Siobhan Morris – Orientation Chair
Hey 1Ls! Welcome to Queen’s Law!
My name is Siobhan Morris and I’m your Orientation Committee Chair. I hail from the East Coast, where I was born and raised in Halifax. In undergrad, I studied physics at StFX before coming to Queen’s Law. During my time at StFX, I also ran the debate club and worked as a student advocate, which piqued my interest in law and motivated me to make the change!
My favourite thing about Queen’s Law (and Queen’s in general) is the number of ways you can get involved and truly make the most of your experience! Last year, I volunteered at one of our legal clinics, participated in a project with Pro Bono Students Canada, sang in the Queen’s Law Choir and helped choreograph a dance for our Queen’s Law Cabaret event! Outside of the law school, I took advantage of Queen’s many dance clubs to learn swing dance and keep up with ballet – and that’s only a small fraction of things you could try!
We’re so excited to welcome you into the Queen’s Law community, and we hope that you will use us all as resources for advice, for support, and to make the most of your time here at Queen’s. Our goal is to ensure you truly have an amazing year, and are firmly rooted in your new home by the time you finish 1L. In the meanwhile, if you ever need someone to chat, or to answer your questions about QL, we’re ready and happy to do so.
See you all in September!
Domenica Moran – Events Co-Chair
Hello 1Ls! My name is Domenica and I am co-event chair alongside Victoria!
I was born and raised in Toronto, where I did my Bachelor’s of Arts and Master’s of English at U of T. I love to spend my free time exploring my big city, swimming, knitting stuffed animals, and reading – the 18th century is my speciality 😉 If you ever want to talk Lit, I’m your girl!
My time as a 1L was a year of firsts for me: it was my first time living away from home, my first-time learning about the law, and my first time learning to depend on myself. Naturally, I was a bundle of nerves on the first day of my O week – what if people weren’t friendly? What if choosing Queen’s was a mistake? What if I can’t handle the program?
I can say with confidence that coming to QL was the best decision I’ve ever made. Orientation week was so much fun! I found myself surrounded by outgoing, smart, and talented individuals that made my first year amazing, and I am proud to have been a part of creating that experience for you all this year. I’m excited for you to see the awesome events we’ve planned, and to get to know your future friends/colleagues.
Trust me when I say that these will be the best years of your life! I look forward to meeting you all!
Victoria Ourumis – Events Co-Chair
Hey class of 2020! Welcome to Queen’s Law and to the start of the (honestly) best three years of your life! Having completed my undergrad at Queen’s, and now having finished 1L at Queen’s Law, I can safely say that you made a great decision by choosing QL and Kingston as your home base for the next 3 years. Make sure you get out and explore Kingston’s great restaurants and lively downtown area in 1L- life at Queen’s Law revolves around much more than the library. Having been back home for a few weeks, I am already counting down the days until Orientation Week 2017 and all of the fun events we have planned for you. I can’t wait to meet you all!
Lauren Malatesta – Administrative Chair
Hey incoming 1Ls! Welcome to Queen’s Law – we are thrilled to have you. My name is Lauren Malatesta and I’m your administrative chair. I’ll be your main point of contact for any questions about orientation registration, but I’m also happy to answer anything about law school more generally. I grew up in Thornhill and completed my undergrad degree at U of T in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Moving to Kingston meant three big changes for me: (1) starting law school, (2) making a new friend group and (3) living alone for the first time. During Orientation, I quickly realized that I wasn’t alone and many people were going through the same changes.
Orientation week sets the tone for the rest of the year – friendly and helpful 2Ls, great support systems from QL faculty and staff, and incredible friendships that will last a lifetime. It is my hope that Orientation 2017 will give you a glimpse of how amazing the next three years will be. You will work hard, no doubt about that, but do take some time to enjoy the ride. In the first few months, it will be tempting to compare your study habits to everyone else. Don’t do it! Focus on what works best for you and keep at it – don’t forget to reach out for help and spend some time doing non-Law related things as well.
As for Orientation, we have a great team and everyone is super excited to meet you in September. Please don’t hesitate to get in contact with the Orientation team directly through the ‘Questions’ page on the top bar. Congratulations and, again, welcome to Queen’s Law!
Jackie van Leeuwen – Sponsorship Chair
Hey 1Ls! My name is Jackie and I’m this year’s Sponsorship Chair.
I’m from Waterloo and did my undergrad in English at Laurier. I then took three years off of school to work and travel (mature students get at me!). Along with travel, I love anything to do with nature: plants, hiking, and wine (does that count?). I lived in Kingston for a year before starting 1L and I’m happy to chat about the hidden gems in and around the city. Orientation week is a great opportunity to make lasting friendships and I definitely recommend taking advantage of all it has to offer.
I heard an expression this year and I think you’ll find that it rings true; it doesn’t matter where you go to law school… unless you go to Queen’s!
The Lawscars 