French International Alum Explores Law and Advocacy at Yale

This summer, French International alumna Edie Keenan spent nine days in New Haven, CT, participating in the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) on Law and Advocacy at Yale University. 

Edie, now a junior in high school, joined students from all over the country in an immersive, in-depth exploration of the world of law through lectures, leadership training, and hands-on practice. The highlight was a mock trial, where students took on roles as attorneys, witnesses, and jury members.

“I cross-examined the witness, and it was a rush for me,” Edie recalled. “It was really cool to experience what I could be doing in the future.”

In addition to trial preparation, students attended lectures and workshops from Yale faculty and guest speakers. Students also had the chance to explore Yale’s historic campus and even take a day trip to New York City.

“[I enjoyed] the leadership experience because there were a lot of situations and activities that put things into new perspectives,” Edie said. “I really felt like it helped everyone in the room grow and support each other. I left with friendships that I’m still keeping up today.”

Edie also completed an optional online Yale course along with the program.

“I had to write a 10-page legal brief. It was hard, but it was super cool,” she said.

Looking back, she sees a clear connection between her foundation at French International and her success at Yale.

“Being bilingual has made me better at communicating with people from different backgrounds,” she explained. “It helps you open your worldview and your perspective.”

As she looks to the future, Edie is considering careers in law and criminology and is looking at programs both in the United States and abroad.