Student Spotlight: Anna Franzonello '09

In second grade, the Bush-Dukakis election year, I knew I wanted to go into law and politics. My family has always been passionate about political issues (we endearingly refer to my mother as “Mary the picketer”) and my parents raised us to stand up for what we believe in. The sixth of ten children, there was plenty at-home opportunity to develop my argument skills.

In college I wavered in my decision to pursue law when an infant nephew developed cancer, briefly majoring in biology. I decided to take time off after graduation to work and make sure law was really what I wanted to practice before dedicating three years of time and money to its study.

During that interim, I began sidewalk counseling at the abortion clinics in Pittsburgh. My experience on those streets is what confirmed my vocation and led me to law school; I knew I needed to stand up and be a voice for the unborn through the practice of pro-life law.

I chose Notre Dame Law School not only to be a different kind of lawyer, but also to have a different kind of atmosphere. I wanted high quality academics, without sacrificing who I am and what is important to me. I wanted a law school where my Catholic faith is not simply tolerated, but where it could flourish. If I had to go far away from family, I wanted a place that would become like one to me. I have not been disappointed.

It’s been a privilege to study with such wonderful professors and classmates. During my summers I have been able to work with pro-life policy groups in D.C. and Chicago, and with the skills I have learned in the classroom, I am prepared to make a difference in the world.

Law school has been a lot of fun and I cannot believe it’s almost over. Currently, I am the president of the NDLS Federalist Society, a member of the St. Thomas More Society and Jus Vitae, and an Assistant Rector in Badin Hall. Being an Assistant Rector has made law school affordable, and afforded me the opportunity to live in a vibrant community. Every semester I have played intramural sports – finally winning the Powder Puff Football championship with my phenomenal teammates on “Womanslaughter.”

There are always horror stories about law school, but the people who tell them did not go to Notre Dame.