Owyn J. Ferguson sets his sights on law school

Mon, Apr 26th 2021, 08:37 AM

If there is one lesson COVID-19 has taught Owyn J. Ferguson, it is the ability to be able to pivot. After a year of volunteerism, the former junior minister of tourism, who had an interest in the industry, has set his sights on law school.

Ferguson, 22, is expected to commence studies at the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, in August to matriculate toward a dual Juris Doctor and a Master of Science degree in entrepreneurship, technology and innovation.

In the dual degree program, law students combine their law courses with classes in the ESTEEM (Engineering, Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Excellence) program, which helps students develop a unique combination of technical expertise and business acumen with a focus on fixing things that matter.

“Entrepreneurship excites me,” said Ferguson of the path he’s chosen. “It creates opportunities, brings solutions to problems, and reveals issues or disparities among us that otherwise go unnoticed. With that, I see myself using my time in law school to furnish myself with tools to serve entrepreneurs and be an agent of equity and justice in business markets. Ideally, with my affinity for working with persons of a variety of backgrounds, I would work with persons and/or entities from across the globe.”

Ferguson has been awarded a merit scholarship from the University of Notre Dame, and is waiting to learn whether he will receive need-based aid, and if so, at what amount. He also plans on pursuing student employment opportunities to help fund his law school education.

The tuition cost of both the JD and ESTEEM MS degrees dual degree program is $197,507, according to the school’s site. Pursued separately, they would cost $241,496. By enrolling in the joint program, Ferguson is able to receive a discount on the respective costs of two degrees. The tuition cost of the JD degree when pursued alone is $186,196.

Ferguson, who graduated the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, Minnesota, in May 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in economics, said he’s approaching law school the same way he approached his undergraduate degree – on a wing and a prayer.

“I really just plan on getting there, making it through the first year, and trusting that so long as I work diligently, God will facilitate opportunities to receive funds that will meet any balances.”

Law studies is a 180-degree turn from his freshman year ideals.

“When I started college, I had not too long ago concluded my tenure as junior minister of tourism, and was still pretty interested in the opportunities in that industry.”

He remembers having strong interests in fiscal policy, economic development, and capital markets before landing on his current path.

“When I started my economics major, I realized the many different directions I could take – and figured it would make sense to try and have an open mind. Since then, my interests have moved around but have never returned to the tourism sector. I wouldn’t necessarily attribute this to the pandemic, but more to exposure to other career paths.”

Ferguson is expected in Indiana for orientation on August 16 with classes scheduled to begin August 23.

He is currently in Tabgha, Israel, as a member of the Saint John’s Benedectine Volunteer Corps (SJBVC), participating in the monastic life of the community. He is expected to depart Israel mid-to-late June. He said he is looking forward to spending time with family and friends before beginning his journey at Notre Dame

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian

 Sponsored Ads