Asides

Some Are Born Great, Some Just See it on Stage

by Olivia Discon

Somehow, within the span of one year, an organization devoted to “law, engagement, and politics” has managed to see 10 plays in a 12-month period. the most recent of these was this past Saturday, when we saw Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, performed by SHSU’s Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre.

To briefly summarize, the play begins with a shipwreck that separates twins, Viola and Sebastian. Believing her brother to be lost at sea, Viola disguises herself as a man named Cesario and enters the service of Duke Orsino. Orsino, deeply in love with Lady Olivia, sends Cesario (Viola) to woo Olivia on his behalf. However, Olivia falls for Cesario, unaware of Viola’s true identity, while Viola herself harbors feelings for Orsino. In other words, a true kerfuffle!

With any good Shakespeare play, there is a fantastic subplot. Olivia’s steward, Malvolio, becomes the target of a prank by Maria, Sir Toby Belch, Sir Andrew Aguecheek, and Fabian. They trick him into believing Olivia loves him by forging a letter, along with some absurd instructions—wear yellow stockings, cross-gartered, and smile constantly at Olivia, who only welcomes melancholy. Malvolio’s monologue was by far my favorite moment in the play, as the humor of the prank is unfolding alongside a quite passionate and unwitting Malvolio.

Ultimately, as with all Shakespeare’s comedies, the play ends with multiple reunions and resolutions. Viola’s true identity is revealed, allowing her to reunite with her lost twin, Sebastian. Olivia, who had fallen for Cesario (Viola in disguise), is surprised but happy to find herself married to Sebastian instead. Orsino, realizing Viola’s love for him, shifts his affections and proposes to her. Meanwhile, the prank on Malvolio is exposed, but he exits vowing revenge rather than joining in the happy ending.

SHSU’s approach to the play, in terms of design, was quite interesting to me. With a 1920’s Art Deco style, one could imagine the themes of living in excess, false appearances and social ambition. In all, our group thought everything was well executed, entertaining, and all the more thought provoking. If this crowd was any judge of the performance, then the SHSU Theatre Department delivered a hit!


The Pre-Law Society is Back–Beyond A Reasonable Doubt!

by Olivia Discon

After a quick recess for Winter Break, the Pre-Law Society (PLS) reconvened for our very first (official) meeting of the semester! With many important items to cover, including some general business, exciting upcoming events, and the election of our Secretary and Vice President of Marketing positions for this semester, our members were prepared to deliberate. And in great numbers, as well! Once more, the Pre-Law Society has broken its membership record with an astounding 116 members.

Dr. Chris Thompson, a Business Law Professor at Sam Houston State University and local attorney, joined us as our guest speaker for the evening.

Before jumping into the engaging discussion with Dr. Thompson, there were a few matters to cover. The group, very graciously, allowed me to go over these items and participated in a meeting in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order. Dr. Thompson would later note that parliamentary procedure is a key element of the legal field, and through such participation, we are gaining valuable experience in our young professional careers.

We had quite a few members who ran for office in PLS. Niya Thompson…

Michelle Moya…

Ashlee Orizaba…

and Jacqueline Santos Romano ran for Vice President of Marketing.

On the other hand, Olivia McCaughan…

and Laila Alimi ran for the Secretary position.

Each of these students did an excellent job articulating their vision for the organization, and we would be proud to have any of them serve as leaders within PLS.

The votes were cast, but while we counted, Dr. Chris Thompson took the podium to have a Q&A session with the students about the legal field. Receiving his undergraduate degree at Stephen F Austin University and his J.D. at St. Mary’s University School of Law, he comes from a wealth of experience and expertise.

He shared that his story isn’t particularly “special”, not to diminish himself or his accomplishments, but rather to emphasize that it was possible for everyone in the room to attend law school. He went over the LSAT and the importance of discipline in studying, the rigor of law school classes, and how he entered the workforce as a young attorney.

What I particularly enjoyed was his reasoning for working in Walker County, both at the DA’s Office for 9 years, and currently, at a local law firm. Having lived in Huntsville and having family in the area, serving in a local capacity seemed natural. However, it was the idea of working to do “what is right” and doing so for the people in his community, that made that decision all the more admirable.

The Q&A concluded with one final question: “If you could go back and start your law school journey all over again, what would you change?” He replied: “To learn how to use commas and semicolons”–a lesson that the members would do well to take to heart.

At last, the verdict is in! Laila Alimi secured the position of Secretary! But our VP of Marketing position required a runoff between Niya Thompson and Michelle Moya. Niya ultimately won the vote to serve as our VP of Marketing for the semester.

Congratulations were in order, along with a photo of our new team. I look forward to working with them and seeing what all we will accomplish together this semester!

