Student Spotlight: Ryann Edwards ’26

The Student Spotlight Series is a new feature to highlight Saint Michael’s students’ lives in all corners of campus. Students’ answers have been lightly edited for style and clarity.

Ryann Edwards ’26 is from Barnstable, Massachusetts, and is double majoring in Political Science and Philosophy & Ethics. 

What brought you to Saint Michael’s College?  

I saw Saint Michael’s as a quintessential New England College. I grew up traveling to Burlington and was attracted to the academic benefits of a small school while being able to enjoy the social aspects of a big school being juxtaposed with a big college town. The small population and requirement of living on campus all four years framed the school as a place where I could be heavily involved in a tight-knit community, supported and set up for success. During many of my tours searching for an undergrad institution, the tour guides told me that if there was a club that the school did not have, I could always start one. Saint Michael’s was the only place where I believed this claim and am happy to say that my dream has become a reality.  

Where do people see you on campus? (What are you involved in? How do you spend your time?)   

I have had the privilege of being involved and holding leadership positions in the Student Government Association, Honors Committee, Pre- Law Society and helped start a Mock Trial Club. The honors committee encourages me to challenge myself academically resulting in much of my time being spent in the honors lounge studying. Pre-Law Society is a support group of aspiring lawyers building friendships on shared interests, LSAT study techniques, post-grad application stress, and classic criminal justice films. Mock Trial is my favorite extracurricular on campus. Working with a group of students passionate about debate, justice, and/or roleplaying coached by an experienced lawyer. The club is competitive, high-energy, and unbelievably rewarding as members build confidence, develop public speaking and logical reasoning skills, as well as friendships.  

What is your favorite thing about the academic experience at St. Mike’s?  

I am so grateful for my relationship with the faculty and staff at the College. They make themselves tangible resources by always being available. I have always been able to stop by unannounced and receive the academic and personal support I need. The faculty in the Boucher Career Education Center, the Purposeful Learning office, my professors, and advisors all know my face, remember my name, and know things about my personal life. Their support extends outside of the classroom promoting involvement in clubs I am in and providing personal resources for my academic endeavors.   

What is your favorite thing to do on campus?  

Some of my favorite memories have been made by getting on a bus on campus and going for a ride with my peers. I have been lucky enough to spend a weekend in Washington, D.C., and Ottawa, Canada, through my courses sponsored by the College. Additionally, the Adventure Sports Center transports students to the mountains on the weekends. I’ve enjoyed a quick trip to North Beach to take a dip in Lake Champlain and build a fire with friends. School-organized, off-campus excursions have been so valuable to my experience at Saint Michael’s.   

How are you hoping your St. Mike’s education will prepare you for the future. (Do you have after-graduation plans?)  

I have had a clear idea of my post-undergrad path since high school. I was confident my academic experience and leadership skills developed at the college would sufficiently prepare me for law school. I have had the privilege of meeting Saint Michael’s alumni who are currently in law school, have graduated, and are practicing litigators. These relationships I have built have solidified my career path and capability of achieving it.