Clara Wheaton: Osgoode Society Legal History Book Prize recipient

Meet Clara Wheaton! Clara is originally from Stratford Ontario but has also lived in various places over the past few years including Germany and Timmins, Ontario. Clara now calls Ottawa home and is pursuing an Honours BA with a major in Law. Clara is also the recipient of this year’s Osgoode Society Legal History Book Prize.

1. What led you to decide to pursue your BA at Carleton?

One of the key things that drew me to Carleton is that it is located in Ottawa. I was excited about the opportunity to study in the country’s capital and explore the opportunities there. But it was Carleton’s inviting and welcoming atmosphere that sold me on attending!

2. Do you have a favourite part of your program?

My favourite part of my program has been the other students! Having the opportunity to engage with others who are passionate about learning, examining hard questions and sharing ideas is energizing. Class discussions are always my favourite part of a course, and I have greatly appreciated the many professors who take students contributions seriously and deeply engage with our ideas.

3. What are you hoping to do after graduation, and what do you hope to gain from your degree?

After graduation, I plan on pursuing a Master’s degree in business and sustainability. My goal is to take my understanding of law and the legal system and apply it to questions about how communities can drive legislative and economic change. 

6. Any advice for incoming students?

My key piece of advice for incoming students is to find what it is that makes you excited to learn. What is that question that you keep coming back to? Find that and lean into it. Each course will give you a new opportunity to examine the topic or question from a new perspective and allow you to engage with others who might have a different opinion or perspective, which can deepen your own.