Jack Serra and Madison Smith, who both majored in social science and humanities fields at the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences, share a passion for justice and plan to attend law school.
Jack Serra
After growing up in the heart of Long Island, New York, Jack Serra didn’t initially plan to transfer to the University of Miami. But when a fellowship opportunity during his time at St. John’s College fell through, he made a bold decision to apply to 17 different schools across the country in just 58 hours.
At the University of Miami, where Serra received a scholarship, he found a vibrant campus with endless opportunities. “I love it here,” he said. “My life entirely changed the minute I came down here and I started to actually plant my roots. It’s like night and day.”
Fast-forward three years, and Serra is graduating as a history and political science double major. He plans to attend the London School of Economics and Political Science for a master’s degree in economic history before pursuing law school.
During his time at the University, Serra served as president of multiple clubs, worked as a teaching fellow with Will Green, a professor of religious studies and the Fain Family Endowed Chair in Judaic Studies, and participated in Miami Dream Day of Service for three years.
“I was able to build myself into the person I am at the University of Miami by showing up and not being afraid to talk to people,” Serra said.
Serra’s involvement extended to coordinating a collaborative food drive with the campus chapter of UNICEF and other campus organizations that raised over $2,000 in goods for hurricane victims in Florida and the Carolinas.
After law school, Serra hopes to work in corporate law, representing individuals in corporate wrongdoing cases. “If I could have a life within law helping those in need, that would be the most fulfilling thing possible,” he said.
Serra credits his mother and uncle for supporting his educational journey, along with the entire history department.
His advice to incoming students and transfer students? “Go to everything. Anything you get invited to when you’re first getting here, go to it and try it out. You never know who you’re going to meet.”
Madison Smith
After growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, Madison Smith didn’t originally have the University of Miami on her radar. She applied “on a whim” after seeing the University in a YouTube video.
“Once I was accepted, they accepted me as a Foote Fellow, Ronald A. Hammond Scholar, and da Vinci Scholar,” she said. “It made me feel good that I would be going to a school that really valued academics and would help me foster professional and personal growth.”
In May, Smith is graduating as a triple major in English, Africana studies, and political science. She plans to attend law school and has received offers of admission from several esteemed law schools, including Howard University School of Law, the University of Houston Law Center, Florida State University College of Law, Georgia State University College of Law, and Washington University in St. Louis.
During her time at the University, Smith has been deeply involved in campus life. She served as the second vice president and Black Awareness Month committee chairperson for United Black Students, and as president of the Iota Nu Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, sophomore class senator, and a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami. She also co-founded her own majorette dance club called Ibis Elegance and joined Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Smith discovered her passion for law during the summer of 2020 while attending protests in downtown Memphis. “It was when I saw this five-year-old boy holding a sign that said, ‘Am I next? Let me breathe.’ That immediately sparked this passion that I want to be able to do something,” she explained. “I want to be able to serve and help people and not just be at the protest holding a sign. I want to enact real change.”
After law school, Smith plans to practice juvenile law in a southern city like Atlanta, Nashville, or Dallas. “I truly want to make an impact in that area because it stems from my whole reason for wanting to do law,” she said.
Her advice to first-year students? “Don’t be afraid to do things alone, because that was my biggest downfall freshman year,” she said. “UM has a very welcoming culture.”
As she prepares to graduate, Smith has been reflecting on her Miami experience. “I’m very thankful for my decision to attend the University of Miami,” she said. “I feel like it has impacted me in more ways than I could have ever imagined with my faith, with my leadership, with my professional growth, and academically. Miami really is a place where anything is possible.”
View photos and videos from commencement ceremonies from our multimedia coverage.
Read student profiles and find commencement ceremony info in our special report.
