Q&A with 2021-22 SBA President Rachel Romaniuk
Name: Rachel Romaniuk (formerly Madore)
Year: 3L
Hometown: Peoria, AZ
Undergraduate institution: Louisiana Tech University
Romaniuk is the inaugural recipient of the David A. Paige Foundation Scholarship, created to honor University of Arizona Law alumnus David A. Paige’s ('75) passion for the law as a tool for achieving fairness and justice.
What are your goals as SBA president?
My goals are to promote communication, inclusion, and community. Above all, I want SBA to be responsive to the student body and to advance projects that can make our community even better.
What are you looking forward to this year?
I am looking forward to in-person classes and being able to use the library to study and have casual interactions with classmates. The discussions I had on campus with classmates my 1L year before the pandemic were very enriching. I hope to continue those discussions throughout this year. We also used to play board games every Wednesday in the lobby, so I hope we can start that back up soon.
What three words come to mind when you think of Arizona Law?
Welcoming, inspiring, and inviting.
Why should students get involved with SBA (or any other student organizations)?
Students should get involved to understand how to work with people towards a common goal. A lot of the skills I have developed through club leadership have crossed over into the professional world. The chance to start an initiative with the support of a group of people and the administration behind you is very empowering. Finding a community is also really important in law school and life, and I think student organizations can help students find a community that holds shared values.
Advice for incoming 1Ls?
My advice is to be yourself. If you don't think that studying into the wee hours of the night will be good for you, be willing to put the book down or the writing assignment away and do something you enjoy. But if studying into the wee hours is something you want to do, go for it! If you have a lot of questions, don't be afraid to talk to professors or your fellow students. If you find yourself getting burnt out, call a good friend or loved one or do some self care. You don't have to fit the law school mold, because there isn't one. Everyone has a unique perspective and personality to bring to the table, so don't be afraid to share yours!
What do you think everyone should experience living in Tucson?
Mount Lemmon! I never actually went to Mount Lemmon until after my first year, and I truly wish I would have gone sooner. The air is fresh, the views are breathtaking, and the trails are great for exploring. The drive up is also so nice and relaxing. It is also a good idea to go during the summer heat, since at the top of the mountain it's significantly cooler than here in Tucson.
Favorite restaurant in Tucson? What do you order?
Kukai is my favorite restaurant in town. I typically order the pork belly onigiri as a starter and the Mt. Fuji Don rice bowl. Another reason I love this place is the location. It is located in the Mercado San Agustin Annex, which has a great ambiance.
What are your career plans?
Right after law school I will be clerking for Justice Beene on the Arizona Supreme Court. Then, I plan to either get another clerkship or work as a public defender. In the long run, I would love to do impact litigation or innocence work.
Top 3 tips for all law students
1) Stay groovy
2) Don't let your fear of rejection keep you from something great.
3) Explore your passion (legal or non-legal) while in law school