Meet Milan Stokes
Milan Stokes decided on law school at 12 years old after her brother's untimely passing during his final year of residency to become an anesthesiologist. When he could not see his dream realized, she promised to become "Dr. Stokes" in his memory.
Over a decade later, an organic and limitless passion for reading, writing, storytelling, and helping people persisted through her career as a Division I volleyball student-athlete at Louisiana State University (LSU) and in her role as Human Resources Manager for LSU Athletics. She continues to explore all four interests as a law student at Syracuse.
After graduation, Milan plans to remain in New York and use her law degree to add value to her future teams while carrying intentionality, courage, high performance, and the spirit of competition wherever she goes.
We asked Milan to share more about her journey and what she is most looking forward to at Syracuse Law.
What is your hometown?
My hometown is Long Beach, California.
What's a specific moment that made you certain law school was the next step?
The specific moment that made me sure law school was the next step happened numerous times. Despite repeated synchronicities, the most distinct memory was when I received an unexpected visitor one afternoon during my time as a Human Resources Manager. Back then, I had a swanky top-floor office with a sweeping view of Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Rapport with my colleagues had long been established, the programming I was tasked with creating and implementing bore results, and the foundation my supervisor and I envisioned for enhancing student employment had continued into fruition.
As I reflected on my career as a young professional up to that point, I was only somewhat satisfied. I felt like I helped accomplish what my team had set out to do, yet I was missing something. One day, a highly respected administrator and mentor of mine entered my office and asked, 'This job is great, and you've done well, but what's next?' He seemed to place a finger on the nagging feeling lingering in the back of my head for weeks.
The coincidence was uncanny, but that question illuminated the 'something' I was missing. Courage. I needed the courage to apply to law school and do what I said I would do in memory of my brother. Not only for my brother, but also because it was what I truly wanted to do, too. Over the years, my dream of being a lawyer had somehow taken a backseat, hidden behind newfound opportunities and, admittedly, a couple of excuses. I recall answering my mentor after a beat by saying, 'I've always wanted to go to law school.' He responded, 'That's a wonderful idea. What's stopping you?' My brain couldn't compose a logical answer. My heart flooded with conviction for what I'd inadvertently set aside. I smiled at him because I knew what came next. I had to make an honest choice instead of the safe one. The courageous one.
What are you most looking forward to about student life at Syracuse Law?
When it comes to student life at Syracuse Law, I am most looking forward to becoming part of a supportive community and empowering my classmates. The students here are incredibly kind and welcoming. Interacting with my peers and joining them on the journey to the finish excites me. Plus, it feels like the school has invested in students having a sense of belonging. This commitment to cultivating an inclusive culture was but one of the many factors that influenced me to choose Syracuse.