The first thing Kristina Williams learned in college was that nursing wasn’t the career for her. The second thing she realized was that she didn’t really have another path pointing her in the right direction.
“I decided to talk it over with my nursing advisor,” said Williams. “I imagined she would try to push me into trying to continue down a nursing path, but no – she only wanted me to follow a path that would lead to my happiness. She was such a sweetheart. She started by asking me about the things that I liked to do. What came to my mind first was that I liked watching Court programs. She thought about that for a while, then asked me if I would like to enroll in the school's (The University of Toledo) Paralegal Studies program."
That was it. Williams changed her major to Paralegal Studies and never looked back. She loved everything about the program. She also recognized that the law was for her, and going to law school was her next step.
“My inspiration to choose Cooley Law School was its inclusivity,” recalled Williams. “I liked the law school’s reputation for being diverse and that it was a close-knit community.”
It also helped that the campus happened to be close to her home in Toledo, Ohio, and coming to Lansing would be the first time she would live on her own. Although that ended up not being an obstacle for her.
“Moving away really wasn't that stressful for me because I was just so excited about this new adventure. I found that I loved being on my own. No homesickness or anything. I was perfectly fine and have managed to make lots of friends here.”
Now a 2L at Cooley, Williams continues to enjoy the community. “I like the people at Cooley, and the environment is nice. Even the professors are friendly, and they understand you and always take the time to answer questions.”
Not surprisingly, Williams has enjoyed connecting as a Dean’s Fellow, personally and professionally. Last semester, Williams led a Dean’s Fellow Study Hall after excelling in her Contracts class. She wanted to share some of her learning strategies with her fellow students.
“Contracts is a hard subject,” explained Williams. “There are so many rules and exceptions to understand and remember. The one thing that really helped me break things down and understand Contracts was to create a chart. I shared the chart in my presentation. What a great feeling to have students come up to me afterwards to thank me for my tips. They even said it was a lifesaver! It’s good to know I am doing my job well as a Dean’s Fellow."
Looking ahead, Williams is still flushing out the direction her law degree is pointing, but she is mostly considering options in Civil Litigation, although she wants to remain open to anything that presents itself.
“I am learning about different areas of law that I find interesting through some of the elective classes, but I'm not sure I would want to be a Criminal Law attorney. I am such a sensitive person, especially when it comes to cases that might involve children or a murder case. I don't know if I would have the right mindset if a client came to me, told me all the things they did wrong, then be okay with being this person’s representative.”
That sensitivity also has her wondering if maybe that’s exactly why she might end up in the Criminal Law field. The more she delves into her legal studies to find her passion and path, the more she has discovered that she is enjoying the journey and is open to all the possibilities.
As a first-generation law student, Williams is familiar with trying new things and putting herself out there.
“It’s important to me to branch outside the norm, no matter how uncomfortable. You should listen to your heart and follow your dreams, even if it means changing your mind or upending your original plans. It’s okay to switch majors because you will ultimately be happier and more successful in a field you have a passion for.”
It was the same growing up with her four siblings in Ohio. Williams’ favorite hobby as a young girl was playing her guitar and pushing herself out of her comfort zone.
“I used to play the acoustic guitar, especially Old McDonald Had a Farm,” smiled Williams. “I remember the time I was invited as a pre-teen to a pageant in Columbus and I had to do a runway walk. As I finished my walk, the MC asked me what talent I had to share, so I pulled out my guitar and played Old McDonald for the crowd. Of course everyone clapped and smiled because it was so cute. I went on to do a Doritos commercial after that.”
If Williams has any advice for incoming law students, she urges them to get to know the people around you – including your fellow students, the faculty, and the staff, and be open to the possibilities.
“You should always be open to different opportunities, no matter how you feel about something in the moment,” declared Williams. “Don't close doors until you have enough information or experience. You just never know until you try things out."
That's what Williams learned in college.
“I remember taking Family Law and Wills & Estates and I didn't find the classes interesting. Yet, when I worked for a family law attorney, I found out how much I liked it. It's important to come in with an open mind.”
Williams also suggests that law students, especially in their first year, need to keep up with their studies and never procrastinate. They should also feel free to reach out to the professors. They want you to do well.
Williams' law school journey has been like the story she told about the road trip she took with her family out West. Her parents, brothers and sisters headed out from Ohio traveling through 13 states to get to their ultimate destination in California.
“It took us three days to get there, and it was tough at times, but mostly it was really fun and all worth it,” shared Williams. “At every cross road we would stop and experience something interesting in each state, which was so cool and memorable. I remember being surprised when we stopped in Arizona. Who would have thought that Arizona would have some of the best water parks! It's all about pushing back on what you think, and be open to what you find out. California was everything we expected, but some surprises too. Disneyland was amazing. I think we went six times! But we also never realized that California was the home to mountain lions until my brother bumped into one! We were so scared because we had never seen a Mountain Lion before, coming from Ohio.”
The next chapter for Williams is when she graduates and starts her new legal career.
“No matter what my legal career looks like, I think it’s important to include volunteer work,” stated Williams. "As an attorney, I feel like we’re looked at in the highest degree, so it’s important to give back and show compassion for others.”