A Sense of Belonging: Ruth Dimanche 1L
When Ruth Dimanche arrived at Roger Williams University School of Law to attend an accepted students’ event, she did not expect to feel an instant sense of welcome, comfort, and belonging. Even though she grew up in the Boston area, she was not familiar with what Rhode Island had to offer. But more importantly, she did not anticipate the amount of diversity that she found on campus, nor the sense of community that immediately greeted her. “As a Black woman, it’s important to me to be in a diverse environment where I can be myself,” says Dimanche. “What I found was an environment that wants people to feel comfortable and that is willing to do all it can to help students succeed.”
At this event, Dimanche not only saw RWU Law students who looked like her, she was consistently approached by members of the faculty and administration, which she found to be a refreshing change to the more rigid dividing lines she had found at other schools. Says Dimanche, “Dr. Safie Sagna, the Director of Diversity and Outreach, approached me to sit and talk with her. I was amazed that she was so welcoming to me. I feel that in many environments, there is a hierarchy, and members of the administration keep themselves separate from students. But I immediately got the sense that a hierarchical culture does not exist at RWU Law.”
By the end of that orientation, Dimanche knew this was the school for her, and since becoming a student, her belief has been repeatedly confirmed. She’s built relationships with her fellow students and says that “The environment is very collegial and supportive and not cutthroat in any way. We students are willing to help each other if there is confusion about a legal theory or if someone needs notes.” Members of the administration have continued to check in on her and faculty regularly make themselves available to her to advise and instruct. “Dr. K (Prof. Justin Kishbaugh) at the Writing Center has a very busy schedule, but he has met with me many times to assist me with my writing. Professor Natasha Varyani has been wonderful,” says Dimanche. “Dean Lorraine Lalli has been very supportive of my journey and often checks in on me.”
Though she is still relatively early in her RWU Law journey, Dimanche has already found important ways to become part of—and contribute to—the community. She currently serves as treasurer of the OWLS (Older Wiser Law Students) Club, an organization aimed toward supporting nontraditional students like herself. Says Dimanche, “We nontraditional students are a bit older than the ‘typical’ law student, or have taken less direct roads to get here. OWL tries to maintain a community of students who respect each other’s diverse journeys and can connect with one another on a shared wavelength.”
Dimanche has already given some thought to life after law school, and has considered becoming a prosecutor, a public defender, or working for the government. To her, these options are different on the surface, but each of them would allow her to help others. For now, she is committed to keeping her mind open and taking advantage of any opportunities that are presented. In her philosophy, “You learn more when you keep your options open.”
That approach certainly served her well when it came to law school, when she attended an event at a school in a state she knew little about. In that case, her philosophy and her instincts served her well. “RWU Law has exceeded what I thought it could be. This in an environment I can really succeed in.”