Hey everyone! My name is Taylor Pierce, and I’m a senior here at Kent State double-majoring in criminology and justice studies and political science, with a minor in pre-law.
Choosing Kent State was a no-brainer for me because of the extensive opportunities it has provided for me to explore my academic, professional, and personal interests as I stepped into the next chapter of my life. When I entered KSU, I had an interest in law and the criminal justice system. I spent my first year taking classes inside and outside my field, attending seminars, and making connections with professors. Through this, I developed a deep interest in understanding how laws are made. I declared a political science major with a concentration in public policy shortly thereafter.
In deciding the right school for me, I knew that prioritizing financial and educational benefits would be crucial. Kent State not only offered generous scholarship support but also promised (and fulfilled) extensive possibilities inside and outside of the classroom for growth. The location of Kent State also allowed me to stay within a reasonable distance of Pittsburgh, which made it convenient for me to visit my family and stay involved in my brothers’ activities.
Through the college decision process, my parents repeatedly told me that no matter where you go, “college is what you make of it.” They’ll be happy to hear this…they were right!
Kent State gave me endless opportunities to maximize my four years here, and there is no question that getting involved on campus is the most important piece of creating a successful college experience.
Campus Organizations and Leadership
I can’t emphasize enough how important taking advantage of campus resources and programs really is to your college experience. Getting involved has taught me so much more about myself than any textbook or classroom ever could.
During my first and second years, I participated in Army ROTC to explore the possibility of a military law career. Although I eventually decided it was not the path for me, I made lasting friendships and learned strong leadership skills that I continue to use throughout my personal and professional life. Looking back, I couldn’t imagine being where I am now without the experience I had during those first two years in the program.
Starting sophomore year, I joined the Kent State Mock Trial team to continue my passion after participating in mock trial throughout high school and middle school. Mock Trial has taught me preparation, time management, confidence, public speaking and legal interpretation skills and has given me my best friends on campus. I’ve had the opportunity to travel (currently writing this from New York!), make connections with other pre-law students from all over the United States and Canada, learn from experienced lawyers and deepen my love for law. Last year I held the treasurer position on our executive board, and this year I’m the president! It has been so much work, but it’s been more rewarding than anything else I could’ve participated in.
Over the years, I have joined Alpha Phi Sigma, the criminology honors society, and Phi Alpha Delta, the pre-law fraternity, where I hold a position on the professional development committee. Additionally, I helped restart the Pre-Law Club, and I now serve as its president. All of these involvements have opened my eyes to the possibilities in the world and taught me invaluable life lessons. There’s no way I could picture my future success without the skills these organizations have instilled in me.
Educational Development
During the fall semester of my junior year, I participated in the Columbus Program in State Issues (CPSI). For this program, we lived in Columbus and studied in the Statehouse for a semester, while holding internships throughout various sectors of state government. It’s been almost a full year since I completed this program, but I am still at a loss for words over how life-changing the experience was. I was lucky enough, through the connections at Kent State, to get an internship in the Governor’s office. I met incredible state officials, attended prestigious events, sat in on committee meetings, presented mock arguments for bills actively moving through legislation…I could go on and on. For anyone interested in law, government, criminology, sociology, philanthropy, social justice or anything that could be related, this program will change the trajectory of your educational career.
Through the connections I made at the Pre-Law Center and the experience I gained through CPSI, I was able to get a job at the number one-ranked personal injury firm in Cleveland. It has been such a blessing to work there, and it has only fueled the burning desire I have to be a part of the legal profession.
What’s Next?
After I graduate from Kent State this spring, I am moving down south and going to law school! If it isn’t obvious by now, I’m extremely passionate about what I’m studying, and cannot wait to take my education a step further.
But to be clear, this success, passion, involvement, and excitement for the future have been made possible by Kent State.
Without KSU, I’m not sure where I would be.
The lifelong friends I have made, the professors who stop you in the halls to chat even years after you’ve taken their class, the extracurricular activities, the professional support and the room for continuous growth would not have been without . If you’re considering Kent State as your next step, we’re excited to have you, and I highly encourage you to remember the opportunities you will be provided.
As always…Go Flashes!