Good things come in threes! Jonathan McKenna, a second-year law student, is the third in his family to attend Ohio Northern University, and a triplet, who for the first time, is blazing a path all of his own.
Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, McKenna was curious about Ada, Ohio when applying for law school. Both his mom and dad attended ONU and after years of hearing about the school and the surrounding community, he decided to take a closer look.
McKenna wants to follow in his dad’s footsteps and practice labor and employment law. “Without a doubt he influenced me,” says McKenna. “I’ve always looked up to him. Growing up I heard about his work and his experiences and know this is what I want to do with my life.”
Many of the attorneys in his dad’s law practice are ONU Law alumni and have become very successful. “It’s a huge testament as to the value of an ONU Law education,” he says.
“While my dad was excited about me attending ONU Law it was my mom that highlighted that everyone they know that graduated from ONU went on to become very successful. That helped solidify my decision to attend and one I’m grateful I made.”
“It’s like all roads were leading me here,” says McKenna. “It’s a close-knit community where everyone knows and supports each other.”
McKenna was a Summer Starter which set him up for success. “I came out of that summer session with 25 close friends going into my fall semester which made all the difference in the world,” he says.
Mckenna’s a Law Ambassador, a student representative for THEMIS which is a company that supplies the materials that prepare students for the bar exam, he’s on the Moot Court trial team and is a member of the Sports Law Society.
“I’m busy but I’ve been able to establish a good, healthy routine for myself,” says McKenna. “At the end of the day it’s about perseverance and knowing when it’s time to step away from your studies and spend time with your friends and doing those things that bring you happiness.”
“For me that’s golfing, going to the gym, hanging out with my friends or reading,” he says.
“I grew up as a triplet. Here I can be my own person, find my own interests and friend network,” he says. “Moving away from family wasn’t easy. But my classmates became my support system. I can’t imagine doing it alone and at ONU you don’t have to.”