By Ellen Garnett
Staff Writer

Simmons alumnae gathered in a panel called “Is Law School Still Relevant?” this past week to discuss how law school has had an important impact on their professional careers in the law field.
Run by Simmons’ Pre-Law Advisory Director Lynda M. Connolly, the event included panelists from the class of 1975 up to recent graduates of the 2000s. The message was clear: go for it.
“The world is your oyster, ladies,” said Pamela Moran Dashiell, ’75.
Dashiell pointed out that there are more job opportunities for women today than there were when she was at Simmons and racism was more prevalent.
Additionally, other panelists noted that the skills learned in law school are not limited to law-related fields, but are applicable to any field.
“You learn so many skills in law school, such as analytical skills that can translate across the board,” said Melina L. Muñoz, ’09. “You learn about who we are.”
However, while the skills learned in law school may apply to other fields, Ellen Janos, ’73, warned students not to go to law school to figure out what they want to do.
“Jobs are very difficult right now. Try out new jobs and see if it’s the right fit,” said Janos.
Kathleen McKay, ’02, added in leaving her home in Atlanta for New England.
Lisa Smith-McQueenie, associate dean for the Office of Student Life, moderated the event. She spoke of inclusion and community, and offered several bits of advice throughout the program.
“None of us walk this journey alone,” Smith-McQueenie said between screens displaying slideshows of students in the Multicultural Overnight & Student Travel (MOST) program. Slides displayed mentors and mentees laughing, talking, and making tie-dyed T-shirts, and stories written by mentors about their experiences.
“I liked it a lot. We got to meet a lot of new people and stay in the dorms. I felt very accepted,” first-year Ashika Shah said about her experience as a mentee through MOST. It was what motivated her to come to Colors of Success.
A variety of students were recognized and honored for their accomplishments. Students accepted to the Dotson Bridge and Mentoring program, which serves ALANA students in the school of nursing, were asked to stand and were applauded by the audience. Boston Scholars, scholarship winners from Boston high schools, along with this year’s Fish Scholar, a student offered a merit award from Atsuko T. Fish, trustee of Simmons and founder of the Japanese Women’s Leadership Initiative, received the same treatment.
Smith-McQueenie also made it a point for attendees to applaud and recognize every year of students in attendance: first-years, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, along with all faculty members, staff, and the few scattered alumni in the room.
Colors of Success ended with Smith-McQueenie encouraging all attendees to use the Like Minds pens and colorful paper scattered on each table to speak with one new person and exchange information in order to establish a new connection.