Category: Uncategorized (Page 18 of 22)
Elia M. O’Hara
P.O BOX 159, Biddeford Pool, ME 04006 | (207) 412-8185 | emarieohara11@gmail.com
Objective
- Seeking an internship in the legal field or within advocacy work
Relevant Skills and Experience
Hale & Hamlin LLC. | Summer intern, June-August 2022
- wrote summaries of meetings, drafted documents, filed briefs, and reported on findings
University of New England | Part-time, August 2022- present
- Paid writing tutor working with peers, faculty, and supervisors (add communication skills)
Maine American Academy of Pediatrics | Research Contributor, July 2021 – September 2021
- Compiled background research for the Maine AAP 2021 Equal Rights Amendment Resolution
University of New England’s College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Student Leadership Advisory Council | August 2021- present
University of New England’s Arts and Humanities Club | December 2022- present
- President and Founder
Bush Lecture Series | September 2021, March 2023
- Student participant in the annual Bush Lecture Series Private Luncheon
Accomplishments
- Dean’s List – 3 semesters
- GPA – 4.00
- Alumni Scholarship Essay Contest Recipient 2022
Education
The University of New England, Biddeford, ME | August 2021-May 2025 (anticipated)
- Double Major in English and Political Science, Minors in Writing and Health, Law, and Policy
George Stevens Academy, Blue Hill, ME | 2017-2021
- High School Diploma
References
- Dr. Ali Ahmida | University of New England | aahmida@une.edu | (207) 602-2804
- Jesse Miller, M.F.A | jmiller12@une.edu | (207) 602-2871
- Sally Mills, Esq. | Hale & Hamlin, LLC | sally@halehamlin.com | (207) 610-2484
Reflection:
Having completed my Cover Letter, I feel much more confident in narrowing down the essential points of what a potential employer would want to know about me immediately. I think that being able to look at samples and read our textbook’s definitions/ tips made this task less daunting when you have a well-thought-out formula that can be personalized to each individual and scenario. Practicing good concise writing that considers the audience and uses the AIDA format is always applicable in a cover letter. You want to always strike attention and interest right from the start so that the rest of the piece will be seriously considered; building that desire and action is what makes the difference between getting an interview and moving to the next steps of the application process or being passed up. While writing and editing my cover letter, I always kept in mind that this was the first impression my prospective employer would get of me – it feels incredibly powerful and essential to figure out how I want to come across. This process also offers time for creativity when balancing professional and persuasive writing. The work has gone well, and I appreciated having extra class time to review samples and discuss what went well and what maybe needed some work. I felt it flowed nicely between our practice in the book and writing our drafts, and devoting that crucial peer review time made me feel more than ready to finalize my own.
Cover Letter:
Elia M. O’Hara
P.O BOX 159, Biddeford Pool, ME 04006 | (207) 412-8185 | emarieohara11@gmail.com
February 10, 2023
Grace Hooke, Engagement Coordinator
ACLU of Maine
PO Box 7860
Portland, ME 04112
Dear Ms. Hooke,
I am writing to express my interest in joining the Maine American Civil Liberties Union team as a summer intern for 2023. After reading your advertisement on the ACLU of Maine website, I was eager to bring my enthusiasm to advocate for equality, justice, and representation through this essential community-serving position.
I am a second-year student at the University of New England with a double major in English and Political Science and a double minor in Writing and Health, Law, & Policy. My interest in the legal field and writing are propelled through internships at local law firms and with local state representatives. Additionally, I have participated in local initiatives ranging from organizing protests, conducting research for Maine organizations, and connecting my academic writing with topics I am passionate about for scholarship opportunities.
As a summer intern, I can draw from previous practical experiences, such as my role working with a variety of professionals and peers through my position as a writing tutor. I am also the Founder and President of the Arts and Humanities Club on campus, which allows me to be creative when planning events and practice clear, thoughtful communication to ensure events run smoothly.
Having looked up to the ACLU as a pillar of social justice and a human rights champion since I began to pose questions about the world around me, this position would make my years of admiration and desire to do my part a reality. Thank you for your time and consideration of my application, and I look forward to assisting you further throughout this process. I have provided my phone number and email address below; please feel free to reach out at your convenience.
Yours Sincerely,
Elia O’Hara
(207) 412-8185
Chapter 11 on Résumés covered three standard forms of résumés – reverse chronological, functional, and combination. It offered tips and strategies for utilizing these three formats for the best results. While the reverse chronological is the most common type of résumés, the chapter also mentions its particular function when someone has more work experience to showcase and puts the emphasis of the résumé on this section. The functional résumé is geared toward skills, abilities, and accomplishments for someone who maybe hasn’t had as much working experience but has qualities that would really highlight why they are still right for the job. Lastly, the combination of the chronological and functional résumé allows for both working experience and skills to stand out as they are incorporated into each. As always, some formatting rules must be considered, such as not exceeding two pages, easy readability, bulleted lists, and concise writing.
After a peer review session in class, I will revise a few sentences that will benefit from re-working for better flow and some precision to the wording. I also received some helpful information on the readability of my paragraphs, and I will play around with the structure/format of one that is too short to stand alone. Having three different sets of eyes and perspectives on my cover letter was very helpful in catching things I have missed as I have been working with this one document for a week and can go into auto-pilot. I found some examples of formatting from my peers that I will use for parts of my cover letter, which is a nice way to share ideas. My group did a great job of highlighting all the positives of the cover letter and then working into helpful criticism and suggestions, which I know as a writer on the receiving end is super considerate, and that is always a great common practice.
