LJS program inspires graduate to discover her passion

Kim Chaudoin and Courtney Grable  | 06/22/2023

When Camryn Given (‘23) first came to Lipscomb University as a freshman from Knoxville four years ago, she planned to pursue a career in political journalism. But she soon discovered that her passion was in the Law, Justice, and Society program. 

“When I got involved in the Law, Justice and Society program, I discovered all of the opportunities that lawyers have. I also really fell in love with legal writing,” recalls Given. “I learned that being a lawyer would allow me to do that while also providing an avenue through which I could make some of the changes I want to see in our criminal justice system.” 

During her time in the program, Given took advantage of the numerous opportunities she was provided such as moot court through which students focused on one case the whole semester. “My partner and I acted like official lawyers arguing a case in front of a Supreme Court,” she explains. Then, we got to travel to Kentucky and compete. It was a great opportunity to receive feedback from real lawyers and brought me closer to people in my major.”

In February, she was part of a team that competed in a mock trial competition in Saint. Louis, Missouri. “Mock trial is one of the best things you can do for practicing public speaking,” says Given. “Participating in these activities has made me a much better public speaker, better than I ever would have imagined. It was another great chance to work in a group and help your peers while arguing a hypothetical case about a plane crash. It was super interesting, and I was really happy I did it, even though it was a lot of work.” 

The Lipscomb community provided Given with connections that helped her forge the next step of her career journey.

“During my time at Lipscomb, I was able to become a part of a lot of local communities of adults that really looked out for me and have given me a lot of great advice,” she reflects. “Through Lipscomb connections, I interned on a local campaign for a General Sessions judge in 2022. I met a lot of the Nashville law community and learned about what it’s like to be a lawyer and care deeply for your community. Being at Lipscomb allowed me to meet so many people who care about those around them and want to make Nashville a better place.” 

For her senior capstone project, Given researched the intersection of politics and food systems in the United States. “I analyzed how several aspects of food production and consumption have become politicized in the U.S. along party lines,” she explains. “Since this is a trend that is unique to this country, I concluded that the U.S’s bipartisan political system contributes to the differences in food here.”

After completing a nearly 30-page research paper, she had the opportunity to present her findings. “I loved getting to present my research,” says Given. “It was very rewarding to finish my degree along with this research project.” 

Given says she chose Lipscomb to pursue her undergraduate degree because its size was conducive to getting involved in campus activities and developing meaningful relationships with professors. She credits Kimberly McCall, associate dean of academics in the College of Leadership & Public Service and director of the Fred D. Gray Institute for Law, Justice and Society, with inspiring her to pursue a career in law.

“She has been super inspiring and made me feel like I can do this, or really anything, I set my mind to,” recalls Given. “I have really appreciated having a strong female leader in my classes who really cares about her students. Professor McCall has created a very safe and empowering space that has produced countless open and productive conversations.” 

“I’m very excited to move on to the next part of my life. I am also grateful for the last few years.” she continues. “I was definitely able to learn a lot in general and a lot about myself. I’m proud of myself and I have received a lot of support and encouragement from friends and family members along the way.”