Alan Shvartsman is a current sophomore at The Ohio State University studying economics and political science. He hails from Cleveland, Ohio and didn’t originally think Ohio State would be a good fit for him. However, after the college application process was all said and done, Alan realized that after evaluating price, location, campus, and other factors of the three schools he was admitted to, that OSU was the place for him. Alan chose his double major because of an economics class in high school which sparked his interest since it’s so applicable to the real world, in addition to a longstanding background in political affairs. The double major has not been as challenging as one might expect because Alan came in with a lot of AP credit which put him two years ahead, allowing him to really settle into a rhythm with his course load. Academically, his favorite classes have been an American constitutional law course and economics of sports. The constitutional law course was challenging but also prepared Alan for what real law school classes will be like, and the economics of sports course merged his interests in sports (particularly basketball) and his major.
On campus, Alan is involved heavily with College Republicans, in which he holds a role as the Recruitment Chair. This takes up the bulk of his time, but has been very rewarding since it aligns with his career goals. Additionally, Alan is on the executive board for PSL, stands on the professional development committee, and is a peer mentor. He is also in the Russian students association on campus. Back home, Alan volunteers with City Dogs, and although he doesn’t get to do so as much as he used to, it’s still something he cares deeply about. He has also worked as a camp counselor with kids the past few years.
Alan’s favorite spots to study on campus are his room on the 10th floor of Smith Steeb, or the 11th floor of Thompson. Something about the high altitudes and the quiet environment has always crafted the perfect study spot. Additionally, he frequents the Union Market to eat, since there’s a plethora of fairly healthy and inexpensive options. However, if he’s off-campus, Alan likes to eat at Cafe Istanbul, or Harvey & Ed’s. Both locations remind him of his family or some of the foods he grew up with.
After school, Alan plans on going straight to law school, and is anticipating taking the LSAT very soon. He’s looking at NYU, Georgetown, UChicago, Boston, or Ohio State for law school, and hopes to stay in the city after law school. Alan’s dream jobs would include either being the NBA commissioner, working in an NBA front office doing contracting or legal negotiation, or being a government lawyer for a department such as the FBI or CIA.
Politics, Society, and Law scholars has been a truly valuable involvement for Alan. He says the most valuable thing about PSL for him has been the connections with different professionals who have helped him pinpoint what exactly he wants to do after graduation. Moreover, his best advice for a freshman in PSL is that you’ll get out of it what you put in, so take it seriously and you’ll reap the benefits. Alan’s favorite memory from PSL would be the Sundae making social activity because everyone was out and mingling in one place since it was mandatory, and the sundae itself was a pretty wild feat. The best advice Alan has received so far in college has been to find what you like, what you’re good at, what you’re passionate about… and stick to it because if you do that, you’re less likely to end up in an unfulfilling career.
When asked what legacy he would like to leave, Alan’s answer was simple but poignant; he wants to leave a positive mark on the world, and help as many people as he can. He credits this idea to his upbringing, in which he was always taught to not take anything for granted, and help others whenever you can.