Barbara Walancik, class of 2011

Mississauga, Ontario
Graduating with Juris Doctor

How did you pick your major of study, and why did you choose the University of Windsor?

I took law in grade 10 and loved it so much that I enrolled in co-op at my high school and was placed with an affiliated organization that worked very closely with a law firm in Toronto. After my experience in high school, I geared my studies towards law and was excited to be accepted by the University of Windsor. During the application process I thought Windsor really stood out because of the focus not only on academics but also on other aspects of each applicant and I was excited to see how that would reflect on the student body.

What were your expectations of university? Has the University of Windsor met those expectations?

I never had the chance to go away for university until I went to Windsor. I studied at the University of Toronto and live a short commute from both the Mississauga and St. George campus. As a result, attending the University of Windsor was an entirely new experience. I didn't really know what to expect and wasn't sure if I'd like the school and the city but as I reflect back at all the great experiences I've had, I'm sad to leave!

I was also expecting law school to involve a workload that wouldn't allow me much time for anything else and although there definitely was a lot of work, the extra-curricular opportunities available at the Faculty of Law were endless. Even when there wasn't a club, moot, etc. for an area that someone was interested in, the faculty was very accommodating and supportive in any interests a student wished to pursue.

What would you say is the most important thing you have learned at university: about yourself, about other people, about your field of study, or about the world?

The faculty's theme of Access to Justice is reflected in the school in many ways and students are given endless opportunities to give back to the community. I think that this is one of the most important lessons that has been instilled in us at the Faculty of Law and I'm excited to see how the Access to Justice theme will be carried forward by my graduating class and other Windsor law students.

What would you say has been the most memorable part of your UWindsor experience?

I don't think I can single out any one experience. Being a student at the Faculty of Law truly exceeded my expectations. I remember being skeptical about what my experience would be like when I first moved to Windsor but I had such an amazing first year that I actually volunteered for the Social Orientation Committee during my second year to help first-year students have as good of an experience as I did! I think all the laughs we had in class also helped make the last three years as good as they were!

Please tell us why you are proud to be part of the University of Windsor’s graduating class of 2011.

I truly had a great experience during the last three years I've been at the University of Windsor. In leaving with my graduating class, and in knowing the students that have graduated already or are going to in the near future, I'm glad to be part of Windsor law community. I think the school has a great group of individuals that I'm glad have become my friends and will be my future colleagues.

Did you have a course, professor or classmate who inspired you?

I think having to single out a professor or classmate is difficult. I truly enjoyed my experience at the Faculty of Law because of the instructors and my classmates.

I spent the majority of my three years working as a research assistant for Professor (John) Weir and found that the mentoring and research experience I gained has helped me tremendously in my work experience.

Otherwise, although it's hard to single out any one professor without feeling like I've left a lot of deserving names out, I have to name Professor (Donna) Eansor and Associate Dean (Chris) Waters as professors that truly cared about the students and I really enjoyed having them as instructors over the last three years. In addition, Assistant Dean (Francine) Herlehy was also someone that was always available for students and happy to provide a helping hand in whatever was needed for an individual or the student body generally.

What are your plans following graduation?

I'll be writing the bar exam in June and then travelling in Europe and South East Asia. I start articling at Koskie Minsky LLP in August in Toronto.