Almost four years ago, I began my OU adventure. Coming into college, I expected all of the usual experiences – making new friends, learning from great faculty, joining some fun clubs, etc. While all of these did occur for me, it is the experiences that I did not expect that have made my time at OU unique and much more incredible than I could have imagined. Recently, I was given the opportunity to meet one of my idols, former Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. As the first female Supreme Court Justice, she is nothing short of a living legend, particularly for a pre-law student like myself.

A few times each semester, President Boren hosts “President’s Associates’ Dinners,” where a special guest visits the University of Oklahoma. In the past we have had guests such as U.S. senators, famous journalists, etc. When I discovered Justice O’Connor was coming to OU, I was excited. When I discovered that through an organization I’m a part of, I would be allowed to help host her, I was nothing short of ecstatic.

My day began at 11:30 a.m., where I met Justice O’Connor at the law school. While there, she gave a “fireside chat” with the dean of the law school and the OCU President. The court room in which she spoke was packed to capacity with students and faculty who wanted to hear from her. Justice O’Connor showed off her wit and humor while answering questions asked by the audience. Later on in the day, she spoke at the OU student union for an audience of around 1500 – the biggest crowd in years. I, along with the rest of the room, drank in every word.

Having the chance to meet someone so influential is an opportunity I know I would not have gotten at any other school. President Boren frequently attracts exciting visitors to our university, and OU is a rare school for allowing student hosts for important guests. At the next President’s Associates’ Dinner, the director of the CIA will be the guest. Experiences such as these stand out among the many things that have reinforced my decision to attend OU years ago.

Rebekah Martin

University of Oklahoma, Class of 2014

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