WEST MIFFLIN — During her freshman year at West Mifflin Area High School, Julia Lazar took part in a mock trial and found that she really enjoyed it.
It turned out to be a formative experience. Now, as a senior that will soon graduate from WMAHS, Lazar is leaning toward a career in the legal field as she gets ready for college.
“It was probably my favorite thing from freshman year,” Lazar said. “That kind of led me toward (studying law). And I’ve always enjoyed history. It’s my favorite subject; it’s where I thrive. So that’s where I’m leaning.”
While Lazar’s college decision is still undecided, she does have an idea of what way she’s leaning. She’s applied to James Madison University and Virginia Tech, but it’s to her hometown school that she’s likely headed.
“I got into the University of Pittsburgh, and I think that’s where I’m going to end up going,” she said.
She added, “I grew up around Pitt. I love it. My dad gets season tickets to games. I’ll go to a Pitt football game, and I look at the student section, and I think, ‘That’s where I want to be.’ And I love the city vibes, all the food places, the Cathedral (of Learning) is gorgeous. I love the Hogwarts feel.”
Lazar has done plenty at West Mifflin both in and out of the classroom to prepare herself for what’s to come.
In addition to serving as student council president, Lazar represents West Mifflin students at monthly school board meetings, is a member of the National Honor Society, the Tri-M Music Honor Society, sings in the choir and show choir, serves as treasurer of the student secretary club, and also spent three years playing soccer.
“These have really helped me with my planning and organization skills, as well as my public speaking skills,” Lazar said. "I have to speak in front of the student council to discuss meetings, and for certain events I speak in front of a lot of people. It’s really helped me come out of my shell and be comfortable.”
And in the classroom, Lazar will find herself nearly a full semester ahead of schedule when she gets to Pitt, thanks to West Mifflin’s array of College in High School and Advanced Placement courses. Among the classes she’s taken are AP US History, AP World History, AP Psychology, and more.
“I’ll basically be starting as a second-semester freshman (at Pitt),” she said. “That gives me first choice on classes and stuff, which is a huge benefit.”
Pushing herself academically has also taught Lazar important life skills such as time management.
“I’ve taken all honors and AP/CHS throughout my life, and I think it pushes me to do better,” Lazar said. “It’s also really helped me with my time management skills, because you’re managing a lot of course load. (Teachers are) giving me multiple assignments with multiple due dates, and so time management is a huge that that helps me (stay on track).”
And in the long run, it will help her in life, too.
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