Alumna Alexandra (Botsaris) Dent '12 Shares Experience Pursuing Career in Law with Sophomore Advisory

The purpose of Indian Creek’s Advisory program is to provide students with an additional layer of faculty advocacy and connection.  The sophomores in Ms. Shrum’s advisory saw these “Creek connections” in action, as they were visited by ICS alumna Alexandra (Botsaris) Dent ’12 this week, after several students expressed an interest in a possible career in law.  Alex, who works as an attorney for the U.S. Department of Defense, popped into Ms. Shrum’s advisory meeting to share her experiences in going from an ICS student with a deep interest in art to a successful professional in law.

A 2012 graduate of Indian Creek, Alex was primarily interested in art and photography during her middle and high school years at ICS.  Her focus on art continued through her college experience at Notre Dame of Maryland University, but she also took a number of political science courses that expanded her interests. Unable to choose between the two subjects, she decided to double major in both political science and art history.

After graduation, Alex decided to pursue political science and felt law school was the best next step, due to greater financial and job security, as well as the many career opportunities available after law school. Inspired by the way that the field of law consistently presents new and evolving issues to tackle, Alex enrolled at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.  During this time, she earned an internship in the Clerk’s Office at the United States Supreme Court, which she credits as a turning point which allowed her to see firsthand how the law can make broad, impactful change. This career path has proven to be a positive choice for Alex, as it provides her with manageable hours and a sense of work-life balance, while allowing her to pursue her interests and feel proud to do meaningful work.

Alex shared with the ICS sophomores many ways in which she feels that Indian Creek prepared her to succeed on her path towards a career in law.  “The small and personalized teaching environment allowed me to discover how I learn best, which created a foundation to build on as I went through college and law school.”  Additionally, she shared that the encouragement she received from the faculty and staff motivated her to do well and helped solidify her confidence in her abilities.  At Indian Creek, she learned the importance of having a strong support system to help keep her on track. She also shared that “I was taught the value of hard work, which prepared me for the commitment necessary to succeed in college and law school.”

When asked by the high school students what advice she may have for them, she shared that it’s important to be flexible and take advantage of new opportunities. “You may find an interest you never expected.”  She also assured them that “It is absolutely ok to change your path.”

Thank you, Alex, for sharing your experience and insight with current ICS students!
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Indian Creek school is a co-educational, college preparatory independent school, located in Crownsville, Maryland.  Students in Pre-K3 through grade 12 receive a vibrant educational experience based on excellent academics steeped in strong student-teacher connections.