Meet our 2011-2012 Law Ambassadors | |
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Zachary Anderson | You may find yourself reading this, hoping that I give some great insight to help influence your decision on where to attend law school. Just a few years ago, I had to make that same important decision. To ensure that I kept as many options as I possibly could, I applied to 46 law schools. That's right. 46. I know the impact of the decision you may be making as a potential law school, particularly the possibility of you attending Creighton. In my decision, I never recognized the incredible consequences associated with attending Creighton Law. The moment I received my acceptance letter from Creighton, I knew my decision was made. I was definitely going to Creighton. The letter was personalized and specifically told me why I was admitted. It was the first, and only, individualized letter I received. From that point forward I knew that if I chose Creighton, I would be treated and respected as an individual. And I have had that feeling reconfirmed on a regular basis. One thing you'll notice about Creighton Law is all of the professors' doors are open. A true open door policy. And beyond that, the professors know you by name and they want to be involved in your life. For example, I often go running with my former Constitutional Law professor, Sean Watts. I stop by other professor's offices to talk to them about things inside and outside of the law: food, fashion, religion, careers, sports, etc. The professors encourage me to grow in each aspect of my life and to keep in mind the real benefits of practicing law: social justice, the public welfare, and much more. You'll also come to enjoy your classmates. They will become life-long friends and associates. The "cut-throat" mentality often associated with law school classmates is far from the truth here. I have come to develop friendships and associations that have benefited my law school experience. Additionally, the small campus and close-knit student body, adds to a wonderful atmosphere that can only really house the true friendly Midwest sentiment. I hope that you come visit us at Creighton and seriously consider attending here. For me, it has been one of the most transformative and beneficial decisions I have made. I have no doubt it can be the same way for you. And if you're coming to visit, be sure to let me know. I will be happy to talk to you about why Creighton Law will most benefit you. Zachary W. Anderson |
Alyssa Jelinske | My name is Alyssa Jelinske and I'm from Dubuque, IA. I did my undergraduate work at Loyola University Chicago, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Criminal justice. My first experience with Omaha is when I came to Creighton to take a tour of the law school. Everything was completely new to me. Coming from Chicago, Omaha still provided me with the sense of being in a big city, but gave the feel that it was small and friendly as well. I decided to come to Creighton immediately after my one and only visit with the school because it gave me the feeling that it was where I belonged, from all the friendly faces, to the small community feel, it felt like it was the perfect fit for me. After graduation, I plan to start my legal career in the public service. |
Kristen Englert | My name is Kristen Englert and I am from Scottsdale, Arizona. I did my undergraduate at Pepperdine University, majoring in broadcast journalism with a minor in sociology. My first experience with Omaha and Creighton was the day I came to pick out an apartment and move in! I had never lived in the midwest, let alone winter weather so it was a brand new experience for me. The first day of Orientation I had the chance to meet my mentors and fellow peers and they were all so welcoming to this new city and I've never looked back. A couple of my fellow mentees are still some of my best friends. Omaha and Creighton, though quite a change has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. Omaha has that small city vibe, but with a lot of activities to distract you during those long winter months. The professors, staff and fellow students are so welcoming. I have never met a group of faculty so concerned about not only the education of their students, but about their well being as a person. Good luck in your 1L year! If you have any questions about anything, feel free to email me! Kristen Englert |
Erika Nickel | Hello! I am Erika Nickel and am currently a 2L at Creighton Law School, serving as the treasurer for Law School Ambassadors. I am originally from Sterling, Colorado, but have now been in Omaha for 5 ½ years as I attended Creighton for my undergraduate studies. Selecting Creighton for law school was an easy decision for me. After graduating undergrad in 2010, I had fallen in love with the school, its mission, its community of scholars and professors, and the city of Omaha as a whole and knew Creighton Law School was the right place for me. I could not be happier with my choice. For me, Creighton has been more than just a law school; it has been a community of support for both my professional and personal endeavors. It has not only been place where I have grown as a scholar, but also a place where I have grown as a person. It is now a place I call home. We would love to see you on campus. Best of luck in making your decision! Erika Nickel |
