02/23/2017
Congrats to Ralph Prioleau on this wonderful accomplishment.
Ralph Prioleau
Hometown: Saint Stephen, S.C.
Year at CSOL: 3L (December 2017 graduate)
Education: Timberland High School, University of South Carolina – Aiken, B.A. – Political Science
Honors/Accomplishments:
Top 10% of high school graduating class
Member of Resolved: Alternative Dispute Resolution
SBA Senator 2015 – Present
SBA Senator of the Year – 2016
3.0 GPA – CSOL
Senator Ralph Prioleau, Jr.
There are many words that could describe him and many titles that could be bestowed unto him. We view him as “The Consummate Professional”. Ralph has been the shining example for what professionalism at law school should be and quite possibly should teach his own professionalism series on navigating law school.
Ralph, has worked hard his entire life to make sure he achieved his dream. During his undergraduate studies, Ralph worked for Santee Cooper Cross Generating Station as a Stores Specialist. Prior to law school, he worked at Berkeley Electric Cooperative as a groundsman. During law school, and in addition to working hard at school, Ralph has interned with the Berkeley Electric Cooperative in their legal department, interned at Williams & Hulst, LLC., and interned with the Office of the 9th Circuit Solicitor General’s Berkeley County Office. This hard work that Ralph has displayed in the past and currently displays shows that he is not afraid of hard work at any level.
Indeed, Ralph is a no-nonsense type of person but he IS a people person. He loves serving and representing people and their interests. He shows this by being a senator in the SBA. Ralph’s views and advice on SBA and the student body are very poignant and should be taken as some of the strongest advice given. “I encourage every student to get involved with their student government. Every student pays $60 per semester that goes directly to SBA. Every student has an interest monetarily and they should want to know what is going on within SBA. SBA is not perfect and maybe more can be done but it takes everyone's involvement. I love SBA because I love helping people but I also love representing my peers. I am a hard Senator on certain issues because I am passionate when it comes to business. I encourage every student to sit down with any member of Senate and tell them what they want from Senate. Tell them what you want to see get done and I promise you Senate will work towards that because every member of SBA is dedicated to this school and there is not a single member of SBA who does not take their job seriously.”
Ralph also elaborates on the benefit of having so much interaction and participation in SBA regarding his personal goals. “Student Government has been very beneficial to me as far as my direction to law school and career. Graduating with a political science degree, politics has always been one of my loves. I am always trying to stay up to date on political issues whether or not I agree with political parties. Student Government created another avenue for me in thinking about running for political office one day. I will start small with local government: school board, city council, and county council. Ultimately, I want to run for state office and one-day national office. I always picture myself being in Congress and it takes a lot of work. So, SBA is only the first step for me. I will always be in the political arena because helping people drives me.”
In addition to excelling at law school, internships, and being the voice of the people, Ralph has found his balance throughout this arduous process we call law school. Music and a good woman. “I have to mention my significant other, my saving grace, my girlfriend Machelle Gadsden. She is my support system to keep going. She remembers my assignments better than me on most occasions, so I am very appreciative of her and everything she does for me.” He calls music his fall back. It seems like his peace with the way he describes it. “I have been a musician for 17 years. I play the piano/keyboard. Currently, I am the musician for the Ministries of Truth Tabernacle under the leadership of National Recording Artist, Pastor H.E. Dixon located in Cordesville, SC.”
Finally, Ralph offers advice to fellow law students and those who are thinking about undertaking this journey, “Law school is a grind. If you allow it, it can eat you up and spit you out. Law school tends to get the best of people when it shouldn’t. School should be fun. Now, don’t get me wrong, you have to be serious when it comes to school because you want to be able to pass the bar and ultimately obtain employment. My advice to everyone whether students or potential students of a law school is to find balance. Always be in control of your life. Learn to put the book down and relax even if it’s just an hour. Always spend time with your family because you once start studying for the bar, your family life will become non-existent. Balance is the key. Lastly, this is something that I have lived by all of my life and it's really simple, “If you pray, don’t worry and if you worry, don’t pray.” Simply, if you are going to worry about school, then don’t pray about school. I do not worry about exams or school because I know I put the time in and also I send it to God and I have not been disappointed yet.”
We at the Black Law Students Association – Charleston School of Law want to thank Senator Prioleau for being such an inspirational person at the Charleston School of Law. His consummate professionalism always speaks volumes even when he chooses to remain silent. We look forward to seeing you in Congress!
Charleston School of Law
