Berkeley grad Lachanee Scott keeps evolving… and never stops learning

Just a month after arriving in the United States from Jamaica, Lachanee Scott began her studies at Berkeley College. “It was a bit of a culture shock coming to the United States,” she remembered. “I looked into several schools, but I knew I didn’t want to feel just like a number. I saw the way the Berkeley professors and staff interacted with the students, and the feel stood out to me.” After enrolling, she immediately felt comfortable, “Everyone at Berkeley made it easier for me to transition to life here and begin preparing for a career.”

Lachanee earned her Associate’s degree in Justice Studies - Criminal Justice and continued on to a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies while also participating in the College’s Federal Work Study program. In 2018 she graduated from Berkeley for the second time and was the proud recipient of the Berkeley College Robert Maher Outstanding Student Award, which is presented annually to a member of the graduating class who has met high standards of academic excellence while overcoming personal, professional, or financial obstacles.

Lachanee began working as a Paralegal in a real estate firm and set her sights even higher. She was accepted into law school, where she is now in her second year. She has also kept in close contact with several of her Berkeley professors and has been involved in events at the College, including Honors Program events. She continues to credit Berkeley College with providing a good foundation for her law school courses. She has since accepted a new position as a Real Estate Paralegal at the Daglieri Law Firm, a boutique law firm offering a full range of services in all aspects of real estate, real estate finance, and trusts and estates.

After earning her Juris Doctor degree, Lachanee plans to continue working in the real estate field. “A law degree should help make me very marketable,” she noted. “It’s also important for me to maintain a good work/life balance.” She also offered some advice to those considering college. “Do your research,” she said. “And use all of the resources that are available to you. For example, Berkeley offers help with preparing for the LSATs (Law School Admission Test) and a Pre-Law Advisory Center (which provides special resources and support for students considering law school and other advanced studies in law).”

A bright future is the result of a strong work ethic and determination to succeed. According to Lachanee, “Challenges are not excuses to do poorly or be average. You must overcome your hurdles, so they become part of your success story.”

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