Shelly Holland, '14

The Jepson at Cambridge program is in partnership with the School of Law, which has held a summer program in England for more than 30 years. Students spend five weeks studying at Emmanuel College at Cambridge. Shelly Holland, '14, took part in the program this summer. 

Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Majors: Leadership Studies and PPEL

Why did you decide to take part in the Jepson at Cambridge program?

I have always wanted to go abroad, but an entire semester wasn’t feasible for me. When I heard about this opportunity, it was too great to pass up.

What are you getting out the experience?

Life experience. Getting credit is great, but it has been truly rewarding to interact with the people I’ve had the opportunity to meet. Cambridge is a melting pot of cultures, and the rich legal history of the country alone is something worth learning about – particularly since I want to go into law.

Tell me about the program.

We are learning about the legal history of England dating back to 1066, as well as taking a class on Comparative Public Law of the UK and the US. All in all, it has been challenging but extremely rewarding.

What is your favorite part of the experience?

The opportunity to travel and learn through experience has been one of my favorite parts. Furthermore, I’m walking away from this 5-week program with irreplaceable friends who I would not have had the pleasure of really getting to know without the program.

How does this program tie into your career goals or plans after college?

My ultimate goal is to work in the family court system, particularly as a judge. In order to pursue that, law school needs to be in my future. This program has given me a taste of what that will be like and has solidified my postgraduation plans.

Why did you choose the University of Richmond?

I chose the University of Richmond based on what I felt when I first stepped on this campus. It just felt right, and has proven to be more than I expected and could have ever hoped for. In terms of the Jepson School, I chose to pursue a major in leadership studies because of the doors this kind of degree can open as well as the myriad of skills we learn that are applicable in the world. Jepson teaches students the art of rhetoric and argument, how to truly make an impact and how to collaborate with others regardless of personal differences.