• sophomore major in Social Justice Studies
• from Westerville, OH
• serves on Pre-Law Student Advisory Committee
• attended Black Student Leadership Conference in Washington, DC, in 2011

"Choosing Miami, in my eyes, was a commitment, not only for my college education but for my future. I feel as though I've grown and learned so much in the last two years, and I'm excited about the rest of the journey—the two more years of learning and growing that I have to do."

Update: July 2014

"After graduating from Miami In May of 2013, I went on to pursue a Master's of Science in Human Resource Management at Loyola University. My focus areas include diversity & inclusion and diversity management. I will begin an internship this coming August at the U.S. Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as an enforcement intern. This is where I will work with harassment and discrimination investigations to examine unlawful practices in employment. I am fortunate to have received a Bachelor's Degree at Miami University, I truly do believe that my undergraduate studies have definitely prepared me for my rigorous coursework in graduate school!"

Original Conversation: February 2011

"Hi, my name is Nkechi Iloka. I am a sophomore, pre-law student, and an aspiring lawyer. I came to Miami with goals of future ambitions, but keen to explore new options. In hopes that exploring would lead me in the right direction, I began college as an undeclared major."

First Social Justice Studies Major

"I'm very appreciative of the American Politics and Diversity [POL 142] course I took my freshman year. My professor's enthusiasm and his use of the Socratic method kept me engaged during class and fervent to learn more about law, history, and the legal system.

"After much help from advisors, I decided that pre-law was the best match for me, and I'm excited to say that I am the first student to major in Miami's new social justice studies major. Combining this major with a business legal studies minor will enable me to study justice and equality throughout the world through many perspectives, and to understand different aspects of corporate law."

Choosing Miami Was a Commitment

"Miami understands that educating students and producing well-rounded individuals are equally important. The university concentrates on where students are right now and helps prepare them for where they want to be in the future. When students keep their eyes open, they realize that many opportunities are available to them.

"Through the Summer Work Experience in Law (SWEL), I earned an internship with Duke Energy's Legal Department in Cincinnati, where I learned from professional attorneys. I job-shadowed and met litigators, sat in on trial hearings, and engaged in mock trial procedures.

"I also serve on the Pre-Law Student Advisory Committee. This committee is made up of students who provide suggestions on how they feel Miami's Pre-Law Program can be improved upon. Not only do we provide new insights, but we put these ideas to work by organizing and hosting campus events.

"Lastly, I traveled to Washington, DC, with several other students to attend the 2011 Carroll F.S. Hardy National Black Student Leadership Conference. We engaged in workshops and networking, and we even heard a speech by Judge Glenda Hatchett (chief judge, Georgia state court, retired).

"Choosing Miami, in my eyes, was a commitment, not only for my college education but for my future. I feel as though I've grown and learned so much in the last two years, and I'm excited about the rest of the journey—the two more years of learning and growing that I have to do."

[February 2011]