2009-2010 President - Wilma Shim
Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta
Class Year: LLB Candidate, 2010
Prior Education: BSc (Calgary), with a specialization in Kinesiology
What did you do before Law School? I was completing the last year of my undergraduate degree the year prior to entering law school. I worked at the U of C as the Alumni Relations Coordinator for the Faculty of Kinesiology during the summer before my first year of law school.
What are you hoping to do with your degree? Corporate law, or health and disability law.
What has been your experience the U of C Law School so far? I have enjoyed building relationships with classmates, professors, and staff. Also, the knowledge acquired after one year of legal education is very exciting.
Which professor has influenced you most, and why? Professor Jonnette Watson Hamilton. She used a partial Socratic method on the first day of classes by calling on me to answer a question -- this was my first taste of law school and the numberous challenges that lay ahead. Her teaching method and style has shaped the way that I approach all of my classes.
What has been your favourite course, and why? Constitutional and Criminal Law. Legal concepts and theories are all around us; so many of the news stories have a constitutional and criminal aspect to it and it is interesting to apply class knowledge to current events.
How do you feel the law school's multi-disciplinary approach is influencing your legal education? I am looking forward to taking a variety of courses in my second year. Having the opportunity to have a diverse legal background will positively affect career opportunities in the future.
What are you most proud of? Surviving my first year! Also, receiving the Chancellor Club Scholarship for my undergraduate studies, as it has opened many doors for me.
Describe your extra-curricular activities at the U of C: Currently, I am the Events Officer for Pro Bono Students Canada. My responsibilities include coordinating Public Interest Law Day and Just Cause. I am also the President and founder of the Young Kinesiology Alumni Association, and I was elected representative on the Students Union and Kinesiology Students Society during my time as an undergraduate student.
Have you done, or are you currently doing, any public service? I currently coach Special Olympic athletes in powerlifting, and have volunteered at the Campus Food Bank.
What is your favourite place or activity on the U of C campus? The Health and Recreation Centre is my favourite place. As a competitive powerlifter, lifting weights between classes is a great stress reliever!
What advice would you give to students looking to go to law school? My advice for students would be to stay focused. Law school is demanding, but very rewarding.