For second-year law student Tatiana Monds, choosing a law school that was student-centric was important. "I didn't want to be just a number," says Monds. She found her niche at ONU Law.
Growing up in Syracuse, New York, Monds and her younger sister had to work hard for everything they got. Her father was a local fireman and her mother was injured while working in a factory, so money was tight. "It was hard for me growing up. I didn't have what all the other kids had. Sports became my outlet," says Monds.
She went on to become a standout lacrosse player and received a scholarship to the University of Richmond in Virginia. After obtaining her degree in political science, philosophy, economics and law with a concentration in political science, she interned at the prosecutor's office in Syracuse and loved it. It is there that she crossed paths with ONU Law alumnus Frank Pelosi, JD '02. "He thought ONU Law would be a good fit for me and encouraged me to apply to the program," Monds says.
"Tatiana was one of the best employees I've ever had," says Pelosi, who oversees the DWI Bureau at the Onondaga County District Attorney's Office in Syracuse. "While working here she became fascinated with the law. I told her about the positive experience I had at ONU Law and that I attribute much of my success to the one-on-one attention I received from faculty and the hands-on experience I was able to obtain," says Pelosi. "She'll make an excellent attorney. I hope when she graduates, she comes back to work for us full time."
During her first year Monds began missing lacrosse and volunteered to coach ONU's women's lacrosse team. She enjoyed it so much that this year she has been hired on to be the assistant coach. "While studies come first, I am a very organized person," says Monds. "Being busy forces you to get things done and make the most of the time that you have," she says.
In addition to her studies and coaching, Monds is also the vice president of ONU Law's Black Law Students Association (BLSA). "When I joined BLSA I found a group of people I could be myself with and could connect with outside of the classroom," explains Monds. "You don't have to be a minority to join our organization. We want to be all inclusive. We want all students to have a voice and be able to respectfully discuss issues that may be sensitive in an environment where they feel safe."
Monds says she was quiet growing up. "The time I've spent here at ONU Law has helped me to get out of my comfort zone," says Monds. "I've been able to grow."
The law school is nestled in a community where there are not a lot of distractions. "I never would have been successful in a big-city environment," says Monds. "Here I've learned to focus on what's important."
She says choosing a law school in a small community enabled her to get the individualized attention she needed and encourages others to keep an open mind when making such a decision. "The environment here is designed to help students flourish. I am able to have conversations with my professors all the time who want to make sure I'm understanding the material and am successful," says Monds.
So, whether she's on or off the field, Monds is determined to make the most of everything ONU Law has to offer.
