Shalonte Branham
Hometown (city and state):
I was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky
Undergraduate and graduate degrees and majors:
I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Political Science and Sociology and a minor in English."
What do you love most about your family?:
What I cherish most about my family is their bold sense of humor; it keeps me grounded and constantly laughing.
What made you want to serve your country?
The promise of professional and personal growth drew me to the military. The Army played a significant role in shaping me into the person I am today."
What are you most proud of as a member of the service?
My proudest accomplishment as a military member is the resilience and courage I have cultivated.
Why do you want to be a lawyer?
I aspire to be a lawyer to serve my community and administer justice with empathy and fairness."
What do you like most about Brandeis?
I appreciate the tightly-knit community at Brandeis. It is a place where everyone seems to know someone who can help you pursue your goals and dreams."
How have you changed since you started law school?
Since beginning law school, I have habitually asked more follow-up questions for context, even in casual conversations."
What would you tell a 1L about law school or life?
I would advise a 1L that life is like law school: to excel, one must become comfortable with the unknown and embrace its challenges.
In five years, I want to be:
I envision myself as a seasoned and highly respected state prosecutor in five years.
How do you cope when times are challenging?
During tough times, I purposefully take breaks from the challenges and focus on activities that bring me happiness."
What is your favorite quote? (any quote from a family member, from a stranger, from a book, from a website, etc.)
One of my favorite quotes, which I find truly inspiring, is by Maya Angelou: "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."