Michael Sekich stands in front of Kalamazoo County Probate Court, where he interned.
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Political science has always interested Michael Sekich, but he wasn't sure how his love of reading, research and writing might translate into a career—until he came to Western Michigan University.
"In high school I was trying to find the right fit for me, and I've always liked English, social studies, government, that kind of thing. Political science seemed like it was going to be the perfect opportunity for me—I just needed to find my lane," Sekich says.
His epiphany came in a political science law class, where he first began to see his future in a legal profession. Sekich's professor, Dr. Lauren Foley, played a pivotal role in developing his passion. She helped set him up with internships to explore potential career options, including an opportunity to work with Hon. Curtis Bell, chief judge at Kalamazoo County Probate Court.
"It was a very cool experience, a lot of writing. I got to write an opinion once and also sat in on a lot of hearings and court cases and got one-on-one contact with (Bell)," he says. "I loved it. It was something I liked waking up early in the morning and doing and actually having a passion for something, not feeling like it was just a job. It confirmed that this is what I want to do."
Sekich canvassed for State Sen. Sean McCann.
He continued growing his passion in Western's political science program, doing thesis research and work related to court cases as well as interning on local political campaigns. Sekich also found support in Lee Honors College and opportunities to grow his leadership as a board member in Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. All of those experiences, he says, have put him on a path to career success.
"Being near Kalamazoo is just a great opportunity for any political science student because there's so much going on in terms of government, in terms of local campaigns, and there's such a wide variety of people you can meet," he says. "Plus, I had some really great experiences within my program and with professors and advisors. One of my classes was actually taught by a judge."
Now poised to graduate with a political science degree Saturday, Dec. 19, he's headed to law school and reflecting on his college journey, which started with a drive to Kalamazoo from suburban Detroit for a campus tour.
"I just loved it. It just felt right—not too big, not too small," he says, reaffirming his decision and the opportunities it created. "I'm very glad I chose Western over other options back home and fortunate to have had so many great experiences."
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