Ryan Baldridge | Hey! I'm Ryan Baldridge, a third year student at Creighton Law. I was born and raised in a small town (Centralia) in Southern Illinois. In 2008 I graduated from Southern Illinois University with degrees in Paralegal Studies/Pre-Law and Administration of Justice. After graduation, I waited a year before going to law school. Several things I observed during an individual visit and that I have since experienced enforced my decision to attend Creighton. As an undergraduate student, I liked to be involved with student organizations. This passion has easily carried over to Creighton Law where there are numerous opportunities to be involved. I am currently the 3L Representative for the Law Ambassadors, a member of Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity, and President of the Student Bar Association. I started getting involved with anything that interested me my first year and have carried those interests with me throughout my time at Creighton. My last “selling point” was the City of Omaha. The city has everything you would want from a big city but the “small town feel” that so many Creighton students are use to. More important than that though, the city has many opportunities to have an enjoyable night off from studying. There is an active nightlife in the Old Market area and many great restaurants or events to enjoy a nice time out with friends! Good luck in making your decision. Feel free to e-mail me if I can help with anything! Hope to see you next year! Ryan Baldridge
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Erica Goven | Hello, my name is Erica Goven and I am the 2L Representative for Law Ambassadors. I attended Creighton for my undergraduate degree. I graduated in 2010 with a degree in Political Science. Once I decided I wanted to attend law school, I looked at schools across the entire country. I could not find a law school with the same welcoming and community atmosphere as Creighton. Additionally, I found the size of Omaha and benefits to students and young professionals was not the same in other cities. |
Jessica Gil | Hello, my name is Jessica Gil and I am a 2L. I am originally from Seattle, WA and attended University of Portland in Portland, OR for my undergraduate studies. Up until moving to Omaha to attend Creighton Law, I had lived in the Pacific Northwest my entire life. Moving to Omaha was scary, but it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. From the very beginning Creighton was more than just a school. It felt like a family. When I received my personalized acceptance letter, I knew that someone read my personal statement and taken an interest in me as a future attorney. I was more than a number. That feeling has only grown since starting school. All of my professors took the time to get to know me personally by name. I always felt welcome to stop by their offices to get help with something from class, or just talk about life. The administration has been just as welcoming. They always make sure I’m well taken care of. Being so far away from my family, it’s comforting to know I have a Creighton Law family to fill in when I need them. My fellow classmates have been just as wonderful. Before coming to law school I heard horror stories of cutthroat competition. I was worried that I would have problems making new friends. What I found right from the start was that Creighton was different. I have made some of my best friends in the last year. Yes law school is competitive, but the community at Creighton is always supportive. If you asked me 3 years ago where I would be, I would never in a million years answer Omaha, NE. As random as this decision was, it has been wonderful and beneficial. If I could go back and do it all over again, I would make the same choice. Choosing a law school is not an easy choice. If there are any questions or concerns I can help answer please feel free to email me. Best of luck in making your decision! Jessica Gil |
| Anxious, excited, and terrified—these are the emotions I felt while I was in the process of deciding where I should attend law school. It is certainly not an easy choice to make. I knew from the time I was in middle school that I would work in the legal field. I was drawn in by lofty ideals like justice and equity. But then it came time to apply and my entire person was reduced to these three emotions. I was already the first generation in my direct family tree to get a bachelor’s degree and now this? What was I thinking? I looked at schools all over the smorgasbord of options in an attempt to find the one that fit me and would drive me to excel. I was left clueless. Well, I was left anxious, excited, and terrified to me more exact. There were so many options it was hard to really see how one school was a better fit for me than any other. But then I found my mode of clarity. I began to look at the values of the schools. Creighton’s goal is to provide “intellectual challenge, academic rigor and an opportunity to develop a foundation of moral values for lifelong service in the law”. When I visited Creighton I was impressed to find that they actually prioritized the values they set forth. From the admissions department, to the faculty, to the student body I have yet to encounter a facet of this institution that does not live out the values of Creighton in their daily life. I come to school every day thankful for the choice I made to attend Creighton Law School. I hope to you are able to attend and see firsthand what a wonderful experience law school can be. The values and personality of the school is truly something that cannot be overlooked. I you ever have any questions feel free to ask. |
| Hello! My name is Jenny Schuelke and I’m from Solon, Iowa (a small town right outside of Iowa City). I attended the University of Iowa for my undergraduate work, where I majored in Political Science and earned my certificate in Entrepreneurial Management. During my four years at Iowa, I was a member of the Iowa Softball Team. I am indeed a Hawkeye at heart. Having never really “left the nest” so to speak, moving to Omaha was my first big adventure. After only a few months here, I can honestly say I feel like I’m right where I belong. |
