Maggie Hufnagel

Favorite Class

Torts

Talk a bit about your classes. What projects, subjects, or experiences have had an impact on you? How does that apply to your field?

I have really enjoyed the immersive aspect of my law classes. We regularly read and annotate cases or write legal briefs, just as we would in a true practice. But it’s the near-acting experiences that mean the most. Having worked on a case all semester in the newly formed Appellate Advocacy class, everyone was instructed to do all of the research, create a brief, and perform an oral argument to a panel of judges (other law professors) as if we were presenting to the Supreme Court. Assignments like this occur in all divisions, as there is such an emphasis on exposing students to the realities and logistics of their chosen fields. It makes the future less scary in the sense that now I have a stronger grasp on how to conduct myself in similar situations.

How have you benefited from the Upside-Down Curriculum so far?

The Upside-Down Curriculum, for me, is the most beneficial part of the Champlain College experience. Being able to work toward my goals every single day since I have started college has only heightened my drive. I now have a much better idea of what being a law student or lawyer entails. There is always an idealized version of whatever dream job you have, and the Upside-Down Curriculum grounds that, while still maintaining the love for the subject you have when entering college.

Have you had opportunities to apply what you’ve learned in your major to experiences outside the classroom?

I participated in the Elevator Pitch competition on campus two years in a row, and this year I won first place in my category. My major focuses a lot on research, preparation, and composure—all of which allowed me to prepare and perform stronger each time I participated in the competition.