In May of 2018, Jennifer Hales graduated summa cum laude and ADP valedictorian with a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies and a minor in philosophy from Post University. “It was an amazing day and one I will never forget,” she shared. We wanted to follow up to see what Jennifer is doing a year later.
Jennifer, can you set the stage by telling us your initial motivation for pursuing a Legal Studies degree?
I chose to pursue a Legal Studies degree because of my love of the law and desire to practice it. I also have a passion for politics and would like to run for public office in the future, which I feel requires a deep understanding of the law and our Constitution.
Why Post University?
I chose Post University because it had a long history behind it as a brick-and-mortar university before its online presence. That meant something to me. It was part of a community and personally invested in the lives of its students.
I found this to be an absolute truth through my years at Post, even through the online program. It proves intention on the part of faculty, staff and professors to make students feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves. We were Post University Eagles, and we were not alone in our quest to better ourselves through higher education.
So, what have you been up to since you graduated, Jennifer?
Life since graduation has been no less busy. In addition to studying for the LSAT and applying to law schools, I have gotten even more politically involved by taking on leadership roles in my county’s political party. My education at Post was key in preparing me for the responsibilities of representing these organizations on the state and national level.
I am currently serving as the president of the Kenton County Republican Women’s Club, the largest political women’s club of its kind in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. My main goal with the club has been to grow and diversify it by making it accessible to every generation of women and their differing needs. We have been quite successful in this endeavor.
I also still serve on the Kenton County Republican Executive Committee, which fundraises for, grooms and supports candidates to run in everything from local to statewide political races.
What exciting changes does the future hold for Jennifer Hales?
I have not yet made the decision as to where I plan to attend law school, but the degree that I earned from Post at the level of success that I earned has prepared me well for whichever school I ultimately choose.
My youngest son will be heading off to college, while my oldest will prepare to graduate. With both away at school, I have decided to sell my home and potentially attend law school in an entirely different part of the country, just for the sake of adventure.
Perhaps most exciting is that this past February, on my 50th birthday, my sweetheart and best friend asked me to marry him. I look forward to seeing what other wonderful surprises life holds in store.
Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to share with our readers about your time at Post?
I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Post University. It not only taught me what I was capable of achieving at the age of 49, but it also allowed me to do so because of its unique dynamic.
The online program allowed me to make school work around my life and exposed me to a wonderfully diverse student body. I found it inspiring that fellow students, professors and faculty all shared one common goal: the success of each individual learner.
We worked together, respectfully shared ideas and encouraged one another. There are days when I actually miss it. These and so many other reasons are why Post University will always hold a special place in my heart.