Alexis Hart (B.I.S. ’24)
While working to earn a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on law and society, Alexis Hart (B.I.S. ’24) skillfully balanced her role as a student with involvement in student life, the debate team and a part-time job. Now she’s working as a deputy court clerk for the Cobb County judicial system, bringing dedication and experience to her new role.
Interview by Paige White
Why did you choose to major in interdisciplinary studies?
I changed my major from public health during my sophomore year, because I thought I wanted to go into hospital administration or something similar and realized that STEM wasn’t for me. I have always been interested in politics and how you can make a difference with legislation, and I ended up majoring in interdisciplinary studies so that I would have a law and legal background and more opportunities when I graduated.
What did your major’s curriculum consist of?
My major was a collection of many different classes. I took many psychology, sociology and criminal justice classes, and I think it made me a well-rounded student. I wasn’t stuck in one lane. I was educated in a wide variety of things, which I have been grateful for since I graduated.
Why did you choose Georgia State?
I grew up in Woodstock, Ga., which is 30 to 45 minutes from Georgia State, and I wanted to be close to home but also have the “college experience” of living in the dorms and having more freedom away from my parents and the same monotony I grew up with. And I think Georgia State was a great choice. There was a lot more diversity than where I’m from.
What does your role at Cobb County’s Magistrate Court consist of?
I work in the pre-trial division of the Magistrate Court as a pre-trial officer. We are like a probation or parole officer but for people who are out on bond. We supervise them and make sure they are following all their bond conditions, which entail things like random drug screenings, and ensure they go to court and mandated therapy. We are accountability partners for people who want to get their lives on the right track.
What lessons have you learned in your role as a deputy clerk?
Definitely a lot of patience. Working with people who have just been released from custody is trying. It has also taught me that grace costs you nothing, being kind gets you further than being harsh with someone right off the bat and, I think, everyone deserves a second chance. My job has pushed that a lot.
What are your goals for the future? Is your goal to become a lawyer?
I’m interested in going back to school to get my paralegal certification and I am hoping to move into the private sector and become a paralegal. Law school can be daunting and expensive. I mainly work with clients or defendants, so I don’t really see the prosecution side of it. Once I’m a paralegal and get to see that side of it, I’ll probably make my decision. But in a perfect world, I would become a lawyer after working as a paralegal for a couple of years.
What advice would you give to Georgia State students?
It’s a cliché but, go to class. Not to say that I had trouble with that. However, in the first years on campus, you want to go anywhere but the classroom. I would also suggest using your resources. Georgia State has many great partnerships with businesses in Atlanta that I didn’t really know about. I see students now using the partnership with Delta Air Lines or the relationships that Georgia State has at the state Capitol. Those are great resources that students should tap into before they graduate, to make themselves well-connected.
How did your time at Georgia State shape you?
I loved my time at Georgia State. I joined a sorority and tried to involve myself as much as possible. I grew up a lot. The town I was in before I went to college was small, and I was sheltered. I feel like coming to Georgia State, I learned that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and everyone has their own story, and that made me grow up a lot.
What did being the president of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority teach you?
It was like running a small business. You have your hand in everything, you’re juggling 80 different tasks at once, and it really made me learn to prioritize my time and energy. It also made me better at working with people. It’s your job to please all these people that are also your friends. You don’t want to step on toes, but you have a job to get done, so I learned time management and learned to prioritize.
