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Next Port Stories: Susie Swanholm '26
Susie Swanholm
Pronouns: she/her
Primary Major: Political Science & Global Affairs
Secondary Major: Communication Studies
What are your plans for after graduation?
Enrolling in Graduate Studies
What degree are you seeking and/or what program are you enrolled? JD
Please list the school/institution you are enrolled. University of Minnesota Law School
Where will you be located (city/state/country)? Minneapolis, MN
What are you most excited about for your Next Port?
I am excited to move back home to the Twin Cities and get back to school work! I am particularly excited about the hands-on clinical experiences that will be available to me at the U.
What advice would you give to your first-year self?
Explore with your classes as much as possible. I am very grateful the core curriculum forced me out of political science to take courses that I ended up loving and turning into a second major.
Was there a class, internship or experience that shaped your direction to your post-graduate plans?
I interned at the Minnesota Governor's Office last summer and my conversations with the legal team there affirmed my interest in both the University of Minnesota and in a legal career in general. Seeing the inner workings of state government showed me at least one interesting path I would be interested in taking.
Who at the University of Portland had the most impact on shaping your next step?
Dr. Golesorkhi! I have taken five of her classes while at UP and she has been a great mentor. She provides great feedback that has improved my writing, and she has forced me to activate new parts of my brain in problem solving complex global issues. She also supported me in my law school applications in writing me a letter of recommendation which I am very grateful for!
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