Diehl Center leads inspiring trip to NYC for aspiring law students

Known as the city that never sleeps, New York City became the one that never disappoints for Yazline Aponte on her recent visit to explore options for law school.

The senior criminal justice major joined a group of fellow Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg pre-law students on a trip to the Big Apple, courtesy of Diehl Center for Law School Preparation, to tour Fordham Law School and take advantage of the Law School Admission Council’s (LSAC) Law School Forum — a nationwide event bringing together representatives from more than 150 law schools.

At the forum, students engaged directly with admissions professionals to learn more about different law programs, scholarships, and LSAT expectations, and explored the wide range of pathways available to law school hopefuls.

“The trip was truly an eye-opening experience that helped me grow both personally and academically,” Aponte said. “It wasn’t just a trip — it felt like an investment in my future. Being surrounded by so many motivated students who share similar goals made me feel supported and confident in my path. I left feeling inspired, reassured, and excited for my future.”

A day of networking and discovery

The trip began early in the morning, with students boarding the bus around 7 a.m. The commute became an opportunity to connect with peers who also shared an interest in law.

“Networking on the bus is honestly one of my favorite parts because you get to build connections early,” Aponte shared. “I actually met two amazing friends on my recent trip.”

Each year, the Diehl Center incorporates a law school campus visit into the itinerary. Past visits have included Fordham Law School, New York Law School, Temple Law, and Drexel Law, with a visit to Dickinson Law planned for the near future. These tours allow students to hear from current law students, explore campus settings, and imagine themselves in a professional legal environment.

Finding inspiration and clarity

For Aponte, one standout moment was speaking with representatives from Drexel Law, her top-choice school.

“Hearing that they offer everything I’m looking for made me feel like I finally found the perfect fit,” she said. “They were so welcoming — it made law school feel exciting, not intimidating.”

She noted her biggest takeaway was discovering the variety of programs available, including part-time, evening, and weekend options.

“It showed me that there isn’t just one traditional way to go to law school,” Aponte said. “That realization made me see that law school is realistic and possible for me, even with a busy life.”

Building knowledge and confidence

The experience was more than just a college trip — it was a defining moment for many students evaluating their future in law. Aponte admitted that before attending last year’s forum, she felt uncertain about whether law school was the right choice. But interacting with representatives helped her see that success isn’t limited to students from specific academic backgrounds.

“This trip reassured me, gave me clarity, and helped me confidently say that I want to pursue law school and specialize in criminal law,” Aponte said. “I left feeling inspired, informed, and prepared.”

The Diehl Center plays a vital role in providing students with resources and guidance through every stage of their law school journey. From LSAT preparation and application workshops to professional development and networking opportunities, the center continues to empower students to pursue their goals with confidence.

Looking ahead

Aponte expressed gratitude for the mentorship she has received from the program’s faculty leaders.

“The Diehl Center has helped me in so many ways, whether through trips like this, LSAT prep sessions, or opportunities to connect with professionals in the field,” she said. “I’m especially thankful for the guidance of Dr. Selznick and Dr. Sedlak.”

Aponte’s passion for law stems from a deep commitment to justice and advocacy.

“I’ve always been passionate about fairness and helping others, especially those who don’t always have a voice in the legal system,” said Aponte, adding criminal law appears to be her future focus. “I can see myself advocating for victims, standing up for what’s right, and making a difference in communities that need strong representation.”