“It seems like only yesterday we were scared and anxious freshman, approaching orientation in Ives amidst its newfound, state-of-the-art glory. Now Ives has become somewhat of a second home to many of us who often only find ourselves outside its doors for lunch breaks or quick trips to the campus store. Hours of poring over freshman-year labor history books and weeks spent surfing Job-track for summer internships have slowly morphed into thoughts about graduate school, possible professions, and goals for the future.

“As I now prepare to leave Cayuga’s waters behind me, I can only look back with amazement and gratitude for the wonderful experiences I had during my college years.

“This past semester I embarked on a study abroad experience in Sydney, Australia. Going to Australia was not a journey I ever envisioned myself taking. In fact, studying abroad did not even occur to me until I began to take classes in international labor relations and realized that my perspective of labor law, labor movements, and new developments in human resources around the world could truly be enhanced through study in an international setting. The University of New South Wales was one of the few schools that offered the opportunity to explore a completely new environment while at the same time allowing me to continue nurturing my educational interests. I became particularly interested in Australia’s relationship with Asia and their interconnectedness. A semester-long study of international human resource issues, international labor law, and Southeast Asian economic issues ultimately resulted in a 10-day trip to Thailand. Being immersed in a different culture was an extraordinary experience that provided me with the ability to view problems and solutions in the industrial and labor relations arena from a more global perspective.

“Although I was sad to return home from my time abroad, I was extremely excited to participate in a summer internship with Federal District Court Judge the Honorable Richard M. Berman ’64, which I was able to secure with the help of the ILR External Relations office. This experience was nothing short of spectacular and I can honestly say that I looked forward to going to work every day. The judge generously allowed us to participate in discussions of legal issues and sit in on all legal proceedings, including trials, sentencing and settlement conferences. We were also invited to take part in educational events with different parties of the federal system, including a meeting with the Pro Se office and a lunch with New York appellate Judge Sotomayor. The dedication and wisdom that Judge Berman brings to every aspect of his position built my admiration for the justice system. My time at the courthouse fed my interest in law and complemented the work I did the previous year at Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe LLP as a legal assistant for Partner, Michael Delikat ’74. My summer internships have allowed me to view the law from various vantage points and work with successful and talented alumni. As a beneficiary of ILR’s proud and accomplished alumni network, I have come to realize the value of an ILR education.

“As senior year unfolds, I am thankful for the opportunities that broadened my educational and spiritual horizons as both a student and a human being. I look forward to a year of exciting challenges as I take on new responsibilities as Class Alumni Chair, ILR Women’s Caucus President, and ILR student advisor. The greatest challenge I foresee, however, will be saying goodbye to my ‘home away from home,’ and the halls of Ives, for the very last time.”

Tracy Zuckerman was a winner of the Lee Hecht Harrison 2001 Writing Award for a paper she co-wrote with Jessica Easterling and Melissa Levine.

—Tracy Zuckerman, ILR Connections, Winter 2002