Hope Harris, '10: Studying Law Through English Dept. Internship

 

Hope Harris, Class of 2010, is leveraging her highly competitive English department internship with the New York State Office of the Attorney General into a future in the field of law.

As a mediator in the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau, she investigates consumer complaints against businesses. She was surprised to find out how willing many large companies are to provide restitution to unsatisfied customers, even when they believe they did nothing wrong. She's also learning to be a smart consumer.

Harris is already a smart shopper when it comes to choosing an educational value. "I always knew I wanted to attend a SUNY school � it is just the best deal out there in terms of what you get for your money,� she said. �I chose UAlbany because you can't beat the location in the capital of New York. It is a fun city, and there are so many internship opportunities in Albany, especially in, but not limited to, government," she said.  

Harris, from South Salem in Westchester County, N.Y., graduated summa cum laude on May 16, and plans to focus on child and family law after Commencement. She is passionate about English, and enjoys literature and writing.

She learned about the internship from the English department, where interested students can read summaries prepared by previous students who served in the same internship. While Harris didn't know what to expect entering the internship, she enjoys the autonomy and responsibility of the job. "I am free to make the decisions that have to be made," she said.

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