Rachel Barnes
Hometown: Atlanta
Education: B.A. in economics, minor in Spanish, University of Georgia
Student organizations/extracurricular activities: Student Bar Association, Black Law Students Association, Peer Advisors, Community Fellows, Women of Color, North Grounds Softball League, National Black Law Students Association
What does diversity mean to you? Diversity means ensuring that the individual complexities that make up the world are appropriately reflected in the spaces in which we work and learn.
My voice at UVA Law was heard when… I used it. As a member of Community Fellows, our cohort advocated for a resiliency space at the Law School. This year it was put into action with the support of our dedicated Student Affairs team. [The prayer/meditation room, SL 155, is available to students for quiet reflection.]
Advice for those considering applying to, or attending, UVA Law: Think about the kind of groups from which you will draw the most support and make sure that they 1) are represented at your school of interest; and 2) align with your personal interests and values. Law school can be a very mentally and emotionally challenging place, so it is important that you have the kind of support you will need to be successful.