When I decided to study social justice, it was primarily because I was interested in learning about how different social groups are treated within the legal system, and I wanted to know more about the history of how different groups have attained legal rights as well as how other groups are still trying to achieve those rights. Due to these interests, my choice of concentration within the Social Justice major was Social Groups and the Law. Surpassing my expectations, I didn’t just learn about those topics, but I also learned about how activism and social movements directly interact with the legal system. More specifically, I learned about how social change can impact court decisions and law-making, as well as how court decisions and law-making can impact social change. This knowledge is invaluable as I look forward towards a legal career, as understanding court decisions requires understanding the social context in which those decisions are made. 

 

My concentration included numerous courses that covered a wide array of topics such as the constitutionality of Japanese internment camps during WWII, how rights of immigrants have evolved since the formation of the United States, and whether sex discrimination law under the 1964 Civil Rights Act protects the transgender community. These courses have allowed me to study a diverse set of court cases and social movements. On top of this curriculum, my concentration included my experience of being a Congressional Intern at the office of US Senator Amy Klobuchar. This internship allowed me to apply what I learned in my courses to the real world. As a Congressional Intern, I saw how different social groups such as immigrants, veterans, and students face barriers within the federal government’s agencies and their legal processes. It was valuable to learn about these barriers, and I also got to try and help these groups. For example, I wrote numerous letters of due consideration to embassies for immigrants trying to get visas to come to the United States, and sent many congressional inquiries to federal agencies to get updates for constituents. 

 

My congressional internship, on top of other courses, has strengthened my critical thinking skills and has fostered professional development. Additionally, my knowledge of social groups and their interactions with the law and the government has grown substantially, both through theoretical learning and hands on experience. Looking forward, I hope to take on more roles that allow me to collaborate with others. While I am able to practice this skill in student activities, there is unquestionable value in being able to work within a team in a professional setting. That is why I would like to get more experience working with others who have similar career goals and interests. 

 

After I graduate from Hamline, I hope to work either in the legal field or for the government. Either path will likely start with going to law school. My social justice education will definitely help me succeed in law school due to the research, writing, and critical thinking skills that I have developed throughout my time as a student. Additionally, my knowledge of social groups and their interactions with the law will give me a unique perspective, and will also be valuable when I enter the workforce. I can imagine myself working in a job that does social justice advocacy, such as working for a legal nonprofit or being a public defender. Having prior knowledge of social justice issues will benefit myself greatly should I pursue that kind of position. Regardless, I’m confident that the skills I developed and the knowledge I acquired as a Social Justice student will help me succeed, no matter which direction I choose to proceed.