Ejona Murataj ’15 is a junior in Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences and a member of The College’s Mock Trial Team. A Policy Studies major, Ejona plans to pursue law school after she finishes her undergraduate studies.

To put the spotlight on our students, Ejona agreed to provide her thoughts in response to the below Q&A. The College will feature students regularly on its news site moving forward. Ejona is the first in our special “Student Spotlight” series.

1. Where are you from?

I was originally born in Albania and moved to America when I was six years old. I now live in Bergen County, New Jersey.

2. Tell us a little bit about life before SU?

I lived in Albania for about six years. Moving to America was different, but I got accustomed quickly. I played a bunch of sports and it wasn’t for me so I got into student government and it led me to discover that I’d like to go into law and politics.

3. Why did you choose SU?

I chose SU because the Congressman I interned for, Steve Rothman ‘74, went here and loved it. He and several of my high school teachers convinced me that this would be the school for me. I fell in love when I visited with my dad and I can’t imagine going to school anywhere else.

4. What’s your favorite thing about attending SU?

My favorite thing is the people. This is a big school and I was able to make it small by getting to know people. You can make a big school small, but you can’t make a small school big.

5. What’s the best way to spend free time as a SU student?

I think the best way is to get involved in something [and go on Marshall Street as much as possible]. Classes can be time consuming, but without an activity, it’s easy to get bored.

6. In what extracurricular activities are you currently participating?

Right now, just mock trial, but trust me, it’s enough. We have formal practice 9 hours a week, aside from what we do on our own without the coaches present. I love it and it has been great preparation for law school.

7. What’s your major?

I’m majoring in Policy Studies and minoring in political science and strategic management.

8. What do you hope to do after graduation?

I want to go to law school and focus on financial law. I love securities law and mergers and acquisitions so I hope to work for a firm doing just that.

9. How is SU helping you to achieve your goals and aspirations?

No other school would have given me the opportunities I have here. I love that my major lets me learn outside the classroom instead of inside the classroom, like other classes. This semester I acted as a consultant for the City of Syracuse: Department of Neighborhood and Business Development. SU has also given me the opportunity to participate in the Maxwell in DC program, which I will do next fall.

10. What are some of the activities you like around CNY that aren’t SU affiliated?

Last semester, I was a press secretary for Carol Sinesi, a woman running for local government here in Onondaga County. Working for her was demanding, but rewarding. I learned a lot from and I’d never done something like that before.