Michelle Galati

I am currently a J.D. Candidate at Western Univerisity.

What were your favourite classes and why? 

While I enjoyed and learned a great deal from all my classes at UTM, my favourite and most fulfilling experiences came from Independent Studies courses taken with Professor Simone Casini. These courses allowed for hands-on experiences in which I was able to actively participate in my learning. The independent nature of these courses allowed me to build a schedule and curriculum plan that suited my interests and academic needs. These courses also allowed for immense academic growth as I was able to participate in research collection, analysis and publication.

How did UTM prepare you for your career?  

UTM prepared me for my career by offering unique opportunities and experiences beyond the confines of the classroom. By participating in extra-curricular projects, such as the Scholars in Residence and the Undergraduate Research Grant, I acquired important experiences that can be applied to all avenues of employment. These opportunities provided me with highly marketable skills relating to organization, responsibility, research and many more.

How did you de-stress as a student? 

My favourite way to de-stress is to spend time with friends. A unique advantage of the Department of Language Studies is its smaller class sizes which allow students to create stronger ties with professors and classmates. This allowed me to connect with students who held similar interests and create long-standing friendships.

If you would start university again, what would you do differently? 

If I could start university over again, the one thing I would do differently is participating in the Study in Florence Program. I believe a study experience abroad would have been beneficial for my studies as well as overall personal growth.

What motivated you as a student in your program? 

An important motivator throughout my undergraduate studies was the constant support of faculty and staff. Given the reduced size of the Department of Language Studies, I felt I was able to connect with my professors and receive the adequate support. Whereas in other classes, I often felt like “just a number,” it was reassuring to know that my Language professors always knew me by name and took the time to get to know each student personally.

How has your student experience helped you in your current position? 

My student experiences have not only helped me in my current position, but they have also positively impacted other employment experiences. My fluency in languages has always been an important asset, allowing me to gain part-time employment as a Research Assistant and an International Language Instructor. Being tri-lingual has been equally beneficial to my experiences in law school as I have been able to participate in important international projects, including with the United Nations.