Alyssa Finigan is a driven and thoughtful student whose academic interests and personal experiences are deeply rooted in leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. She is a freshman at Barnard College of Columbia University, where she plans to major in Political Science and Human Rights with a minor in Psychology. Alyssa is highly motivated to attend law school and aspires to become a criminal defense lawyer, with a particular interest in advocating for equity and fairness within the justice system.
Recognized as a Milken Scholar, Alyssa has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence while actively pursuing opportunities to make a meaningful impact beyond the classroom. Her passion for civic engagement began early, as she founded a debate club at her local middle school. Through this initiative, she introduced students to world geography and global politics while helping them build confidence in public speaking, critical thinking, and respectful discourse. This experience reinforced her belief in the importance of education as a tool for empowerment.
In addition to her educational outreach, Alyssa volunteered with the Beach Cities Health District, where she advocated for increased attention to youth mental wellness. Her work emphasized the importance of accessible mental health resources and proactive community-based solutions, further shaping her interest in the intersection of policy, psychology, and social justice.
At Columbia, Alyssa serves on the recruitment committee for Phi Lambda Sigma, a pre-professional society for students interested in policy, politics, and government, and is also an active member of the university’s pre-law society. Outside of academics, she enjoys exploring New York City, discovering new food spots, and spending time in Central Park observing its wildlife. Alyssa is motivated by growth, curiosity, and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the communities she is part of.
Last Minute Spring Break Trips from NYC
