Student Spotlight: Sheryn Alexander ’09
As a senior in college, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Law school seemed like a way to keep my options open. It was not until I arrived at Notre Dame Law School that I realized I actually enjoyed learning the law. During the course of my first year I learned about career options other than those that I knew of from television. Two careers that I had not previously considered, but that caught my eye instantly, were a judicial clerkship and a position as a law professor. Despite the instant attraction, I soon learned that becoming a clerk or a professor was not the easiest path. After learning about the requirements, I doubted whether I would be able to achieve my goals.
Fortunately, with the help of dedicated professors and the brightest peers I have had the pleasure of knowing, I was able to excel my first year and earned a place on the Notre Dame Law Review. That same year, I became Professor Gurulé’s research assistant and remained in that post through my 2L year abroad. His guidance, patience, and encouragement helped me believe that I was capable of securing a judicial clerkship. The experience I gained working for Professor Gurulé—conducting extensive research using virtually every type of legal source, as well as editing and making suggestions for his latest book on terrorist financing—built my confidence and helped me secure the job I most wanted. Professor Gurulé’s recommendation was invaluable as I applied to dozens of federal clerkships. During the fall of my third year, I was hired to clerk for Judge Charles Wilson of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Wilson was a graduate of both Notre Dame undergraduate and law schools and was eager to hire from his alma mater, reminding me that Notre Dame Law School is one of the finest law schools in the country. Securing this position would not have been possible without the education, experience, encouragement, and recommendations I received from Notre Dame’s professors.
Notre Dame Law School has helped me plan my life beyond my clerkship as well. The summer after my first year, I interviewed and received callbacks and offers from several New York firms. The firms were in many ways indistinguishable, making the decision of which firm to choose very difficult. When I did make my decision, it was with the help of a partner at the firm I ultimately chose, a Notre Dame Law School graduate who expressed to me the value of having the “ND connection.” The many Notre Dame alumni at my firm kept in touch with me frequently throughout the decision process and, because of them, I accepted a place for 2L summer and after my clerkship. I have since realized that although I will be working at a large New York firm, I will have a strong support system in place because of my connection to Notre Dame.
My experiences at Notre Dame have built my confidence and encouraged me to tirelessly pursue my goals. Because of that drive and the network established by Notre Dame to help foster it, I now believe that one day I may have the privilege of becoming a professor. NDLS provided me not only with the nurturing atmosphere necessary to build my confidence, but also the training, encouragement, and skills necessary to pursue my goals.
