Meet UF Law Student: Benny Menaged
Name: Benny Menaged (2L)
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Undergraduate Institution and Degree Program: Florida State University Honors Program ’13, Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and Media/Communication Studies
Law School Involvement: President of OutLaw- UF Law’s LGBT Organization, Vice President of the Young Democrat’s Club, Student Recruitment Team, Career Development Student Advisory Board, Association for Public Interest Law, ILSP orientation ambassador
Why You Chose UF Law: Numerous factors went into my decision to attend UF, but a few are most notable. I was born and raised in North Florida, and both of my parents attended UF. Secondly, because I graduated from FSU undergrad, I wanted to choose a different experience than what I had encountered in Tallahassee. Additionally, I spoke with friends who were currently attending UF law school and they spoke to the strong sense of community and acceptance in the student body. Since I knew UF is the best law school in Florida and I felt like this was a place I could thrive and be happy, the choice was easy. After attending here a year and a half I couldn’t be happier with my decision.
Most Valuable Aspect of UF Law: Its diversity. UF is a distinctive school because of its huge diversity on campus. It has people from all walks of life, and of different ages and different cultures. It combines people from rural southern cultures of North Florida to the bustling urban life of South Florida and beyond. This diversity has formed a group of people that have learned to be accepting of all others regardless of race, sexuality, political stance or personality. It has given all of us the essential skills of learning how to deal, accept and grow with people who are nothing like us. It has also impacted our education in a positive way because this diverse population has provided the opportunity to have opposing, educated views on all issues. UF Law is truly a place that has a huge personality because of its diversity which has contributed tremendously to the value of the community.
Why Someone Should Consider UF Law: The strong sense of community. As someone who is a Seminole fan, I was a little bit reluctant to join the “Gator Nation,” but have found that it is so much more than football. It’s about a group of people who know and trust the education UF gives us. The fact that UF Law is the #1 law school in the country for networking opportunities is not a coincidence, as alumni from UF Law look out for each other more than any place I have seen. Everywhere you go – from the classroom to all around Florida – you will always find someone rooting for you. I’m honored to be a part of this great law school culture and look forward to staying connected even after I graduate.
Tips for Incoming Law Students: Get a mentor and outline early! So much of my success came from the fact that I joined an organization within the law school with a mentoring program. My mentor showed me the ropes of law school and gave me personally tailored advice on how to succeed. I wouldn’t have been nearly as successful had I not met him. Outlining is also key to success. In the first year so many students are rushing to finish their outlines just before exams. But those who finished early had more time to take practice exams and were the ones who ended up making the As.
Future Plans: Get a job, pass the bar and do what I love!