Ella Doris Yong Nhek is a Spring 2026 SIS alumna who earned her B.S. in Integrative Studies with a concentration in Legal Studies. She completed her undergraduate degree in two years by taking 24 credits per semester, maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA, and received the Academic Excellence Award for earning the highest GPA among Spring 2026 graduates in the INTS major. Beyond the classroom, Ella balanced her rigorous academic schedule with competing as a member of Mason's Women's Club Soccer team and gaining hands-on legal experience through two internships with the Fairfax County Circuit Court.
With an impressive record of academic excellence, leadership, and determination, it's no surprise Ella was accepted to George Mason University's Antonin Scalia Law School. Read more about her journey as an Integrative Studies student below.
How did you decide on the INTS program?
After committing to attend George Mason University, I distinctly remember doing a simple Google search for majors that would best prepare me for law school at GMU. When I came across the Integrative Studies program with a concentration in Legal Studies, I was immediately drawn to its broad, interdisciplinary approach. The more I read about the program, the more I realized it was exactly what I was looking for. Since high school, I had always known that my ultimate goal was to become an attorney, so I wanted to pursue a major that genuinely interested me while also preparing me for a future career in law. What ultimately convinced me to declare INTS as my major was the flexibility it provided to take courses across different disciplines while still fulfilling my degree requirements. Through my Legal Studies concentration, I was able to take classes in departments such as Criminology, Law and Society, and the Schar School of Policy and Government, allowing me to examine legal issues from multiple perspectives. I felt that this interdisciplinary approach mirrored the nature of a true legal education while giving me the opportunity to explore the many fields connected to law and develop the critical thinking and analytical skills that will continue to serve me as I begin law school.
What have you learned in an INTS class that really surprised you/changed your perspective?
One of the most impactful concepts I learned through the INTS program was design thinking, which I was introduced to in both INTS 410: Contemporary Health and INTS 491: Senior Capstone, taught by the extraordinary Professor Susan Howard. Design thinking is a human-centered approach to solving complex problems that emphasize empathy, collaboration, and understanding to conceptualize the needs of the people most affected before proposing meaningful, sustainable solutions. This concept completely changed my perspective because it showed me that the best solutions are often those developed by listening to others and viewing problems through their lived experiences rather than relying solely on theory. As someone pursuing a career in law, this lesson has stayed with me. While the legal profession is grounded in rules and procedure, it is also rooted in advocacy. Effective attorneys must understand the people they represent and approach every case with empathy, compassion, and a genuine commitment to serving their clients' best interests. Learning to harness empathy as a strength has shaped the kind of advocate I hope to become, and I believe the lessons I learned through design thinking will continue to guide me throughout law school and my legal career.
Tell us about your dream occupation and how your INTS degree will help you achieve it.
My dream career is to become an attorney adviser for the U.S. Department of Justice or the U.S. Department of State, ideally working in the area of national security. While I know there is still much to learn in law school, I have always found myself drawn to the research and strategic side of the legal profession. Having been an athlete my entire life, I enjoy working as part of a team toward a common goal, and the opportunity to contribute to protecting the American people while serving my country is something that fills me with a great sense of purpose. I believe my INTS degree has helped prepare me for this path by allowing me to explore niche areas of law and government that I otherwise may not have had the opportunity to study. Through my Legal Studies concentration, I was able to take courses related to national security and intelligence, which not only broadened my understanding of these fields but also confirmed that they are areas I hope to pursue throughout law school and my career. Looking back, one of the greatest strengths of the INTS program was the freedom to explore specialized topics that aligned with my interests while building the interdisciplinary foundation that will serve me well as an attorney.
Have you had any internships? Or interesting jobs or volunteer experiences that relate to work in the INTS program? Tell us about it.
I had the opportunity to complete two internships at the Fairfax County Circuit Court, both of which were among the most rewarding experiences of my undergraduate career. Through these internships, I gained firsthand exposure to courtroom proceedings and the day-to-day work of the legal profession, giving me a behind-the-scenes perspective that I could never have learned from a textbook alone. I had the privilege of meeting and learning from judges, attorneys, and court staff, all of whom helped deepen my understanding of the legal system and inspired me as I prepare for law school. These experiences perfectly complemented my Legal Studies concentration by allowing me to apply what I learned in the classroom to a real-world legal setting. Through the INTS 490 – Internship Course, I not only strengthened my research, writing, and analytical skills, but I also developed greater confidence in my abilities and received encouragement from professionals who believed I was ready to pursue my goals. Looking back, these internships were instrumental in preparing me for the next step in my journey, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and mentorship I received along the way.
Any accomplishments you’re proud of, or research opportunities you’ve taken advantage of, here at Mason?
The accomplishment I am most proud of is difficult to choose because my time at Mason has been filled with so many meaningful milestones. Academically, I am incredibly proud to have completed my undergraduate degree in two years, including successfully completing a 24-credit semester, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and receiving the Academic Excellence Award for earning the highest GPA in my graduating class within my major. However, one of the experiences that has stayed with me the most came from my internships at the Fairfax County Circuit Court. During my time there, I had the unique opportunity to sit on the bench during court proceedings and experience the courtroom from a perspective I never could have imagined. I will never forget walking out into the courtroom alongside the judge as the deputy announced, “all rise,” and watching the entire courtroom stand as we entered and exited. Moments like that, followed by walking back into chambers and finding myself sitting across from judges with decades of legal experience and wisdom, were truly surreal. Those experiences gave me a deeper appreciation for the responsibility, dedication, and service that defines the legal profession. I do not take those opportunities for granted because they represent the moment when years of hard work met an incredible opportunity, and I will always be grateful for the people who allowed me to learn from them. I am also incredibly proud to have been accepted into George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School, as becoming an attorney has been a dream of mine since I first decided to pursue law. This achievement represents the next step in a journey I have worked hard toward, and I am excited for what lies ahead.
What did we miss that you think prospective INTS students need to know?
If there is one thing I would want prospective INTS students to know, it is that the program truly allows you to create an educational experience that is unique to your goals and interests. The flexibility of INTS is one of its greatest strengths because it gives students the opportunity to explore different fields, take courses across disciplines, and discover connections they may not have otherwise encountered. As a Legal Studies student, I was able to build a foundation that prepared me for law school while also exploring subjects such as criminology, government, national security, and intelligence that expanded my understanding of the legal field. I would encourage future INTS students to take advantage of that freedom, seek out opportunities that challenge them, and not be afraid to explore topics outside of their primary area of study. The greatest value of INTS is that it teaches you how to think critically, approach complex problems from multiple perspectives, and build an education that reflects who you are and where you hope to go.