Elizabeth Williams is a first-year student at Loyola Law School focused on exploring the intersection of law and the entertainment industry.
At Loyola, a large portion of students are from California, but not all of us are locals. I grew up in the suburbs of Connecticut, attending school with the same group of kids from kindergarten through graduation. For college, I chose the University of Washington in Seattle, which felt about as far from home as I could possibly go.
When it came time to apply to law school, I focused my search on the Northeast, where some of my family lives, as well as cities where I could truly envision building my life. With a strong interest in entertainment law, I knew that Los Angeles would offer the greatest opportunities to pursue that path.
Although adjusting to a new city and state took time, Los Angeles may be the best place I’ve ever lived. My weekends are spent at the beach, my readings can be done outside year-round, and there is no shortage of neighborhoods to explore. Even if you don’t see your career lasting forever in California, Loyola’s alumni network extends far beyond the West Coast. I was able to connect with a Loyola alum practicing in Connecticut to discuss what my options might look like if I choose to move back closer to my family.
Moving to new cities for both undergrad and law school has been the greatest experience of my life. It challenges you, teaches you to trust yourself, and reminds you that you are capable of far more than you might expect.
TOPICS: Alumni, Los Angeles, New Students