Akua DawesCurrently working towards JD at Rutgers Law School - Newark

Portrait of Akua Dawes
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
Major(s): Psychology and Political Science
Graduation year: May 2013

What led you to pursue a career in law?

I had always been interested in politics and the constitution since high school, but as a sophomore at UNL I took a Psychology and the Constitution seminar that really opened my eyes to the intersection of law and psychology. It intrigued me how the law can be viewed in the context of many different subjects.

What are you currently learning in your classes?

As a first year law student I am learning the basics of law and the legal system.

What are you looking forward to with regards to your program?

Right now I am looking forward to the summer where I will be working full time at a labor and employment firm in downtown Newark as a summer associate. This is exciting because I'll get to actually get real world experience in practicing law.

How did your undergrad experience help prepare you for professional school?

Through my social psychology classes I learned how to relate to others by attempting to understand how the way people’s own experiences affect the way they think and see the world. This type of experience I got through my psychology classes in my undergrad has helped me in law school relate to many different clients from varying backgrounds.

What have you learned about yourself over the past year as you’ve transitioned to where you are now?

I’ve learned how important it is for me to have a good support system in my life. Being in law school it is very easy to get stressed, and so it has become pivotal for me to rely on my friends and family in calming me down when I am feeling overwhelmed by school.

What is a favorite memory or impactful experience from undergrad at UNL?

My graduation day was a very special day for me because I was able to celebrate with my family and I was excited to start the next chapter in my life.

Piece of advice for current PSYC undergrads:

A psychology degree is very versatile; it can open many doors for you after graduation. I would recommend spending these years exploring all that a psychology career has to offer and the many different ways it can help no matter what field you decide to pursue after graduation.