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."