Freshman Cole Goodman knows what it's like to be out in the real world.

He spent the spring of his senior year of high school as an intern at a downtown Boston law firm. Goodman took the train from his home in Canton, Mass., along with the daily commuters to the firm's office in Faneuil Hall. "I loved it. It was a great experience," he says.

His mentor at the law firm was a defense attorney who often took Goodman along to court and to observe arbitration. The attorney also volunteered his time once a month to serve as a public defender. Goodman says those cases were particularly interesting to watch. "There are so many ways laws can be interpreted," he says. "I find it really interesting."

Goodman--a political science major who is considering law school--says he wanted to see what being a lawyer is really like. The experience taught him an important lesson: "You have to be invested, if you want to succeed," he explains.

This philosophy also motivates him in his schoolwork. Goodman says he became a much better student toward the end of high school. He realized that he needed to work hard in order to live up to his potential. "Something just clicked for me," he says.

Goodman says his classes are going well, especially the political science courses. "I love them--they're great," he says. Goodman has a study partner, who helps him stay motivated during long afternoons in the library. "I'm really focused on doing well," he says.

He also appreciates the help he receives from the Learning Center on campus, which offers peer tutoring in every subject. "There's so much support here," he says.

Goodman says he knew he could succeed academically with a strong community around him. The sense of community at Quinnipiac was one of the main reasons he chose it. "Everyone looked so happy to be here. You felt welcome, from the first day," he says.

While it's difficult to be a few hours away from his family, Goodman says it's been easy to fit in. "I'm having fun and have so many friends. That's made it easy to adjust," he says.

Goodman lives in a double in the Dana residence hall and knows everyone on his floor. He's also met like-minded students in the Pre-Law Society and College Republicans student groups.

"I figured I'd get involved as much as I could," he says.