Housing and Public Benefits Paralegal, Legal Assistance of Western New York (LawNY)
Current Location:
Geneva, N.Y.
Major:
Political Science
When I came to college, I honestly thought I had it all figured out, but shortly afterward discovered that I had my mind and heart in two different places. That’s when William Smith Dean Lisa Kaenzig P’22 encouraged me to take an array of classes in the second half of my first-year. “Democracy and Public Policy” with Professor of Public Policy Craig Rimmerman was the first class that began to challenge my notions of how our nation worked, not just in regards to current events, but also related to historical legacies and their lasting effects on policy today.
As time went on, I continued to widen my net by taking multiple classes in various departments, ranging from “Politics of Health” to “Visions of the City.” In the spring of my junior year, my academic and personal interests started to connect when I took “Urban Politics” with Assistant Professor of Political Science Justin Rose. My questions about policy became more grounded in what was going on in urban centers and the ripple effects they were creating. From that class, I decided to research what was happening in our own “Uniquely Urban” city of Geneva and took on an extensive independent study with Professor Rose during my senior year. In the end, I knew I was not ready to leave Geneva.
I am currently a housing and public benefits paralegal at Legal Assistance of Western New York (LawNY), a non-profit legal aid firm servicing 14 counties of Western New York, in its Geneva office. I work with other paralegals and attorneys interviewing potential clients, researching and investigating legal issues, maintaining grant reporting, as well as collaborating with other agencies to strengthen community development initiatives. The collaborative environment of LawNY allows me to not only learn about the breadth of our agency, but also challenge community notions about housing and policy.
Before my senior year, I had the opportunity to intern for The Bozzuto Group where I first encountered the private housing market in action. The Bozzuto Group is grounded in fostering community at its properties. I realized that same effort was not always translated to public sector housing, and I became fascinated with public and subsidized housing communities. Right before graduation, I connected with Hobart alum and paralegal with LawNY Ryan Mullaney ’16 to discuss public service work in the area. He suggested that I would be a great fit for LawNY. Throughout my time in Geneva, I had multiple opportunities to work with LawNY advocates and build a network prior to applying for my position. I was confident that my skills and interests were a perfect fit for the agency, and I waited patiently until a position opened up. Along with alums at the agency, Director of the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education Brandi Ferrara and Assistant Director Briana Costello ’15 were great at reviewing my cover letter and resume making sure my character really shined through. Additionally, I am grateful for all of the professors who have been there for me since day one, in guiding my academic and personal development.
As for the future, anything is possible. I know that sounds cliché, but everything has a funny way of working out for the best. Right now, I am currently in the process of applying to law school. I hope to pursue a career in Public Interest Law, to further explore my passion for public service. I know wherever I go, Hobart and William Smith Colleges have prepared me for anything that comes along.
