Although Covid-19 has changed the protocol, the Women in Social Science Academy program is alive and well at Mount Mercy Academy. Local attorney Jane Michalek Harrington, a Mount Mercy Academy graduate and a member of the school’s Board of Trustees, spoke to 30 students via Google Meet. Some students were together in a classroom to hear the presentation, while others who were home on distance learning were able to participate from home.
Harrington practices law at Michalek & Harrington with her father and her husband. She spoke to the students about her personal path to become a practicing attorney and outlined the strengths that lawyers should possess. She elucidated the students about what law school entails and also stressed the importance of networking. Harrington also highlighted the skills that are needed to succeed in any career.
Harrington is also the mother of two Mount Mercy Academy graduates, Olivia from the Class of 2018 and Grace, a member of last year’s graduating class. She resides with her husband Jeffery, who is the town’s attorney, in West Seneca.
Junior Lily Janik (Angola) thought the presentation was informative. “I liked how Mrs. Harrington spoke about her college experiences. Since I am interested in the law as a possible career, it was beneficial to learn that there is no set curriculum to take in order to go to law school,” Janik commented.
The Women in Social Sciences Academy was initiated during the 2017-18 school year. Moderated by Bridget Feyes, the program requires students to complete certain courses and to participate in various experiential learning opportunities. These opportunities will allow students to develop connections within the student body as well as with outside contacts in the field. There is also an opportunity to earn an Honors designation for students who choose to challenge themselves with Advanced Placement courses in the social sciences.
