At the heart of Soujoud Hamade’s law degree pursuit is her passion to serve, and her sense of duty to be an ethical global citizen.

“Throughout my life, I have always believed the world’s problems were mine to fix,” Hamade said. “I believed that every injustice was my responsibility, and that if people like myself did not stand up for those less fortunate or underprivileged, then the world would not change for the better.” 

As a 3L, Hamade most recently served as a policy fellow for the Gretchen Whitmer for Governor campaign. She called it one of her proudest achievements as a law student. 

“My experience with the campaign strengthened my ability to write, research, and understand complex policies. I had the opportunity to help research and draft policy platforms and attend the policy rollouts,” Hamade said. “It was a great experience to see my hard work make real change happen. My work with the campaign strengthened my desire to work in government/public policy.” 

She will pursue a career in government policy at Dykema Gosset after graduation, where she previously worked as a summer associate. Until then, in addition to her coursework, she’ll continue her leadership in the MSU Law student community as the vice president of the Middle Eastern Law Student Association (MELSA). The organization connects students from different cultures, political affiliations, and ethnicities.

“Our focus is shedding light on the fact that Middle Eastern Americans are just like all other Americans. We are an inclusive organization that allows all to join, regardless of ethnic background,” Hamade said. “I have had a great time working with the group on fostering discussion about issues that Middle Eastern Americans face every day.”

Hamade, who calls herself a “double Spartan,” said that the diversity of MSU’s campus and the acceptance she felt from her peers and the administration as an undergraduate student were major factors in her decision to attend MSU Law. She received her bachelor’s degree in philosophy with minors in cognitive science and linguistics from MSU.

“I have always felt a sense of belonging here,” Hamade said. “That is why I decided to stay and pursue a law degree instead of traveling elsewhere.”

When she takes a break from her leadership roles and policy work, Hamade has enjoyed being a part of MSU Law’s Musical Theatre Revue. She said dancing the salsa in the revue’s Law, Law Land show was something she’ll never forget. 

“I had always dreamed of dancing the salsa in front of an audience. Although both my MCLs were injured, I wrapped them up and danced the salsa both days the show was on,” Hamade said.

Just like she did – dancing despite her injury – Hamade advises prospective law students to believe that they can do the things they aspire to.

“The difference between those that can and those that cannot is the belief in oneself,” she said. “The best law students are not necessarily the smartest or the most talented; they are those who believe in themselves and their abilities. We are all capable of great growth when we do not stand in our own way.”