Hometown: Germantown, TN
Major: Political Science
Academic interests: Law and Public Policy
Extracurricular activities: Mock Trial, Rhodes Diplomat, Kappa Delta, Clarence Day Scholar
Tell the story of how you got to Rhodes College.
I initially wanted to leave the South and go somewhere new. But, my senior year, I took a tour of Rhodes with Bridge Builders and I absolutely loved it. Although I was still in Memphis, I was able to see a new side of the city through all of the unique programs and projects at Rhodes. After meeting with professors and learning about student involvement on campus and in Memphis, I knew that Rhodes was a place where I could grow as a person while becoming more connected to the city that I call home.
How have you changed since beginning your studies at Rhodes?
More than anything, the way that I look at life has changed since coming to Rhodes. As a student here, I have been exposed to many different ideologies and ways of thinking through various classes, on-campus programs, and activities. As a result, Rhodes has equipped me with the necessary tools to evaluate events through many different lenses, instead of looking at issues from a single perspective. Additionally, my interests have grown immensely since coming to Rhodes. Although I have always been interested in law, my time here has also instilled in me a deep appreciation for art history and the French language, among other things. These personal developments have allowed me to have a broader outlook on life that is not singularly focused on my particular interests and experiences.
You interned with Congressman Steve Cohen in Washington, D.C. last summer. Tell us about this experience.
Working for Congressman Cohen was by far the most enriching and fulfilling experience I have had in my college career. I spent seven weeks in D.C., which was the longest I had ever been out of Memphis. I packed my bags and lived at George Washington University with three other summer interns whom I had never met before. When I first stepped off the plane at Reagan National Airport, I was absolutely terrified. I had never taken the metro before and was extremely directionally challenged. Luckily, I figured it out, and three days later I was on my way to the Hill for my first day of work! As an intern in the office, I got to work with constituents daily. This was my favorite part of my internship—I was able to help people in my own city and pass along their support or disapproval of different pieces of legislation to congressman. I also gave tours of the Capitol to constituents every day, which was a phenomenal experience. I loved showing Memphians the beauty of the Capitol and sharing the rich stories and traditions of the building. On some days, I was able to show them the House and Senate floors. One day, a member of Congressman Cohen’s office took me and the other interns on the House floor itself. It was humbling to stand in an area where every president walks to give their State of the Union address and where legislators gather to cast votes. I loved that I was able to work with the congressman and his team throughout the summer, and I wish that I could do it all over again!
You are part of the Mock Trial Team, which is headed to the National Championship tournament again this year (the 29th year in a row). How has your experience on the Mock Trial team prepared you for a career in law?
Mock Trial is very different from the actual law practiced in the United States. We have a mock case that we try approximately 60 times in a year and Rules of Evidence that are specific to Midlands (the fictional state where all of the cases take place). We spend tournament weekends switching from plaintiff to defense in a single day. However, the Rhodes Mock Trial program has taught me the art of trial advocacy. As an attorney in the program, I have learned how to craft direct and cross examinations, how to deliver opening and closing statements, how to think on my feet, and how to argue the Rules of Evidence during objections. Furthermore, I know proper court room decorum and how to construct a case that appeals to jurors.
What are your plans for next year? How has your Rhodes experienced influenced this decision?
I plan on attending law school in the future, after gaining more real world experience. Before coming to Rhodes, I had an interest in going to law school. But my exposure to different fields of study through the liberal arts curriculum at Rhodes has helped me realize that this is truly what I want to do.
By Caroline Ponseti ‘15