Lawrence Briggs
 Lawrence Briggs wanted to be a pediatrician when he grew up. Then he grew up, and his interests changed … sort of.
After attending the Louisiana Boys State program during his senior year of high school, Lawrence became interested in government and began exploring career options. “I realized that if I wasn’t going to help people medically, I could help them legally,” Lawrence, an honors student, says. “I’ve considered specializing in medical malpractice. Law isn’t just about getting money but about getting justice.” Lately, corporate law has peaked his interests. Regardless of what he chooses to specialize in, Lawrence plans to attend law school after graduating from Nicholls, where he is actively involved in residence life, student government and social organizations. “I don’t like to go home,” Lawrence, a self-proclaimed over-involved nerd, says. “I enjoy brightening up the day for anyone I can.” |
Working toward: a bachelor’s degree in government with minors in English and legal assistant studies
Expected graduation date: Spring 2010
High school: Tioga High School
Hometown: New Orleans, La.
Nicholls involvement:
I am in the process of founding Students Against Destructive Decisions in honor of my sister who was killed by a drunk driver. I am also an arts and sciences senator for the Student Government Association and the vice president of Alpha Lambda Delta honor society. I am a member of the NAACP, Student Educators and Leaders, Nicholls International Community, Residence Hall Association, Student Programming Association and Phi Eta Sigma honor society. Working with international students through NIC is great because they don’t want to seclude themselves from the rest of the campus, and it helps me become more well-rounded.
Current employment:
I’m a community assistant at La Maison du Bayou. I do clerical work and assist residents with any problems or concerns they may have. I also have to be available for any emergency situations that may arise. Basically, I try to make the residents feel like they are a part of the community at La Maison du Bayou.
I chose to attend Nicholls because …
… of a chain of events that wound up leading to a good decision. I had been planning to attend LSU because I wanted to attend a school with a major football program. After Hurricane Katrina, my mother lost her home and rental property, right at the time when I was supposed to be getting a car. I started looking for a school that wasn’t too big. I didn’t want to have to catch a bus to go from one part of the campus to another. Nicholls was the first school to send me back all my admissions paperwork. I always knew about Nicholls but was very impressed after I came for a visit.
I guess everything happens for a reason. I like that I can interact with my professors at Nicholls and even develop a bond with the administrators. Nicholls is also known for its English program and for graduating some of the top lawyers in the state.
When I can find spare time, I enjoy …
… reading, preparing for the LSAT and writing short stories. When I meet interesting people, I like to interview them and jot down notes. I’d love to publish a novel about the college experience of an average, involved student who lives on campus.
What I will remember most about my Nicholls experience …
… is being honored at the Union Gala. The event recognized 10 exceptional African American students on campus, mostly juniors or seniors. I was the second freshman ever to receive the award and was declared by the dean of student life to be the most involved freshman on campus. I couldn’t believe that I had even been nominated for the award and never anticipated I’d receive it.