Law Student Diaries

For the eighth year, several SU law students are participating in our online student journals. Since the school year began, they have been gathering their thoughts and reflections about what it means to be an SU law student: from classroom experiences, to juggling commitments to making the most of their legal educations.

We invite you to travel through the year with the students as they share not only their confidences and anxieties but their accomplishments and success strategies. Hear what it's like to be an SU law student, as students candidly express views about not only law school, but also the law generally, and their professional aspirations.

New entries will be available approximately every few weeks as students find time to squeeze their updates into their busy lives.

2011-2012 Participants:

Kristina Markosova

I was born in Russia and moved to Bismarck, North Dakota at the age of six. After spending a large part of my childhood there, I moved to the Seattle suburbs and attended high school in Redmond. I pursued my undergraduate degree in Economics and International Relations at Boston University. During my time in Boston, I took advantage of every opportunity to travel along the east coast as well as abroad. I spent a semester of my junior year living in Madrid, Spain working at a non-profit and exploring the region. These experiences helped develop my interest in international law, which I hope to incorporate into my legal career. I moved back to Seattle after graduation and came straight into law school. During my free time, I enjoy running, reading, and finding new restaurants to try around the city.

Read Kristina's diary

Tamara Howie

My name is Tamara Howie. I got my first taste of law at Central Washington University, where I studied Law and Justice as an undergraduate. Prior coming to law school, I worked as a paralegal at a small law firm downtown Seattle. This position further solidified my interest in law, and three years later here I am. I am happy to be a 1L here at Seattle U. While I came to law school with specific interests, being exposed to so many areas of law has convinced me to do more exploring. Currently, I would have to say that Legal Writing is the hardest but most rewarding class. Luckily we have the best Professors around to teach us. Having been born and raised in the heart of Seattle, I know this area very well. From restaurants, to coffee shops, there are plenty of places for me to plant myself and get deep into my studies. When I am not studying, you can find me enjoying my beautiful city through food, and arts.

Read Tamara's diary

Cynthia Chu, 2L

Hello, I am Cynthia, a 2L part time evening student. I graduated from the University of Michigan in 2005. I have held many different roles in the healthcare industry- from product marketing to financial analysis. Although healthcare remains a top practice area interest, I decided to attend law school to expand my options.

Read Cynthia's diary

Julie Culpepper, 3L

Hello, I'm Julie Culpepper. It's hard to believe that I'm starting my 3L year, but I'm very excited! I'm interested in family law, specifically international adoption and how it relates to human trafficking. I love coffee, traveling, and good conversations. If you see me around, say hello!

Read Julie's diary

Joey Mack, 3L

I am originally from Duluth, Georgia (Northeast Atlanta suburbs). I first went to college in Utah before transferring to the University of Memphis to play football. At the University of Memphis I majored in marketing and communications. Before my senior year at Memphis I married my lovely wife, Whitney. After we both graduated from the University of Memphis we moved to Kalispell, Montana for a year while we worked and saved up money for me to attend law school. I am big sports fan but a huge soccer fan and I passionately follow the Sounders, Fulham, and Werder Bremen. When I am not studying, reading, or playing soccer I am playing with my German-shepherd mix, Stella. My wife and I absolutely love Seattle and one of our favorite things to do is try out different restaurants around the school.

Read Joey's diary

Chris D'Abreau, 2L

My name is Chris D’Abreau. I majored in Sociology and minored in Communication at Western Washington University. I grew up a “military brat” and have lived in roughly nine states and two countries. Before I began law school, I was a snowboard enthusiast working on Mt. Baker and I currently enjoy board sports every season of the year. I am looking forward to discovering exactly where my legal education will lead me and exploring the rest of world.

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