Law school is notorious for being difficult and, for some, extremely overwhelming. But for Penn State Law student Taylor O’Toole, her commitment to herself helps to manage those feelings.
“I try to be very involved with school and the community,” said O’Toole. “It is important to strike a balance between school and having a life so you don’t lose yourself in a legal education, or an education period.”
The Long Island, NY native came to University Park after completing her undergraduate education at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While her time as a Nittany Lion has been positive, O’Toole’s heart will always remain with the Tar Heels.
Penn State seemed like the best choice for O’Toole’s post-graduate aspirations. Hoping to work for a professional sports team or management company, among other possibilities, O’Toole hopes to pursue a career in sport and entertainment law.
“I feel I couldn’t go to another basketball school so I had to go to a football school,” O’Toole said. “I really want to practice sports law and this is a great place to do that.”
An avid New York fan, O’Toole says that a dream job would be working for the New York Rangers, possibly in their legal department as in-house counsel. Returning to her alma mater, UNC, would be another great career opportunity.
It was not only the education at Penn State Law that drew her here. O’Toole believes that the culture of the school is a great experience, especially since it differs from what she knew before.
“At North Carolina we are not a big football school,” said O’Toole. “I am so excited to be able to throw on a sweatshirt and a beanie and go to the game.”
Photo courtesy of Taylor O’Toole
Aside from Penn State football games, O’Toole makes sure she enjoys herself by going out to a different bar on Thursday nights after a long day of classes and work with fellow law students, working out or taking the time to talk with her roommates about their day.
Another way O’Toole unwinds from a busy school schedule is through her favorite guilty pleasure: reality television.
“I like to watch reality TV because I find it to be mindless,” O’Toole said. “I can just laugh and enjoy myself.”
While law school gets harder and harder until the day you graduate, O’Toole prioritizes herself outside of her homework and maintains a balance that keeps her happy.
O’Toole wants undergrads transitioning to law school that the atmosphere may be unfamiliar and challenge, but you get out what you put into it.
“It is a very active learning environment,” said O’Toole. “You need to be prepared for every class, you will be called on and you will be asked questions and you will have to be able to regurgitate facts.”
Adding to her classwork, O’Toole is an ambassador for the law school. So if you are interested in furthering your education with a law degree, go take a tour with Taylor O’Toole!
1 Comment