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in becoming a camp counselor and joining the Camp Seaside team. After reading your advertisement in the Portland Press Herald, I was eager to bring my enthusiasm to this essential community-serving position.
Currently enrolled at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine, I am pursuing a major in English and Political Science as well as a minor in Writing. Exploring a range of studies has been an excellent chance to take control of my learning, engage in organizational and time management skills, and get involved in extracurricular activities. Starting a club, for instance, has bolstered my communication and leadership skills in a hands-on setting.
Throughout my four years of high school, babysitting for one family allowed for a special opportunity to expand my abilities working with children of different ages. When I began working, the two siblings were 4 and 7 years old, then 8 and 11 at the end of my time with them. As a camp counselor for Camp Seaside, these years of practical learning, from managing their daily activities to resolving conflicts, will be a great asset – allowing campers to have the best and most positive experience possible.
Thank you for your time and consideration of my application, and I look forward to assisting you further throughout this process. I have provided my personal phone number and email address below; please feel free to reach out at your convenience.
Yours Sincerely,
Elia O’Hara
(207) 412-8185
Specific skills and qualities, the employer is looking for:
- Support key advocacy priorities and our responses to important current events as they arise by, for example, completing research, drafting communications and documents, organizing programs and events, and more
- Provide insight on team program plans to advance civil rights, and civil liberties across Maine
- Engage with the public as representatives of the ACLU of Maine at outdoor community events such as “Juneteenth Ain’t Enough” and Portland Pride.
- Take initiative by identifying additional projects of interest to work on
- Work collaboratively and respectfully with a diverse team of colleagues
- Complete other tasks as assigned
- Dedicated to defending and advancing civil liberties, civil rights, and social justice
- Demonstrates commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging
- Willing to approach work with a growth mindset
- Driven to work both independently and as part of a team to complete projects on a timely schedule
- Ready to work in a fast-paced environment, incorporate constructive feedback, and learn-by-doing
My educational, experience, skills, and qualities that might be relevant:
- Currently enrolled at the University of New England, Majoring in English and Political Science and minoring in Writing
- Dean’s List academic year 3 semesters
- 2022 Alumni College Essay Scholarship recipient | Essay on reproductive health and the law
- President of the Arts and Humanities Club
- Member of the College of Arts and Science Dean’s Student Leadership Advisory Council 2022-present
- Writing Fellow at the University of New England – paid peer writing tutor
- Member of Generation Action, a club of Planned Parenthood
- Organized local protest for reproductive rights summer of 2022
- Summer internship at Hale & Hamlin – a local law firm in Ellsworth, Maine
- Internship with Local representative Sarah Pebworth
- Research contributor for the Maine Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics on their Resolution for the support of the Equal Rights Amendment
Match and Rank the two lists:
- Support key advocacy priorities and our responses to important current events as they arise by, for example, completing research, drafting communications and documents, organizing programs and events, and more → My major and minor align well with the responsibilities needed for these requirements. Also, my interest in writing about and taking action when current events I am passionate about arise, such as essays, research, and community events
- Driven to work both independently and as part of a team to complete projects on a timely schedule / Work collaboratively and respectfully with a diverse team of colleagues / Take initiative by identifying additional projects of interest to work on → Seen through my initiative in starting clubs, joining clubs of interest to me, good academic standing showcases my ability to take control of my success in my educational pursuits
- Ready to work in a fast-paced environment, incorporate constructive feedback, and learn-by-doing → My previous internship at a law office helps with my experiential learning in an atmosphere of deadlines, independent work, and problem-solving
- Demonstrates commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging → My passion for highlighting areas where social justice intersects with academic work allows me to bring these crucial topics surrounding equality and a sense of justice to my student career.
- Provide insight on team program plans to advance civil rights and civil liberties across Maine / Engage with the public as representatives of the ACLU of Maine at outdoor community events such as “Juneteenth Ain’t Enough” and Portland Pride. → I only have one example of engaging with a larger-scale event like a protest.
February 10, 2023
Dear Ms. Hooke,
I am writing to express my interest in joining the Maine ACLU team as a summer intern for 2023. After reading your advertisement on the ACLU of Maine website, I was eager to bring my enthusiasm to advocate for equality, justice, and representation through this essential community-serving position.
I am a second-year student at the University of New England with a double major in English and Political Science and a double minor in Writing and Health, Law, & Policy. My interest in the legal field and writing are propelled through internships at local law firms and with local state representatives. Additionally, I have participated in local initiatives ranging from organizing local protests, conducting research for Maine organizations, and enmeshing my academic writing with topics I am passionate about for scholarship opportunities.
As a summer intern, I can rely on practical experiences such as my role working with a variety of professionals and peers in my position as a writing tutor. I am also the founder and President of the Arts and Humanities club on campus, which allows me to be creative when planning events and practice clear, thoughtful communication to ensure our goals are met.
Having looked up to the ACLU as a pillar of social justice and a human rights champion since I began to pose questions about the world around me, this position would make my years of admiration and desire to do my part a reality.
Thank you for your time and consideration of my application, and I look forward to assisting you further throughout this process. I have provided my phone number and email address below; please feel free to reach out at your convenience.
Yours Sincerely,
Elia O’Hara
(207) 412-8185
