Colbie J.
Tell us about yourself, Colbie!
What is your anticipated school and intended major? JD at Creighton School of Law, class of 2028
What did you do in the military? I was a Financial Specialist in the US Army
What’s a fun fact about yourself? I enjoy traveling and taking pictures of manhole covers
Tell us about your experience applying to grad school. Applying to college as a Black law student was both challenging and motivating. The process sometimes felt overwhelming, especially coming from a nontraditional background where I didn’t always see people who looked like me represented in law or higher education. At the same time, it pushed me to embrace my story and highlight how my experiences. While there were moments of doubt, I found Service to School on Reddit and I was paired with a great mentor and support system. Ultimately, the process reminded me that my perspective is valuable and I was supported throughout the application process.
What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? The biggest benefit of using Service to School was having access to a mentor who truly understood my nontraditional journey and could help me navigate the process with confidence.
How was peer-to-peer mentorship helped you in your journey to higher education? I had an incredible experience working with Mr. Harry Phillips throughout my law school application process. From our very first call, Mr. Phillips was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in my success. I recommend peer-to-peer because it’s invaluable to learn from those who understand both the transition from military life and the challenges of higher education.
What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? What’s your favorite part about the school you chose to matriculate at? I’m most excited about finally starting this new chapter and immersing myself in the study of law. What excites me most about Creighton Univ. is the strong sense of community and the commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds.
What are your goals post-graduation? After graduation, my goal is to pursue a career that allows me to combine my passion for criminal and international law.
Colbie’s advice for veterans who are applying to grad school:
My advice to future Black veteran law applicants is to embrace the uniqueness of your journey and trust that your experiences are your strength, not a weakness. Don’t be afraid to share your full story of your resilience, leadership, and perspective will set you apart. Seek out mentors and resources early, because you don’t have to go through the process alone. Most importantly, believe that you belong in every room you enter and the legal profession need your voice.
Congrats again Colbie on your acceptance to Creighton School of Law!
