By Ava Steffens

Sofia Potter, a first-year law student and scholarship recipient from Cedar Falls, Iowa, plans to blend her economic background with her passion for justice.

After graduating from the University of Northern Iowa, she chose SIU for law school, noting that Carbondale’s small-town charm reminded her of both her undergraduate community and her hometown.

The tight-knit community at SIU Simmons Law School immediately caught Potter’s attention as she explored postgraduate opportunities. With more than 300 students, the school offers small class sizes that provide hands-on experience and ensure students receive support throughout every step of their educational journey.

Potter received the Charter Class Campaign for Excellence Scholarship, a merit-based award established by members of the law school’s first graduating class in 1976. The scholarship supports a select group of students who maintain at least a 3.5 GPA, continuing the Charter Class’s long tradition of leading by example and supporting Simmons Law School.

“When I found out I got it, it gave me the biggest boost of confidence,” she said. “The scholarship donors know I am going to bring something valuable to the school and they want to show me that.”

When Potter learned she had received the scholarship, she immediately called her mother to share the good news, relieved to ease both her parents’ stress along with her own. After a challenging application year, she emphasized the pride and sense of relief she felt upon receiving the award.

“The application process can be especially difficult during election years,” she said. “It was a challenge to get into schools, let alone get a scholarship.”

In addition to financial aid, Potter said the mentorship program has been one of the most meaningful aspects of her SIU experience. As a Taylor Mattis Fellow, she is paired with a second- or third-year tutor, which provides her with valuable guidance and support during her first year.

“My mentor, Danielle Watkins, is always so open to answer any questions that I have about anything related to classes and just about life in graduate school,” said Potter. “It has made my transition into law school much easier.”

Transitioning to a new town, state, and lifestyle can challenge any student. Potter said that the jump from her math-based undergraduate studies into the language-driven field of law pushed her to change the “way her brain was wired.”

“I learned how to transfer logical thinking techniques and pattern recognition skills,” she said. “I view everything as an equation.”

The scholarship allowed Potter to step away from work and still cover the costs of books, rent, groceries, and other expenses. Recognizing that someone valued her potential as a future lawyer, she dedicated more time and energy to her studies and strengthened her relationships with her friends, family, and significant other.

She said choosing a law program in her home state would have forced her to take on significant debt.

“That would have been terrible for me to start my life off with, and my parents did not want that for me,” she said. “Oftentimes, it’s the price tag on law school that makes it so inaccessible to so many people.”

SIU stands among just 21 universities nationwide, out of 4,000, recognized by the Carnegie Classification for both R1 Research and Opportunity University status. The university actively advances discovery and expands access to higher education. Scholarships like the one Potter received play a vital role in this mission, helping students from all majors overcome financial barriers and achieve their dreams.

“If you’re on the fence about giving to that scholarship fund, just know that the payoff of your donation is so much bigger than any number that you can write in an amount box on a check,” she said.

If Potter’s story inspires you and you believe in the power of accessible, high-quality education, consider supporting or establishing a scholarship through the SIU Foundation. Your generosity can transform the lives of future students and help them discover their passion. In the most recent fiscal year, the SIU Foundation awarded more than $5.6 million in scholarships to 2,111 students, representing 17 percent of SIU’s student body. To make a gift online, visit siuf.org/give. To learn more about SIU Simmons Law School and its mission, visit https://law.siu.edu/.