Emily Bolognino '22 talks about how UNH's Economics program prepared her for law school – and beyond.
HOMETOWN 🏠
Albany, NY
PROGRAM 📚
Economics: Global Trade and Finance & Justice Studies Dual Major
INTERESTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS AT UNH 👩💻
Honors Thesis, Chi Omega, SHARPP Volunteer, Pre-Law Society, Leading Women of Tomorrow Treasurer
Why Economics at UNH?
I first dipped my toes into Economics during my senior year of high school. To my surprise, I found myself enjoying the challenge while many of my classmates struggled.
My ultimate goal has always been law school. When I researched recommended undergrad majors for law, Economics kept popping up. It seemed like the perfect fit!
I loved UNH when I toured. This is such a beautiful campus, and I was excited to explore towns like Portsmouth and York, ME. Paul's program had everything I needed, plus the university had the Justice Studies Dual Major!
UNH's Economics program has been consistently challenging, but in the best way. It's pushed me to grow, learn, and prepare for law school in ways I never expected.
Real-World Learning: More Than Just Textbooks
At UNH, we don't just learn Economics – we apply it. The highlight of my academic career has been my honors thesis. I'm doing research on the effect of IVF and infertility treatments on female employment and labor supply.
This project has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. It's a lot of data analysis, and even though I've taken econometrics and regression and statistics, it's still very difficult. But it's been fun –a good kind of difficult! I've learned a lot.
The process has also shown me how to conduct independent research, a skill that will be invaluable in law school and beyond.
Challenging Academics: The Key to Growth
If you're looking for a program that will push you to your limits and help you grow, UNH's Economics department is the place to be. My Econ classes have consistently been the classes that I've had to put the most work into.
But don't let that scare you! These challenges are what make the program so valuable. I've gotten the opportunity to work one-on-one with my professors and really dive deep into the material. I've learned so much.
Paul College gave me a challenge, for sure. But it's also shaped me into who I am. I wouldn't be the person I am, or going to Albany Law School, without UNH.
Final Thoughts for Future Wildcats
Looking back on my four years at UNH, I can confidently say that choosing to study Economics here was one of the best decisions I've made.
The challenging coursework, supportive professors, and numerous opportunities for growth have prepared me not just for law school, but for life.
It's been absolutely fantastic.
Take your classes seriously and don't skip! Get involved. And say yes whenever you can. Do you want to get dinner? Yes. Do you want to go to the library? Yes.
Remember, your college experience is what you make of it.
