the shores of Mount Hope Bay. Welcome. We hope you enjoy it here as much as we do. The most represented state in your class, is, Rhode Island, with 26 percent of your class. Fourteen percent of your class comes from Massachusetts, and another 14 percent comes from New York. New Jersey residents make up seven percent of your class, and folks from Connecticut make up five percent. There are seven Texans and seven Floridians in your class. And a fun fact: there are more people in your class from Idaho than from New Hampshire…, very, excited!) The largest hometown of your class is, not, Cranston, Rhode Island (that’s just the number-one hometown of our Rhode Island students). New York City is actually the place where the largest number of you have been living this past year. Nine percent of your class went to community college and earned an associate’s degree before enrolling in a bachelor’s program. Four of you have already published academic papers. Three percent of your class…, a cappella, , church choir, the UCLA Marching Band, or opera. You also play a range of instruments, including flute, saxophone, tuba, and cello. (I sense a Class of 2025 band coming soon!) In your class, you will find teachers, police officers, handymen, accountants; even a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives. Someone in your class was a research analyst for the Utah state auditor. Someone…, ad litem, in Florida, and even as New York City election inspectors. Someone worked at a nonprofit in Maine helping COVID patients without homes find a place to recover, and another drafted a federal bill promoting gun control. Someone in your class was even a two-time debate champion in Pakistan. You have interned for Senator Collins, Portman, and Whitehouse, as well as Congressman Lance of New Jersey,…, very, active politically, on both sides of the aisle You’ve told us some interesting facts about yourselves, like: One of you consults for an oyster company, another one is a yoga podcaster. Someone ran antique auctions. And one of you is so into Taylor Swift that you included it on your resume. (I really like your vibe, I have to admit. I want to stop here for a moment, and acknowledge that some of…, I, belong at this podium, I assure you that, you, belong in that seat. I did not make a mistake. And for those of you who struggle with imposter syndrome, trust me when I tell you that many of us feel like we are just “faking it until we make it” too. I also promise you that many more of your classmates will feel that way over the next few weeks. Let’s all work to normalize discussing the fact that we’re feeling that way. Your class marks a…, Welcome to Law School!
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