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Give OnlineCosette '26
Majors: Political Science and Law, Society, & Policy
Orange Trivia: Received an Academic Excellence Award from her professor in American National Government and Politics.
“Giving—especially in the context of a university—means investing in people. It means lifting up the next generation so they can have the chance to reach their full potential, just like others once did for us.”
Describe your Syracuse experience.
Syracuse, in my opinion, is the best school ever. I can’t believe my time is almost done. Before coming to Syracuse, I was unsure whether I wanted to pursue the legal or political side of Political Science. However, during my very first semester, the introductory law courses I took truly resonated with me and solidified my decision to follow the pre-law path. I’ve been able to excel in my courses and also take ones that I find interesting. I’ve been fortunate to find success in the classroom and beyond. Overall, Syracuse has been a place where I’ve not only clarified my goals but built the foundation to achieve them.
How is Maxwell preparing you for your future career?
Maxwell is preparing me for my future career as a lawyer because it is providing me with a well-balanced foundation to prepare me for law school. I not only take classes about law, but I also take classes about public policy, political analysis, American national government and politics and more! I feel I am well-rounded in the different fields of courses I take, and there is no shortage of different classes to take for my different interests. Before coming to Syracuse, I did not know if I wanted to take the law or political route of Political Science, but the law intro classes I took in my first semester of freshman year really solidified my choice to do law. Ever since then, being on the pre-law track has been a blast.
How has your involvement with any organizations/extracurriculars impacted you?
My involvement in organizations and extracurriculars at Syracuse—particularly through the Maxwell School, Pre-Law Society, and Pi Sigma Alpha—has shaped me both personally and professionally. As a Student Ambassador for the Maxwell School, I’ve grown into a more confident communicator and leader. Guiding prospective students and families through such a formative decision has deepened my sense of responsibility and strengthened my belief in education as a tool for empowerment. It’s also reminded me how important it is to support others, especially students who, like me, may have been hesitant about moving away from home. Being part of Pi Sigma Alpha and the Pre-Law Society has helped sharpen my academic focus and solidify my interest in public service and the legal field. Through law panels, LSAT prep sessions and conversations with professionals, I’ve gained not only insight into legal careers but also mentorship and motivation. Altogether, these involvements have taught me how to lead, listen and learn with purpose.
Have you done any internships and how has that impacted you?
I have had the opportunity to be a public policy research intern for a nonprofit 501(c)(4) and a Vote Entry Operator for The Associated Press. As a research intern, I focused on property laws and taxes in New Jersey and ways to better them, as New Jersey is a state known for their high taxes, the nonprofit advocates for ways to make New Jersey more affordable. This was a great experience because it allowed me to learn more about my home state and advocate to make it better for future generations. As a Vote Entry Operator, I was trained on how to read votes for the 2024 Presidential Election. On election night, I stayed up inputting votes for different towns in different states. This was such an amazing experience as so many platforms rely on AP News’ map for accurate updates.
What has been your favorite Syracuse experience so far?
My favorite Syracuse experience is when I went on the Pre-Law Immersion trip hosted by Maxwell Academic and Career Advising. On this trip, a group of selected students was able to go around Syracuse, visiting different kinds of law firms and offices around the town. We visited the District Attorney’s office, three different kinds of law firms and a nonprofit law firm. This experience allowed me to delve into the law world and figure out what kind of law I would like to practice. While I still don’t have a preference, I always look back at this experience and think about how I felt at each place.
What does it mean to you to be Orange?
To me, being Orange means stepping into the unknown with courage and bringing others with you. When I applied to Syracuse, I was on the fence. I come from a close-knit community, and leaving home was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But what helped me choose Syracuse was seeing people here who looked out for each other, who showed up for one another,and who made this big place feel like home. That’s why I applied to be a student ambassador. I wanted to help students who were like me—nervous, unsure, maybe the first in their family to really move away for college—feel like they belong here, too. Now, as a philanthropic ambassador, I may not be someone who received a scholarship, but I understand what support can mean. Whether it’s financial aid, mentorship or just a warm welcome, those forms of giving make this community stronger. I believe in paying it forward—not just with donations, but with time, empathy and presence.