Programme of Study/Year:  Juris Doctor, 2021

University: University of Pennsylvania

Hometown: Washington, DC, USA

 

Student House welcomes students from non-Commonwealth countries during the summer, provided they meet our age requirement (18-30). Simon Shahinian, from Washington, DC, stayed with us whilst interning in London and really helped as part of our pub quiz team! He’s pictured with a free drink voucher that he won at his first pub quiz. 

 

Why choose London?

I had actually studied abroad in London as an undergraduate student and knew that I wanted to come back for an extended period. I was fortunate to find a human rights internship that interested me and receive a fellowship from my law school which provided funding for the summer.

 

How did you hear about Student House?

I did a lot of research into short-term housing in London and ultimately found out about the Student House through the University Rooms website.

 

What is your career/studies to date?

After graduating from Cornell University with my undergraduate degree in Government, History, and Philosophy, I worked on political campaigns in Maryland for about four years before starting law school at the University of Pennsylvania.

 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I like to play basketball and soccer as well as to exercise. I am especially into running and am training for my first marathon this November. I also love to spend time with family and friends.

 

What is your ultimate dream or objective?

My goal is to finish my final two years of law school and begin a career in sports law. I will be spending next summer working at a law firm which handles a lot of major sports cases in the U.S., including the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s case for equal pay. I am very excited to start building a career working on issues that I care about in a field that I am passionate about.

 

What is you most memorable moment (of London or entire life)?

Some of my favorite experiences in London include visiting the Natural History Museum, the Harry Potter Studio Tour, and taking a tour of the Emirates Stadium (home of my favorite soccer team, Arsenal)!

 

What is something you love or couldn’t live without?

It’s a tie between an American restaurant called Chipotle and pizza (with my parents close behind).

 

What is something you loathe or which irritates you?

Salad.

 

Do you have an interesting fact/story about yourself? Please share:

I am of Armenian descent and spend a lot of time advocating for Armenian issues in the US Congress.

 

What is your favourite quote or inspirational figure and why?

I grew up idolizing Michael Jordan and was inspired by the story of how he was cut from his high school basketball team before going on to become the greatest player ever. His desire to work hard enough to overcome whatever obstacles were in his way inspired me from a young age.

 

Anything else you want to share?

I had an amazing stay at the Student House and highly recommend it to anyone who is considering staying there!