Between classes: Chelsea Szafranski
Legal Studies Diploma
Chelsea Szafranski
feels prepared.
Education:
- Legal Studies Diploma (Douglas College), 2010
- BA, Criminology (SFU), 2012
Career goals:
Lawyer
Hometown:
Coquitlam
High school:
Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School.
My role models are:
My parents. They have had many challenges thrown at them in life and have always persevered, keeping a positive attitude.
If I could turn back time
I would tell my 17-year-old self don’t be afraid or too proud to ask for help when you need it and participate in class.
Legal eagle
In addition to being interested in criminology, I knew that I wanted to become a lawyer in high school and felt that a degree in criminology would be the best way to go about becoming one.
All about the preparation
The Legal Studies Program was just starting when I came to Douglas, and it was a program that focused on the academic aspects of the law. I felt that it would prepare me for law school and I believe that it has. I have gained some valuable information that I probably wouldn’t have had otherwise until I got to law school.
The best of times
Being able to meet new people and to explore an area of study that I was interested in. Coming from a smaller high school, I liked that the class sizes were smaller and less intimidating at Douglas.
The challenging times
On occasion I would have several essays or assignments due either on the same day or within days of each other and it was difficult to keep track of them all.
A point of interest
Truth is usually stranger than fiction. I remember the case involving a man who filed a complaint with the human rights tribunal. He got banned from a bunch of local gyms and got really upset when he was refused membership to an all-ladies’ gym, claiming its policy was discriminatory. He didn't clue in that all the staff were female. And it wasn't like it was the only gym in the area either. The case was thrown out.
Great teachers
There were actually two professors who influenced me at Douglas. The creators of the Legal Studies program, Michael Sporer and Graeme Bowbrick, are great instructors because they are passionate about what they teach and find ways to make class fun. They also gave me the confidence that I could succeed in law school.
A little advice
It is okay to make mistakes, to ask questions, and ask for help because college is a learning environment and if you never ask, you may never know.
On a scale of 1 to 10
I give leaving college a 5 - although I enjoyed my experience, I am ready to continue on to the next step in my education.
Links:
Information Sessions
Diploma in Legal Studies
More feature stories
Published February 11, 2010
