October is typically defined by football, pumpkin spice and the occasional spritz of autumn color. For many high school seniors, however, October is a defining month that marks the first steps of adulthood. Students become bombarded by college newsletters and the dreaded question: “What are you going to do with the rest of your life?” Battling this question, senior Hannah Grayem experienced first-hand life as a law student in the summer months when she traveled to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. to attend and participate in the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) Law and Advocacy program.

The National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) Law and Advocacy program is a bipartisan organization that turns courtrooms into classrooms, encouraging students to immerse themselves in the American judicial process. Student scholars receive letters in the mail indicating that through teacher recommendations and nominations from their high school, they are invited to apply to be in the program. Shortly after receiving her letter, Grayem completed a series of additional application requirements; she received her acceptance letter soon after. Grayem explained why she applied for the program.

“I am interested in a legal profession and it seemed like an amazing opportunity to learn more about the field. I also recognized that living on my own for nine days, six hours away from home, would allow me to be independent and assess what college will really be like,” Grayem said.

Grayem described her experience at the conference.

“The NSLC allowed me to experience college first-hand. I lived with a roommate that was very different [from] me in a dorm that was drastically different from my home environment. I was responsible for navigating the nation’s capital on my own and was given strict time margins that forced me to be accountable. The NSLC challenged me to participate in activities that put me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to open up and reflect on myself while doing it,” she said.

The cherry on top for Grayem was the fact that being nominated and attending NSLC stands out compared to thousands of highly competitive college applicants. Aside from the skills Grayem picked up as a varsity cheer captain and as a youth cheer coach, Grayem’s father, Don, felt that the camp equipped her with the necessary leadership skills collegiate life both expects and demands from students.   
 
“Grayem will be able to draw on the hands of experiences she had at the conference as she transitions into collegiate life and the qualities and skills she learned will serve as a foundation for the needed leadership skills that will be required for her career,” her father said.

As many high school seniors struggle through college applications in these early months of the new school year, Grayem stated that she formed lasting connections that she can rely on for advice and assistance throughout her college experience. Along with the completion of the program, Grayem is now eligible to be a teacher’s assistant for future NSLC Law and Advocate programs.