Each year, the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine offers college students a scholarship opportunity on a topic that is near and dear to the firm. In 2023, we invited students to apply for the Anidjar & Levine Community Service Scholarship. We are pleased to announce Ms. Elysa Smith as this year’s winner of $2,500.
Ms. Smith received her Bachelor of Science from Florida State University in 2023, and she is a first-year law student at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University School of Law. We asked scholarship applicants to reflect on their volunteer opportunities and how this experience will serve them in their future goals and ambitions, and we have highlighted Elysa’s thoughtful answers below.
“Serving Your Community Is Something that Everyone Should Be Interested In Doing…”
During her time at FSU, Elysa dedicated her time to multiple volunteer activities to help better her community and help the people in it. One of the most important lessons she learned from these experiences was the power of compassion.
By helping gather menstrual products and other hygiene products for homeless individuals, mentoring and tutoring young students, and helping underprivileged girls find dresses for prom, Elysa learned how powerful it can be to meet people from all walks of life and help them when they need it most.
Without empathy or compassion, it’s hard to develop strong connections with the people around you. It is important to be able to connect with strangers, especially when they are going through difficult times, and Ms. Smith’s ability to show consideration and understanding will be a great asset to her future in the field of law.
“There Is Power in Numbers And We Are Better As One…”
Leadership comes with many responsibilities but can also provide valuable experiences and insights, as Elysa learned through many of her on-campus activities. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, she served as a secretary and president. During her tenure, she upheld the group’s mission of leadership, scholarship, and of course, public service.
With these and other groups, like the Black Female Future Attorneys, Ms. Smith helped empower others by fostering inclusive and respectful workplaces that allowed others to use their skills and perspectives to solve problems and reach their goals. Working with others and taking the lead is an incredibly valuable skill no matter what field someone goes in to, and Elysa’s community service opportunities have given her the skills she will need to go far in law.
Effective Leadership Champions Communicating and Listening
At the end of her essay, Ms. Smith reflects on how effective communication is what makes teamwork and community possible. In her time volunteering, working, and leading campus organizations, communication helped her solve problems, provide solutions, and create valuable, lifelong relationships. Communication certainly is key, and Elysa certainly has the ability to communicate well with peers and clients, and we look forward to her continued success.
Congratulations again to Ms. Smith for winning our 2023 Community Service Scholarship; it is well-deserved, and we are honored to help you through your law school journey. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, click here.
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