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'25, JD '28 transferred to ½ûÂþÌìÌà from UMass Amherst after deciding that a big school wasn't the right fit. As soon as she arrived, she jumped head-first into a political science degree, the 3+3 law program, and multiple organizations on campus. Now she's ready for the next 3 years at UMass Law and whatever adventures lie ahead.

Transferring into UMassD's 3+3 law program

Donahue began her college career at UMass Amherst, one of the largest universities in Massachusetts. However, she quickly found herself getting lost within a school of that size.

"UMass Amherst was such a big school, and the social aspect was taking over. I realized that I wasn't getting as much of an academic-focused experience as I'd like.

"While looking for new schools I found ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ's 3+3 law program. I discovered it during my last week of classes in Amherst, met with a UMassD advisor the next day, and was enrolled by the next week."

Through this program, Donahue is earning her bachelor's and juris doctor degrees in 6 rather than 7 years. She will substitute the final year of her undergrad with her first year at UMass Law.

"½ûÂþÌìÌà is what I needed. The 3+3 is such a direct program, so it was a 'why not?' situation."

Finding academic and career support

Navigating the transfer process along with an accelerated degree can be tricky—but Donahue found the support she needed.

"I had a great advisor, Jessica Oliveira. With her help, I had a perfect time here. She and the rest of the pre-law advising team were really helpful.

"Multiple advisors knew my name, met with me on short notice, and had the best in mind for me. I had never gotten that type of advising before coming to UMassD."

Legal internship

Donahue also took advantage of the advisors at the Career Center. "They helped me get an internship, which extended into a full-time summer job. It was the best outcome I could have pictured."

Donahue started her internship during her first year at UMassD. She worked with , an offshore energy company that builds wind turbines in Buzzards Bay.

"I organized legal files, did case briefings, and took notes at meetings with federal agencies. For my final project, I was in charge of a team of interns. We went to different locations and taught contractors the dimensions for the turbines. I got to go on a ship to see a site, which I didn't think I'd be able to do as an intern.

"I learned a lot about how government-sponsored programs interact with people, agencies, and funding programs," she said.

Chasing adventure

One of Donahue's biggest passions is being outdoors and getting her adrenaline pumping. Luckily, she's found plenty of opportunities for outdoor thrills at UMassD.

As treasurer and social media manager of the , she participates in activities like canoeing and hiking the White Mountains.

Donahue is also president of the sailing team. She had never sailed before joining, but quickly became an expert.

"I wanted to chase the adrenaline feeling I get from hiking on a more local level. I tried out a few sports, but sailing is what gave me that same feeling. I took the opportunity and learned to sail in 3 months. Now I'm a head skipper and teaching others how to sail.

"I'm glad that I've been able to experience all the things I enjoy here. Despite being a small school, there are so many things to do and people who are willing to get you involved. Again, it's really a question of 'why not?'" 

"½ûÂþÌìÌà is what I needed. The 3+3 is such a direct program, so it was a 'why not?' situation."

Founding Mock Trial

Another organization that Donahue jumped head-first into was . She had been interested in joining since being at UMass Amherst, but UMassD didn’t have a team—so she created one.

"I had never been on a mock team before. I spent hours researching, studying the process, putting together lesson plans, and recruiting people. Now we have 15 members, and attended regionals last year."

She also recruited two local lawyers to attend their practices and offer guidance. Their mentorship has inspired Donahue to pursue a future in juvenile law.

Next steps at UMass Law

Next year Donahue will begin taking classes at UMass Law as part of the 3+3 program. She plans to volunteer at her local child courts over the summer.

Donahue received the Public Interest Law Fellowship (PILF), which covers 50% of tuition at UMass Law in exchange for practicing public interest law for 4 years after graduation. She wants to focus on juvenile law and children's rights during this time.