Hi Rachel, thank you so much for sitting down with me today! Let’s start with some basics—where are you from, where did you go for undergrad, and what were you up to before coming to UVA Law?
I am from Piscataway, New Jersey. I attended Franklin & Marshall College for undergrad in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Prior to law school, I worked in the House of Representatives for the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis as an operations and press assistant, and then as the scheduler and executive assistant for Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09).
Okay, definitely an East Coast girl! Did you get a chance to visit friends and family in D.C. or back home in New Jersey over winter break?
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make it to D.C., but I was able to spend my break with my family and friends in New Jersey and New York.
Always nice to get a chance to reconnect during break! What else did you get into over winter break?
I was able to catch up on a lot of sleep, spent time with my family, and traveled to New York quite a bit over the course of the break. I met up with some friends from college, visited museums, tried new restaurants, and explored NYC nightlife. I also attended a Brooklyn Nets game!
That’s so cool, love a good basketball game! Did they win the game?
Yes, against the Pistons!
Switching gears, having just finished your first semester, what’s been your most memorable moment or biggest takeaway that you’ll be bringing with you into the second semester?
My most memorable moment from the first semester would have to be assisting with the choreography of our Dandelion performance at the beginning of the year. I was nervous at first because we all were just starting to get to know each other, and it was hard to figure out what would work for everyone’s skill level. Coming up with our performance took a lot of communication and collaboration, and I think that made me bond very closely with everyone in the section. We have remained a very close section and are very supportive of one another, which I’m certain will remain the same this semester.
I remember y’all’s dance—was definitely cheering on my contract’s co-section, much love for Section C! On a similar note, what’s something you’re looking forward to this semester—any elective you’re looking forward to or staple spring semester event?
I’m currently taking Feminist Jurisprudence with Professor Coughlin as one of my electives this semester. I thoroughly enjoy the course material, and I’m looking forward to what I will learn the rest of the semester. I’m also looking forward to the Softball Invitational and the opportunity to visit the wineries in Charlottesville.
I’m sure the Softball Invitational will be an experience. Are you playing with your section or joining some other teams?
I’ll be playing with my section’s team again, go SecC! I’ll also be playing with the BLSA team and Slug Slug Goose.
Your section definitely won against my section last semester, so I’m looking forward to some redemption. Okay, time for a lighting round, Valentine’s Day edition! Pink or red?
Pink.
Candy hearts or chocolates?
Chocolates.
Flowers or teddy bears?
Flowers.
What kind of flowers?
Red roses.
Favorite rom-com?
Jumping the Broom.
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Interviewed by Ashanti Jones '26