By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Rosanna Ameriguian’s original career plan was the field of medicine and becoming a physician but she changed her mind two months into her freshman year at the University of Michigan.
“After reflecting on years of hearing my parents tell me how good a lawyer I’d make after arguing myself out of timeouts and being grounded, I decided to listen to them and see if it was something I’d enjoy,” she said. “Taking political science and psychology courses and interning at the Prosecutor’s Office sealed the deal.”
Ameriguian chose political science at U-M as a versatile major, allowing her to explore economics, social issues, and international relations. Class debates and persuasive writing assignments were her favorites.
“Thinking strategically and analytically to craft my arguments was always fun,” she said. “I especially enjoyed the challenge of playing devil’s advocate. The skills I developed are coming in handy in law school.
“I’m a major empath, and being successful in the field of law — or policymaking, or social justice and change —is the ability to try to understand what the other side is experiencing and why — no matter how much you disagree. Refusing to walk a mile in another’s shoes ultimately puts you and your cause at a disadvantage. I enjoy problem solving and creatively strategizing and constructing arguments.
This is what I’m meant to do.”
Political science also introduced her to social science research, which she continued to explore by taking several courses in psychology.
During undergraduate studies, she interned in the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit where she supported the Child Abuse Unit and sometimes assisted on cases in the Domestic Violence Unit.
“I treated the internship as though my work impacted the fates of the victims, and I hope my work helped the prosecutors bring the perpetrators to justice,” she said. “It was a great introduction to the field of law, and the whole experience solidified that the law was more than merely an interest, but my calling.”
Now in her 1L year at Detroit Mercy Law — where she received the Dean’s Fellowship, was elected 1L Class Treasurer, and is a member of the Business Law Society, Women’s Law Caucus, and Black Law Students Association — Ameriguian said law school has been an amazing experience to date.
“My professors and classmates are awesome — the more individualized environment is a refreshing transition from a large undergraduate institution,” she said.
Ameriguian considers herself “incredibly blessed” to have the honor of being a dean’s fellow.
“I’m thankful for the professional and service opportunities that come with it, and I’m proud to be a representative of my class,” she said.
After dabbling in several areas of law in her first semester, Ameriguian is open to exploring each area in greater depth.
“I just want to make a difference,” she said. “No matter what type of law I end up practicing, I’ll strive to use the tools I’ve acquired practicing law to support children who were abused, sexually exploited, or are in foster care, as well as the preservation of the Armenian race.”
She also is grateful to have had in-person classes in her first semester, during the pandemic.
“A face-to-face learning environment is so important, and I hope society is able to return to traditional classroom learning soon,” she said.
A native of Au Gres on the shores of Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron, Ameriguian at the age of four moved with her family to Grosse Ile in Wayne County.
“After living in Ann Arbor while I attended U-M, my parents moved, and I’ve since made my way back to Grosse Ile, where I live with my dog,” Ameriguian said. “I rescued my dog, Kimber, in 2019. She is my closest friend. I adopted her from a Detroit-based animal rescue and I encourage others to do the same. So many pets need loving homes, and Detroit’s shelters and rescues are overflowing.”
Ameriguian is very close to her parents and younger brother.
“As a family, we attended church every Sunday, and my parents tried to be there for every activity myself and my brother were involved in,” she said. “My parents emphasized education and hard work, and my grandparents emphasized the same to them. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my support system.”
In her leisure time, Ameriguian enjoys spending time with friends and family, and her dog, and loves taking walks outside.
“Nature is the best medicine,” she said, adding that travel is another of her passions, as is music.
She is a big fan of the Motor City, including its history, music — especially Motown — food, and Detroit sports.
“From the standpoint of a future legal professional, I’m so blessed to be studying law in Detroit,” she said. “I’m just steps away from an array of legal careers to explore, and I’m confident I’ll have the chance to find my way.”
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