Georgia State College of Law welcomed 263 new students to campus for Fall of 2021. Following a week of orientation, the College of Law offered participation in an Afternoon of Service to demonstrate how giving back is part of the culture at Georgia State Law from day one of the students’ legal careers.
Incoming students, staff, and faculty were encouraged to participate in one of several volunteer opportunities on Friday. Students worked to mulch and prune in Piedmont Park, pack donations and supplies at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, MedShare, and Books for Africa.
There were also remote volunteer options available. Students could write letters for Operation Gratitude, which sends letters to military and first responders, or El Refugio, which goes to immigrants and asylum seekers at Stewart Detention Center.
GSU Law students at Atlanta Community Food Bank
Assistant Director for the Center for Access to Justice Darcy Meals said most the slots filled up immediately, indicating that this class is very service oriented.
“One of the things that makes Georgia State Law so special is that we pride ourselves on giving back to the community,” Meals said. “Many of our students come to law school with the goal of making a positive impact on the world, so the Afternoon of Service is a great way to kick that off.”
GSU Law students packing face masks at MedShare
Students at MedShare were working to pack face masks that will be shipped to underserved communities and to countries that don’t have the supplies easily accessible.
“It’s very easy to take for granted these masks,” said Edith Mares (J.D. ’24). “I think it’s wonderful to be able to give back to our community, and other communities around the world to people that aren’t as fortunate as us.”
Other students said it was a unique way to wrap up orientation that made them excited for the start of the semester.
“It seems like not every law school is encouraging its students to be active in the community in this way,” said Kyle Hildebrand (J.D. ’24). “It is so good to see us actually getting out into Atlanta instead of just staying in our beautiful building all day. It’s nice to know the College of Law cares about giving back.”
Written by Mara Thompson