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<p>Mikhaeil &ldquo;Michael&rdquo; Awad, an incoming first-year law student, understands the magnitude of what he is about to take on as a law student, because he is already a lawyer.</p>
<p>Awad was one of 108 students who took the oath of professionalism in a ceremony welcoming new students to the legal profession.</p>
<p>Originally from Syria, Awad completed his legal studies at Tishreen University before leaving his country due to the ongoing war. First, Awad and his twin brother went first to Russia and then came to America in 2014 to stay with family in New Jersey.</p>
<p>Awad didn&rsquo;t know any English when he came to the United States, but knew that his dream was to attend law school so he could practice law again.</p>
<p>&ldquo;As a child I had always wanted to be a lawyer. I know that sounds cliche, however this was my reality. As a child, my friends would call on me to resolve their issues,&rdquo; said Awad. &ldquo;They would each present their argument, I would listen and after careful deliberation I would have my "decision". Most of the time both parties loved my proposal and went with it, resulting in everyone being happy. This appealed to me. I wanted to take this and make it my life.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Widener Law Commonwealth&rsquo;s good reputation, small class size and the proximity to family made the law school the right choice for him to continue on the path of practicing law in America.</p>
<p>Katherine Riggleman-Thomas, Esq., a 2014 alumna, encouraged the students to be kind to one another and to guard their reputation as they go through their studies. Other bits of advice she provided was to ask questions, talk to professors, find a study group and take advantage of all networking opportunities.</p>
<p>&ldquo;One of the best decisions you could have made, was the decision to come to Widener, &ldquo;she said to the students, who represent more than 63 undergraduate institutions.</p>
<p>The Honorable John E. Jones, III, United States Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, administered the oath of professionalism to the incoming students and also provided words of advice that encouraged the students to seek a balance in their lives and to find a routine.</p>
<p>&ldquo;It is important for you to set a schedule and work hard,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;It starts today. Today you become professionals. &ldquo;</p>
<p>Click <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/widenerlawcommonwealth/albums/72157671719965461" target="_blank">here</a> to view the pictures from the &ldquo;Welcome to the Profession&rdquo; event.</p>