Heather O'Connor
Major: BA, Sociology
Hometown: Fall River, MA
"The faculty and staff at this school have so much to offer, but you have to do your job as a student to allow them to teach you the best they can."
What are your plans after graduation?
I am heading to Roger Williams Law School to continue my education and pursue a legal career. When I came into the school, because there is no pre-law major, I debated greatly on what I should major in. I came here from Massasoit Community College so most of my requirement courses were already completed. I was stuck between political science, sociology, or psychology - all fields that I thought would help me in different ways succeed as a lawyer. I ended up as a sociology major, and I don't think I could have chosen any better. I have learned, not so much about law, but about life, both about the other people in this world, as well as how it is run and how we are so dependent on other people in this world as well. I have seen what makes this country great and what can be changed. Because of this, I will challenge myself in the legal world to do what I can to right those wrongs.
What have you learned that's made a difference for you?
Prior to coming to this school, I had certain beliefs regarding both political and social issues. Through debates in many of my different classes, my beliefs were challenged - not in a way to make me change my mind, but in a way that made me have to really consider what I believed and why I believed it. I was challenged to defend my ideas and create valid arguments as to why I believe them. It was not always easy as I learned there were many things I just believed without knowing why. I am coming out a person who now not only has definitive ideas on how things in our country and this world are, but why I believe them and can defend them in an argument.
What has been your greatest challenge?
I came into this school as a transfer student. I also am older and had been out of school for quite a while prior to coming back to pursue my degree. I'm divorced, and a single mother of three young kids under the age of ten. I took on a full course load not knowing how I was going to be able to handle it. What I didn't realize is how great the professors are at this school. They have been incredibly helpful and understanding. Without the encouragement, support, and challenge presented to me by my teachers, graduating would have been much more difficult. The students are very accepting of older students. I took a class with an older gentleman who was considered one of the most admired students in that class by everyone.
What advice do you have for future students?
Do not put work off. This is your future, and you will learn as much or as little as you open your mind to. Don't be afraid to talk in class - discussions spur learning in ways sitting and hearing a lecture won't. Because of my grades, I have received a very generous scholarship to law school. Don't settle for C's. Push yourself. You'll be glad you did in the end.
Who would you like to thank?
My parents and my kids. Without their love and support, I never could have gotten through the past four years. Only three more to go now, guys! =)
I also want to thank the professors that had the greatest impact on my education here: Yale Magrass, Andrea Klimt, Dennis Roderick, Timothy Nulty, Colleen Avedikian, Jack Stauder, and Penn Reeve. You all have pushed me and challenged me in ways that I have appreciated and learned so much from. You have been very supportive of me, and I could not have been where I am without you. Thanks!
