student achievement “Everything I’ve learned in college has made me more progressive. It’s broadened my perspective, taught me to be organized and to think more critically.” Davis, who studied tribal justice systems for his Honors College thesis, says it is likely he will study American Indian federal law. “I’m interested in aboriginal law around the world and in mediation.” He advised OSU freshmen to attend class and be prepared to work. “You hear ‘college is a blast, the best years of your life.’ But it’s real life, and it’s going to be hard. Come in knowing it will be hard and get involved. With 400 organizations, there is something for everyone,” he says. “OSU was a great experience and was my springboard to law school. I had amazing opportunities there.” A third-generation OSU alumna, she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in German in only three years as a full-time student. And she did so while providing leadership in multiple campus organizations and volunteering in the community as an English conversation tutor for international students and their families. Although a leader in several organizations, including the President’s Leadership Council, the Native American Student Association, the Greek Life Advisory Board, Phi Alpha Delta and the German Club, Dominick’s legacy lies in founding the Alpha Pi Omega Native American Sorority and establishing the Multicultural Greek Council. “I push myself,” says Dominick, one of the College of Arts and Sciences Top Ten Seniors. “I’m kind of driven like that.” But even she admits to sometimes surprising herself. “In fact,” she says, “I surprise myself a lot.” A desire to learn motivates Dominick, who says she sees something unique in everything she does. “I like to learn new things,” she says. “I’m fascinated with other cultures. It’s interesting to meet people from other countries and learn about their societies.” Dominick says the OSU environment and people provided guidance when she needed it while allowing her the freedom to choose her own way. “I learned about different cultures and how to work with people from different cultures and positions in life, how to build consensus. And I learned time management skills,” she says. This fall she will attend Oklahoma City University law school, and after earning her jurist doctorate, Dominick plans to earn a master’s degree in library and information science. Her goal is to work as a law librarian for the federal government and become a fourth-generation federal employee. She only recently decided not to pursue the two degrees simultaneously. “I became goal-oriented in high school. Now, I’m becoming more laid back,” she says. Maximizing Experience The Arts and Sciences 2005 Top Ten Senior was unsure about his OSU experiences at first. “I thought college would be easy,” Davis says. “But it was overwhelming and scary, and I was terrified. “The Honors College helped boost me,” he says. “I became an Honors College Ambassador, and the experience helped me jump into other campus experiences. My fraternity, Delta Tau Delta, also helped me adjust to campus life and get involved.” By the time Davis graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in American Indian studies, his campus activities had grown to include membership in the Student Alumni Board, the University Honors Council and the President’s Posse. He also provided leadership as co-director of the A&S Freshmen Forum, as a teaching assistant for freshmen orientation and as a student coordinator of the Student Academic Mentor Program. Taking on new experiences didn’t stop with on-campus activities. Between his sophomore and junior years, Davis interned with Legal Aid Services of Western Oklahoma in Oklahoma City where he helped people with legal paperwork and referred cases to attorneys. Now in law school at the University of Michigan, Davis says law seems like a natural progression for him because of his lifelong interest in politics. “Besides, I’m a fierce debater, and I’m inspired by history and those seeking social justice. I’ve always admired Thurgood Marshall,” he says. A Quest for Knowledge When Erin Dominick graduated in May 2005, she accomplished what few can. Eric Davis already had a goal in mind when he came to OSU, but he took full advantage of the many available opportunities to sharpen his abilities and shape his plans. photos/Erika Contreras Erin Dominick Eric Davis College of Arts and Sciences 20
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