As the academic year ends, many students at the University of Illinois Springfield are preparing to graduate and embark on new journeys. Among them is Alex Rankin, a dedicated student who has spent the past four years shaping his academic and extracurricular experiences to prepare for a future in law. In a recent interview with the UIS Observer, Alex shares insights into his time at UIS, his academic pursuits, and his plans for the future.

Alex’s journey at UIS began four years ago when he enrolled as an undergraduate student. Since then, he has immersed himself in various academic disciplines, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors. Throughout his undergraduate studies, Alex pursued a diverse range of interests, initially majoring in Political Science. However, his academic journey took an exciting turn when he decided to pursue a double major in Legal Studies and a minor in Global Studies during his junior year. “I really enjoyed and was good at the Intro to the American Legal System class I took my first year and thought that I would do well with the major,” he said. “I added the GBL minor because I liked the classes I had with Dr. Crocker at that point.”

One of the highlights of Alex’s time at UIS has been his involvement with Model Illinois Government, an organization that has not only provided valuable learning experiences but has also opened doors to future career opportunities in politics. “Model Illinois Government has taught me a lot that I couldn’t have learned in other settings and has also granted me amazing opportunities that are beneficial for a future career in politics if I choose to go that route,” he said enthusiastically.

Throughout his academic journey, Alex found inspiration and guidance from dedicated faculty members, with Professor Anthony from the Legal Studies Department standing out as a favorite. He attributes much of his legal knowledge and preparation for law school to Professor Anthony’s classes. “Her American Constitution: Government Powers and Institutions class has taught me the most about legal application out of any of my classes and has been one of the classes that has made me the most prepared for law school,” Alex noted appreciatively.

As he prepares to graduate on May 11, Alex offers valuable advice to incoming freshmen: “Pay attention in your gen eds and establish good habits early.” His emphasis on building a strong foundation and cultivating effective study habits underscores the importance of academic diligence and discipline.

Looking ahead, Alex is eager to continue his academic journey at Northern Illinois University, where he plans to enroll in law school and specialize in Criminal Law. With a passion for legal studies and a drive to make a positive impact, Alex is poised to excel in his future endeavors. We wish him luck as he embarks on a new journey!