Writer: Joey F. / Editor and Graphic Designer: Savannah T. / Photographer: Brooke F.

Many Panhellenic women to FSU not ready for what the next three to four years would bring. But like Brooke C., the root of our passions have come fruition with the guidance of sisters alike. After sitting down with this incredibly driven woman, it’s clear that this organization helps women grow into the people who are going to change the world. And Brooke is one of these women. In this interview with Brooke, you’ll get an insight of her recent internship at the Duval County Courthouse, along with the ways Phi Mu has encouraged her potential and how FSU has broadened her background in leadership, policies, and law through an endless list of involvements.

Let’s start with what you’re studying and how did you decide on this major?

Brooke C. (BC): I am currently studying political science. I really cannot pinpoint how I decided on this major. I took a duel enrollment business law class in high school and did surprisingly very well, so I was kind of considering law school as a future career path. I knew I wanted to help others and make a difference in the world and thought political science was the best route to achieve that goal.

Has Phi Mu had an impact on what you are studying or how you came across your internship at the courthouse? If not what/who did?

BC: Without sisters mentoring me throughout my years in Phi Mu, I can truly say I would not have the confidence, experience, and academic excellence that I hold now which was needed for my internship at the courthouse. My sorority has given me sisters to look up to professionally, study groups, as well as the ability to manage my time. Phi Mu and the women in my chapter have taught me how much power believing in yourself has. And while there aren’t a lot of political science majors in my sorority, I think Phi Mu has still impacted my field of study, for sisters have proved that you can do it all if you set your mind to it! Without this support system and aroma of empowerment, I don’t know if I would have had the confidence/faith to apply for all the internships I have/had and to law school this fall. I knew The Judge I worked for previously, his sons and my brother did boy scouts together. So, when I reached out to him regarding if he/the Duval County Courthouse was hiring interns, he remembered me as a kid and my family!

And could you go over your duties during your internship at the courthouse?

BC: I interned for a Duval County Judge in the Duval County Courthouse located in Downtown Jacksonville. I assisted his Judicial Assistant with her daily duties, observed court proceedings and gained exposure to the judicial decision-making process. I also worked on his re-election campaign and Finance Committee.

Amongst your duties at the courthouse, I assume you have a favorite part of the experience you had in Jacksonville?

BC: The Judge I worked for is one of the most inspiring individuals I have ever met. Just learning from him was by far my favorite part of the internship. He taught me so much about how to be a successful leader and how to excel in all things I do. Constantly, he would give me advice on how to stand my ground, make the best decision(s), and handle all situations with my head held high. His mannerism was highly respectable – especially how he holds himself accountable for his actions and mistakes. But he also showed me the importance of giving back to the community. Many days he would come to work early and many nights he would stay late, yet he still finds time for community service and involvement. He helps with so many events and organizations, and as someone who constantly has a million things on their plate, even I was completely shocked (and inspired). Despite being always in overdrive, he continually made time for his family, others, and volunteering/giving back. I think being able to see how great of a person he is inside and outside the courthouse, was my favorite part.

With what you did at the courthouse, do you feel that this internship has better prepared you for the career you intend to pursue?

BC: This internship prepared me for my future career in countless ways. It exposed me to a deeper understanding of civil and criminal matters, as well as Florida’s court structure. Since I want to go into law, this was an amazing experience and taught me about professionalism. This internship taught me a lot about how to be a successful lawyer including characteristic traits like mannerism and work ethic. Also, the Judge I worked for literally knows everyone in Jacksonville, so it also gave me great networking and I know I will have future opportunities because of this internship! I hope to go into environmental law/policies one day! In addition to my studies at FSU and the experiences I have cultivated in the workplace, I have developed a calling towards Florida’s conservation and issues regarding such. I am still considering other types of law, but my passion lies in protecting and enhancing Florida’s natural environment and its inhabitants.

How has your work at the courthouse impacted your perspective on the current issues our country is facing?

BC: Since the Judge I worked for is such an honorable man with great integrity, it aligned my trust within our court systems/government. With the issues in our legal system/our country is currently facing, it is easy to feel skeptical of government, leading into a sense of anger and/or hopelessness. And while there was, is, and will be (unfortunately) corruption or wrongdoings by the government, working for the Judge showed me that there still are many people who genuinely care about helping others and upholding law and order.

And on a final note, do you feel what you are doing currently and/or the career you working to pursue in the future is a part of the catalyst for change for this country? Are you doing anything outside of school that is helping be the change the move the world forward?

BC: I do believe what I am currently doing is part of the catalyst for change for this country. All the positions I have/had motivate me every day to continue to work hard so that I can change the world for better one day. My passion for the environment comes from many different angles from climate change to Florida’s water crisis to conservation to environmental justice. Environmental issues are deeply connected to people’s lives and futures as they cause/force [mass] migrations, issues with health, destruction towards infrastructures, depletion of ecosystems and natural resources, and so much more. And you cannot talk about environmental issues without talking about environmental justice as many issues correspond with environmental and systematic racism.

Brooke’s exuberant energy for participation, leadership, and teamwork is heavily reflected in her responses. Currently, you might see her at FSU’s Law School as the Administrative Assistant for the Career Services Department informing law students and alumni on job/internship opportunities and further setting up interviews and events. As she is applying and aspiring to go to law school, this experience has helped her gain a perspective on how much FSU cares about their students and has enhanced Brooke’s professionalism and legal terminology.

Back in March of 2019, Brooke felt this was her biggest month in her college career, for she spent time in Florida’s capital interning in Senator Marco Rubio’s office where she learned about the government’s abilities to assist its constituents/state. Her duties included supporting office staff by addressing constituent concerns, working with federal agencies to resolve Floridian’s issues, participating in outreach efforts, attending local events, and assisting the staff on special projects. Furthermore, she found it most interesting to work for the judicial branch of government as well as the legislative branch of government, for she learned how they have many differences and responsibilities while both having the purpose to help the public.

Brooke has her Phi Mu sisters to thank for this wonderful opportunity, for this internship was passed down to her, and she will be passing it down to multiple Phi Mu’s who must be inspired by Brooke’s work ethic and zeal for policy and law. On top of her involvements, Brooke has had more than a full plate – more currently as Phi Mu’s Director of Academic Excellence where she oversees the chapter members’ academics to ensure that they meet the academic qualifications.

As her time with Phi Mu comes to a close in the spring, she is grateful for other opportunities like working on their recruitment team as a “bump head” and as a “strategic conversational director,” and being director of sponsorship for Phi Mu’s philanthropy team last year. As Brooke moves on to her last semester at FSU, she’ll ease through it leaving an impact on others in Phi Mu, like others before her had on her, and overall being a great representation of an effortlessly hardworking Panhellenic woman.