Stay tuned for our next meeting, which will be held on March 19, and it will include a series of hands-on workshops over various topics– all designed to help students grow professionally and progress toward their law-school dreams.

From College Station (2020s) to Chicago (1920s)

Music, murder, mayhem: what’s not to love? That’s pretty much how LEAP students felt about Bob Fosse’s “Chicago,” performed this week in College Station.

Performed at the Rudder Theater on Texas A&M University’s Campus, “Chicago” is in the midst of a seemingly endless national run. This tour included Taylor Lane (Velma Kelly), Ellie Roddy (Roxie Hart), Connor Sullivan (Billy Flynn), Andrew Metzger (Amos Hart), Illeana Kirven (as “Mama”), with Lane and Kirven as particular standouts (the latter is from Tyler, TX).

For those who haven’t seen it, the play is a satire on the strange world of celebrity in the United States, particularly the country’s tendency to elevate the most notorious of criminals. Written in the 1970s, the musical anticipates a world in which people such as O.J. Simpson, Kim Kardashian, Brittney Spears, and the “Hawk Tuah” girl are seen as influencers.

Such individuals not only escape the criminal justice system, but they also seem to win in the court of public opinion, maintaining a celebrity status.

In the musical, the story of Roxie Hart is told through songs. Hart, who is indicted for the murder of her lover, obtains a not guilty verdict through the “Razzle Dazzle” of her Johnny Cochran-like attorney, Billy Flynn. As salacious as Hart’s case is, however, she competes with the girls of the “Cell-Block Tango” among others for attention from the media and the public.

With a rewritten narrative of the murderous night (“We both reached for the gun“) and the manipulation of Roxie’s hapless husband, Amos (Mr. Cellophane), Roxie is acquitted.

But in a world where everyone receives 15 minutes of fame, Hart’s fame gives way to others, and she and Velma Kelly are relegated to Vaudeville, a kind of forerunner to TikTok.

For a group of aspiring lawyers in the 21st century, it was a worthy fable and a wonderful night of entertainment.

Indeed, different aspects of it appealed to each of us. For Chrissy, she enjoyed Bob Fosse’s choreography and the song “Nowadays.” Olivia enjoyed “Cell Block Tango” and, even more so, “We Both Reached for the Gun.” Michelle, on the other hand, favored “Me and My Baby” and the satire and irony that suffused the production–the very first play she has seen! For Mike and Stephanie, a “favorite” is less clear, but “All That Jazz” never gets old.

Nor does “Chicago: The Musical,” which is why it is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. And the third time–but not the last–that LEAP Ambassadors have seen the production!

Pre-Law Society: Spring 2025 Ice Cream Social and Informational!

by Katherine Burnett

Every semester, the Pre-Law Society hosts an Ice Cream Social and Informational to reconnect with returning members, welcome prospective students, and provide an opportunity to learn more about the organization before paying dues and attending the first official meeting on February 19, 2025. This event was open to all Sam Houston students and provided a great chance to relax before the start of exams while discovering the unique opportunities within the organization, including exclusive events, career insights, and support for law school preparation.

As members and potential members walked into the Holcombe Room, they were greeted with sweet treats, a prize wheel, and the chance to connect with like-minded students.

The prizes ranged from bronze to silver to gold. Before the meeting, Ms. Loveall and Olivia searched for prizes that they believed the members would enjoy. And….

They did not disappoint! Prizes spanned from colorful pencil pouches, small books with sticky notes (which is good for book lovers), and SHSU merch!

Once it hit 6 o’clock, the group moved the party down to CHSS 140 for the informational meeting. President Olivia Discon spoke to the students about the benefits of joining Pre-Law Society. She highlighted exclusive opportunities for members, such as networking with professionals who have extensive knowledge in the legal field. Additionally, members can take a free Mock LSAT, and by doing so, they will have the chance to be chosen for a scholarship to cover the cost of an LSAT prep course.

Before wrapping up, we also discussed dues for the Spring 2025 semester. New member dues are $55, which includes a Pre-Law Society t-shirt, and returning member dues are $25. Payments can be taken by cash, check, or money order. Dues can be paid anytime before our first official meeting on February 19, 2025, at 6 P.M. For those that wish to pay prior to the meeting, our Vice President of Treasury, Chrissy Biello, will be available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in CHSS 480 until February 19!

After the meeting, students interested in joining had the chance to chat with the Pre-Law Society Officers and members about their experiences in the organization. The semester is off to a great start, and we can’t wait to see you all at our first official meeting on February 19 at 6pm (or one hour before in CHSS 140 to pay dues)!

To stay updated, you can follow our Instagram @prelawsocietyshsu

For further information and questions, please contact the President of the Pre-Law Society, Ms. Olivia Discon, at oliviadiscon@shsu.edu