Law[AF1] student Ryanne Jaroudi is a model of academic excellence at South Texas College of Law Houston, graduating in May at the top of her class. But a serious medical diagnosis her first year of law school nearly derailed her dream of becoming a lawyer.
Her first semester began in typical law school fashion, taking tough classes and juggling the demands of law school alongside her peers. Then she learned she had a brain tumor.
Everyone in her life told her to pull back from law school, but she refused to put her dream on hold. Somehow, the heavy news made Jaroudi that much more determined to see things through.
“Oddly enough, I ended up doing really well that semester,” she said. “I think that’s one big reason I’m in this position as valedictorian. The health situation gave me real focus.”
Jaroudi is grateful the tumor proved to be benign and was removed in the spring of her first year. However, the medical concerns and surgery, combined with the workload of law school, took a toll on her mental health. Her standards were still high, but her energy was low.
Trying to bridge the gap and keep driving toward success was frustrating, and she considered whether she could realistically continue. Fortunately, she decided pursuing law with a change of scenery might be just what the doctor ordered.
She recalled notices she’d seen about South Texas Law’s International Program, and she decided to take part in the school’s annual summer study abroad program at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic.
The change of pace began to work its magic, restoring her energy and passion for the law — and sparking her interest in more international opportunities. In her 3L year, she once again traveled abroad, this time to complete a fall exchange program in Prague.
Getting to see new places and meet new people felt mentally freeing, and the overall experience was a reinvigorating period of self-growth for Jaroudi. After four months in Prague, she came back to Houston ready to take on whatever law school could throw at her.
Aligning with her drive for academic success, she has served on campus as a Langell Scholar and was the 2025 Association of Women Attorneys (AWA) Foundation Scholarship recipient. In addition to her scholarships, Jaroudi received the John Ensle Evidence Award in spring 2025, as well as the Elizabeth A. Dennis Langdell award this spring,
Before Jaroudi was a high-achieving law student, she was pursuing organic chemistry research. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in organic chemistry and biology from University of Houston Clear Lake, even receiving a federal grant to conduct research with the university. But when choosing to pursue post-graduate education, she turned to the world of law instead.
“I always knew I wanted to help people, and initially I wanted to do that through science,” Jaroudi said. “But so often, the research you do requires a long chain of processes before you see the end result. You may not even see it in your lifetime. In the legal field, the help you provide as an attorney is more immediate.”
Jaroudi has overcome many challenges, putting in the time and hard work to prepare for a career of service. “When something is important to me, I give it my all and go the extra mile.”
Thanks to that mindset, Jaroudi will offer the valedictory address to the Commencement crowd May 16, then push toward passing the bar. Her next step this year is to begin work at Shook, Hardy, and Bacon L.L.P. Reflecting on her journey, she said the simple act of showing up for yourself is half the battle.
“Law school is intense, but tackling that intensity head on is what boosted my confidence,” she said. “It made me realize I’m capable of way more than I thought — and I’m ready for whatever comes next.”
