Student Stories: Anna Gorman

Anna Gorman


Major: Political Science

Anna Gorman didn’t know what she wanted to study when she selected College of DuPage.

“I had other options for college, but I knew that I wanted to get involved with clubs and organizations, be able to work and not sacrifice my academics,” she said. “COD allowed me to do all of this as well as helped me grow and mature.”

Her interest in law stemmed from participation in a state senatorial campaign in 2016, from which she learned about elections, making a difference and the importance of involvement.  At COD, Gorman immersed herself in activities, serving as both treasurer and president of two student clubs – Anthropology Club and Model United Nations.

It was as a member of the Model UN that she began developing a deeper interest in government and law. She received the Outstanding Delegate award during a conference at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a verbal commendation during a conference at the University of Chicago.

Honors Program at COD

“Through Model UN, I learned how to speak intelligently and passionately about a topic,” she said. “My involvement with the Model UN really prepared me for my path in law, as did so many professors who patiently met with me during their office hours. (Philosophy/Religious Studies) Professor Leslie Wolf let me ask as many questions as possible, while (English) Professor Eric Martinson inspired me.” 

Gorman also was an Honors Scholar and an active member of Phi Theta Kappa. In 2018, she earned an Associate in Arts degree and was named one of the College’s two outstanding graduates, an honor for which she is grateful. 

“It means that every night I stayed up studying extra hard meant something to people outside of my classes,” she said. “My time at College of DuPage and this honor have made me more confident in my path and inspired me to greater potential.”

Gorman transferred to Cornell University and earned her bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Labor Relations with a minor in Law and Society. She currently is a paralegal specialist with the U.S. Department of Justice in the antitrust division and is studying for the LSAT with plans to attend law school in fall 2023.

Gorman is happy that COD helped provide her with a strong educational foundation.  

“Initially I was a little envious of my friends who went to a four-year school, but at College of DuPage I found myself. One of COD’s best assets is that it is a place for lost souls. You can take classes and discover your own passions. It’s a place to expand your knowledge.”

Learn more about the Political Science program at College of DuPage