A third-year student and J.D. candidate at Capital University Law School, Faith Sanders believes there’s a reason she was given that name.
“I’ve learned that if you just trust God, nothing is too difficult. Nothing is impossible.”
Sanders describes herself as a preacher’s kid by birth, with a past that includes stints as a drummer, swimmer, dancer, college basketball player, director of admissions, jiu jitsu coach, MMA fighter and owner of a painting and home repairs business.
Having experienced much, she took a deliberate pause to discern which career would fully embody her gifts, build upon her success, and channel her ambition with purpose and impact.
Sanders is confident she found her calling as a Capital University Law School student – a student who soon will sit for the bar exam before entering her next life phase.
With a bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies and a master’s degree in criminology, both from the University of Tampa, she realized she wanted a career that mattered, a career where she could effect change.
She realized a law degree would enable both.
“I really like to think Capital Law School chose me, because the university, its faith-based values and close community align exactly with who I am,” she said, “and it welcomed me with open arms.”
Sanders credits faculty for their dedication to students and for helping her become a better problem-solver by recognizing that everyone has different ways of learning.
“Through faculty guidance, I’ve learned to navigate the rigor of law school while giving myself grace. Yes, they want you to be a great lawyer, but they also want you to be great person first and to lead by example.”
Joseph Grant J.D., interim dean of Capital University Law School and holder of the John D. Sullivan Professor of Law endowed professorship, first met Faith when she was a child growing up in his hometown. As a Law School student, the dean described her “as someone who really stands out.”
“I see her around the building, smartly dressed, always smiling,” Grant said. “She has a presence about her, humility and a desire to help. She exudes a level of professionalism and ease around others, all qualities that will serve her well as a lawyer and in life.”
In addition to her classes, Sanders is honored to be the dean’s student assistant, accompanying Grant to networking events, assisting with his social media, and helping him form closer relationships with students. She also is treasurer of the Black Law Student Association, a research teaching assistant, library employee and member of the Student Bar Association.
“I’ve always held myself to a high standard of integrity,” Sanders said, “but knowing that I represent Capital University and Dean Grant, I see every interaction as an opportunity to represent what the Law School stands for: a person with purpose, a person with ethics, and someone who is committed to excellence and who will lead by example.”
And those are the same qualities Grant sees in her.
“Humility shines through in Faith,” Grant said. “Not only is she dedicated to her studies and to becoming a great lawyer, but she has a spirit of service to the Law School, her fellow students and the community that will only enhance her career.”
As she approaches her graduation in May, Sanders is confident in her passion for prosecution, public safety, and the evolving intersection of law and technology. While her interests are clear, she embraces the breadth of opportunities the legal profession affords.
“Right now, I am committed to holding myself to the highest standard as a prosecuting attorney, particularly in matters that impact public safety. At the same time, I am deeply interested in the intersection of law and technology, whether that leads me to intellectual property at an international firm or, ultimately, to the bench.”
Regardless of where her Capital degree takes her, Sanders sees her future self as a motivator, trailblazer, problem-solver and leader, ready to challenge herself as much as to challenge the world around her.
“I feel empowered. I feel experienced, excited to take the bar, and ready to represent the university as a graduate and as an attorney,” Sanders said. “I know God has been with me throughout this journey as a Capital Law School student. And I know he will be with me in this next phase of my life.
“I’m rooted in my faith. There’s a reason Faith is my name.”
To learn more about the Capital University Law School, visit https://www.law.capital.edu/.