Career Readiness at Mount Union
Through the Peacebuilding and Social Justice program, I had the opportunity to participate in Spring Lobby Weekend in Washington, D.C., which led to an internship and eventually to my current job. The courses I took in the PSJ program challenged me to think critically about complex ethical issues. Humanities play a vital role in higher education because, regardless of your career path, you will always collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. I have the privilege of working with individuals during some of the most challenging moments of their lives—many of whom are victims of a deeply flawed and unjust legal system. Ensuring they receive proper representation and a fair trial, as everyone deserves, is both a responsibility and an honor.
Career after Graduating
I am a Litigation Assistant at the Legal Aid Society. I assist attorneys in handling serious violent felony cases by managing discovery, maintaining client relations, organizing documents, and providing any necessary support for hearings and trials. The Legal Aid Society, a nonprofit legal services provider in New York City, advocates for the rights of all New Yorkers in areas such as criminal defense, bail, immigration, housing, healthcare, public benefits, and juvenile rights. I am currently applying to law school to earn my J.D., with the long-term goal of obtaining a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Reform and Policy. My ultimate aspiration is to become a professor, teaching college courses in prisons to help expand access to higher education for incarcerated individuals.
Staying Connected to Mount Union
My dad, Dr. Kadlecek, has been a professor at Mount Union for my entire life. I grew up on campus, attending Mount Union events and games. Thanks to his employment, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Mount at a significantly more affordable cost. I am deeply grateful for this and will never take it for granted. But, the lifelong friendships I formed made my time unforgettable! I remain in contact with various staff and professors who mentored and supported me throughout my time at Mount Union. Since graduating, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with undergraduate students interested in my career path, offering guidance and encouraging them to explore specific courses and programs at Mount.