Reema Patel, class of 2011

Toronto, Ontario
Graduating with a Juris Doctor degree

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

I chose to pursue a law degree because I knew it would be a vital tool in building a career centered around social justice. The law school's commitment to Access to Justice seemed like a perfect fit for me, given the career I want to build for myself.

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

I never knew anyone who had studied here so I was not sure what to expect. When I look back, though, I can definitely say my experience at law school far exceeded my expectations since I was given many opportunities to carve a niche for myself in this diverse framework of students, faculty, and staff.

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 most important thing I learned at law school was that recognizing your own biases is a precondition to attempting to promote a culture of equity and mutual understanding.

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

My most memorable part of law school was being awarded a Social Justice Fellowship for which I got to travel to Mumbai to work in the field of human rights law.

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

Within our graduating class, there are many individuals who, through their commitment to student life and inciting change, have inspired me greatly. I am proud to be graduating alongside them.

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

My fellow law graduate, Morgan Koch, has been a source of inspiration to me and other students. Her commitment to celebrating sexual and ethnic diversity is astounding. Her ability to provide a source of support to her peers is equally inspiring. Without Morgan, our graduating class could not have become what it is today.

What are your plans following graduation?

I will be starting my articles in Toronto in August.

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Reproduced from the Daily News