It's that time of the year when I, along with my Senior friends, constantly hear this question: "What are your plans for next year?" Though my friend Tom, here, is definitely going to law school, he now is deciding just where; not a bad position to be in! He knew he wanted to pursue law, but the path to law school is not clear-cut. Read my interview with him to learn how Fordham has helped him along the way!
Name: Tom Merante
Year: FCRH ‘14
Major: Double major in International Political Economy and Philosophy, with a minor in History
Hometown: Slate Hill, NY
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| Taken at the Tower of London |
When you were a high school senior, did you have any
idea what you wanted to accomplish professionally or what you wanted to study?
I wanted to practice law eventually, but only had a vague sense of
how to get there. For pre-law
students, there really is no single ‘right major,’ and it is more fruitful to
study a subject that really makes you think about the world. I applied to Fordham as an Economics
major, but changed to IPE so that I could get a taste of international
relations and anthropology as well.
What helped you to decide or further affirm this idea
once at Fordham? (the core curriculum, advising, your own accord)
Through the Honors Program curriculum, I also took a number of
courses in Art History and Philosophy, and they have been some of the most
formative classes I have taken as an undergraduate. In fact, it was through those classes that I began to
realize my passion for intellectual property law and understanding the
challenges of original creation and ownership. Now, Philosophy is my second major.
What resources were
available to you in helping you to pursue this passion?
The undergraduate research opportunities were a tremendous asset in
building my interest in intellectual property law. Last semester I completed my Senior Thesis on international
IP and food. This semester the
abbreviated version of my Thesis was accepted for publication in the Fordham
Undergraduate Research Journal, and I plan on presenting at the Undergraduate
Research Symposium for the second straight year.
Also, I would be remiss not to mention the important role that my
professors and Dean Erin Burke, the Director of Pre-Law Advising and
Undergraduate Research, have played in discussing my research and law school
plans. Dean Burke is
extraordinarily helpful, and always willing to talk with students.
What else about your experience has helped you decide
on this path?
Studying in London through Fordham’s Liberal Arts Program was an
unbelievable opportunity during which I took two courses at City University
London. There, I gained an
international perspective on IPE and the law in general through sightseeing and
excursions around Europe. I
wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.
Did you participate in clubs at Fordham?
It is just about impossible to attend Fordham and not be involved in
at least several clubs or activities.
I copy-edit at The Ram, lead a
Christian Life Community, play intramural softball and soccer, volunteer with
Liberty Partnerships Programs, and captain a Relay for Life team every
spring. All of these have been
very fulfilling and rewarding challenges.
What are your plans after graduation this May? What
decisions do you still have to make?
This summer I will be working at a Manhattan firm where I have
worked the past two summers. In
the fall, I will begin law school—though exactly where is still a big question. I have received six acceptances out of
six tries so far, but am awaiting two more schools’ final responses before
making a final decision. I am
going to miss Rose Hill very much, but I’m very excited for law school!
More Senior Spotlights to come!
