Kara Pelman

Why FSU?

FSU is one of the few schools with a program that allows students to study law outside of the Juris Doctor program. I would love to be in a Juris Doctor program right now, but in my current career it isn't feasible. However FSU's Juris Master Program allows me to still pursue a future career in law and continue in my current job!

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I wanted to learn something that I truly enjoyed! When you start college at a young age not truly knowing what you want to do, it doesn't always add up. I decided I'd pursue a graduate degree to actually learn something I was passionate about, to enjoy learning and not just try to get the degree.

Describe an aspect of your military service that is especially memorable or exceptional

I have created the family that I wasn't blessed with while being active duty. You meet so many people, and luckily for me, a lot of those people became my chosen family!

Tell us how your military service provided skills and experiences that you were able to apply to your graduate studies.

The military helped provide the time management skills I use every semester to tackle school, work, and home life. I think, in some ways, it's given me the ability to understand that there is life outside the military and that you can set yourself up for that life while still active duty!

Career aspirations

I hope to become a lawyer and practice family law! With the extra specialization of my Juris Master degree and a JD, I hope to help lots of families and kids who need help but maybe cannot ask for it!

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

You don't have to do it all at once--slow and steady wins the race, as they say!