Pre-law student awarded LSAT funding

Adeli Wickham follows passion for justice

Adeli Wickham is a senior political science major, currently enrolled in the pre-law program at Andrews University.

“I remember saying to my parents from a very young age, ‘I want to be a lawyer.’ Their reply was that lawyers are liars, and lying isn’t something Seventh-day Adventists should do.”

When Wickham arrived at Andrews, she began studying biology with the intent of becoming a doctor, but during this period she concluded that her true passion was elsewhere.

“While my classmates were studying so diligently, trying to ace every quiz and exam, I couldn’t make sense of why I was pursuing something that my heart wasn’t into,” she comments.

She decided she would study political science to prepare her for law school, though as Wickham notes, “Pre-law isn’t a major and that’s because there is no required major for admission into law school.”

Fortunately, her parents’ views have changed since her youth, and they now support their daughter in her aspirations.

“I do not have it all mapped out in terms of what type of law I would like to pursue,” she remarked, “but right now, I am interested in international law and intellectual property.”

The next big step in her education is taking the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), for which she will prepare by taking a prep course. To aid her in the costs of this course, Wickham was given the Certificate of Course Scholarship, awarded by Paula Dronen, associate professor of legal studies and pre-law advisor.

“We were communicating via email one day when she told me she had been called as a reference for one of the jobs I applied for,” recalls Wickham. In the ensuing conversation, Wickham explained that she was planning on working this job and another to cover expenses for taking the LSAT prep course. “It was at this point Professor Dronen asked to meet with me,” Wickham says.

When Wickham met with Dronen, she handed Wickham a piece of paper and explained that it was a certificate of funds to put toward taking the LSAT.

“I was completely taken aback by it,” says Wickham. “I can choose the live online, in person or self-paced option, which I find really cool because it allows for a variety of ways to learn.”

The award was provided by Kaplan Test Prep and was entrusted to Dronen to award to a student who could benefit. Wickham will take the course at University of Notre Dame, in person. Notre Dame is located 35 miles south of Andrews University, just across the Michigan-Indiana border.

Last year, Wickham served as an officer of the Pre-Law Society as vice president.

“I really enjoyed being behind the scenes helping to plan events and utilizing the resources and funds we had in order to somehow benefit our members and those interested in law,” Wickham said. She added that the experience made her realize that she wanted to be part of the society again this year, leading her to run for president, which she won.

“My responsibilities as president revolve around creating an environment where students feel they have the support and information they need to grow and further their interests in this field,” she explains.

Wickham attributes her work ethic to the example set by her mother and father.

“My parents were always hard workers and encouraged me to be the same,” she says. “I think seeing them work hard naturally made me want to work just as hard as they have.”

Her parents also taught Wickham to be grateful for everything she has.

“I believe in always helping where you can and however you can if your heart truly believes in the cause,” Wickham remarks. “This is why I want to be a lawyer. In whichever type of law I choose to pursue, I hope I can help save the wrongfully accused or help bring justice to people or families in pain.”