By Ava Steffens
Anna Stearns, a second-year law student at SIU Simmons Law School, says that receiving the David C. Johnson Scholarship “changed everything for her.”
Originally from Granite City, Illinois, near St. Louis, Stearns is grateful for SIU’s accessibility and supportive environment close to home. After earning her forensic science degree at Lewis University, she chose SIU for its local connection, community, and the opportunity to pursue her ambitions.
“I kind of grew up in this area, and I’m very proud of it,” she said. “I also knew law school would be challenging, so I wanted to pick somewhere where I had the ability to go home and come back in a day.”
Driven by a lifelong passion for law and justice, Stearns is excited to pursue a career in criminal law, where she hopes to make a meaningful difference and advocate for fairness in her community.
“I remember in seventh grade, we took a 100-question career test, and I crossed my fingers that I would get a lawyer as a result,” said Sterns. “It came back as that, and that was all the confirmation that I needed. Being a lawyer is always what I wanted to do.”
Stearns enthusiastically pursued her passion all the way to Capitol Hill, where she completed a rewarding summer internship opportunity. During her time in Washington, D.C, she actively participated in hearings, summarized bills, and helped brainstorm thoughtful suggestions to help move important legislation forward. Additionally, she volunteered for Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s Senate campaign, which helped her gain firsthand experience in public service and legislative work.
Stearns credits SIU School of Law professor Sheila Simon, who is also the former lieutenant governor of Illinois, for inspiring her to shape her academic journey. Simon’s encouragement and support motivated Stearns to work harder, seek out new opportunities, and pursue the resources she needed to succeed.
“She changed my life in ways that I could never have expected,” Stearns said. “She’s also one of the reasons why I got my scholarship.”
While Stearns has enjoyed her time as a Saluki, she recognizes that law school is a demanding journey academically and financially. While a legal career offers a strong return on investment, it can also be time-consuming. Despite its challenges, she continues to approach these hurdles with optimism.
“I remember having a moment during my sophomore year of college where I realized that I had three years of law school to complete, and I would have thousands of dollars in loans,” she said. “I was worried about putting myself into so much debt for something that may not even be reciprocated even ten years later.”
Stearns shares that rising interest rates and student loans made finances a constant concern, sometimes even turning simple grocery trips into moments of worry. The thought of loan interest doubling future costs weighed heavily on her mind. Receiving the scholarship notification instantly lifted a significant burden off her shoulders.
“It was such a huge sense of relief. We did a rough estimate, and the amount of money in the award is going to save me seven years of loans.” The scholarship allowed Stearns to focus on her studies and plan for life after graduation without the weight of financial stress. Stearns looks forward to pursuing a career in criminal law, driven by a passion for justice and making a positive impact on her community.
“I’ve always led my life through passion, and I wanted to do something that I enjoyed,” she said. “Being a lawyer can be hard; they often have long hours and not a lot of work-life balance.”
The David C. Johnson Scholarship was established by Ronald E. and Michelle A. Osman in honor of Professor David C. Johnson, a member of the founding faculty at SIU School of Law. Johnson taught law for four decades, specializing in tax law, estate planning, and property law, and served five years as associate dean. The scholarship provides financial assistance to second- and third-year law students and supports first-generation college students pursuing their degrees at SIU Simmons Law School.
“I hope the donors will be proud and prideful of who received it, because I appreciate them a lot,” Stearns said. “It’s a big kindness, and my objective in life is to pass that on.”
Since arriving at SIU Simmons Law School, the support Stearns has received has made a lasting impact on her journey. She has built lifelong friendships, connected with inspiring professors and mentors, and benefited from a vibrant alumni network that opens doors to incredible opportunities. She is deeply grateful for the generosity of donors who make scholarships like hers possible. As one of only 21 universities nationwide, out of nearly 4,000, recognized by the Carnegie Classification for both R1 Research and Opportunity University status, SIU is dedicated to advancing discovery and expanding access to higher education for students from all backgrounds.
When you give to programs like SIU Simmons Law School, you empower passionate students like Stearns to pursue their dreams, overcome financial barriers, and become part of the next generation of leaders. Your support changes lives. Make a gift today to help shape a brighter future at siuf.org/give.