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Nathan Lanum

Class of 2025

Writing for Diversity and Equity in Theater and Media, BA

How did you become interested in pursuing a BA in Writing for Diversity and Equity in Theater and Media (W4DETM)?

I had been interested in playwriting, as well as activism and political issues, so when I received an email about the WDETM program, I immediately knew it was something I was interested in. Upon meeting the program director, Assistant Dean S. Brian Jones, and learning about the program’s vision, I was fully on board.

Why did you choose to attend Pace?

Originally, I decided to come to Pace to see what my life would look like in a totally different environment, thinking New York would be a good place for that. I am from Kirkland, Washington, a suburb of Seattle, and I started saying things like "when I'm in New York," instead of "if." At some point, it just hit me that there's really nowhere else I'd rather be. And now that I'm here, and at Pace, I have so many things keeping me here.

What have your experiences been like in this program? What faculty have been instrumental in your academic journey?

Assistant Dean Jones and Colby Hopkins, program coordinator, are two people I always look forward to seeing and working with, not only because their knowledge and wisdom are so valuable, but also because they are just wonderful people. I love Colby's willingness to work with us and meet us where we are at with things such as service projects and social justice workshops, and Dean Jones's incredible ability to brighten a room, capture its attention, and teach. I look up to them not only as mentors in this program, but as people as well.

There have also been other incredibly helpful Pace professors along my academic journey. I would be remiss to not include professors Molly Rydzel and Becky Scott, from the Film and Screen Studies department as instrumental in how I think of and shape stories, as well as Beto O'Byrne for his incredible teachings in both playwriting and critical race theory.

I love [Program Coordinator] Colby Hopkins's willingness to work with us and meet us where we are at with things such as service projects and social justice workshops, and Dean Jones's incredible ability to brighten a room, capture its attention, and teach. I look up to them not only as mentors in this program, but as people as well.

What kind of research and/or activities have you been engaged in as part of this program and how have they been meaningful to you?

This program has me interested in all kinds of research, all the time, about so many different things that it can be difficult to just pick one. As of late, I've been researching a lot about topics related to the "manosphere," which are not particularly fun, but important to me. This research has led to wanting things to change in regard to how men treat each other and others, and so I've been working hard at combining my passion for both this research and creating something out of it artistically. I hope to share this work within my program when it's ready.

What other activities or organizations are you involved in at Pace?

I am a co-founder and president of Pace's improv club on the New York City campus, Setters Unscripted. Through this role, I help decide where we play improv games and prepare for our shows which occur every few months. It's been a lot of fun creating this club and seeing it grow and change over time. I really love doing it; it's something I have a lot of passion for, and I think it sort of ties into my passion for writing and thinking creatively. I also try to be as active a member as possible of Setter Stage, the theater club on campus.

What would you like to do upon graduation/what are your career goals?

There are so many paths to take that it can be difficult to choose, but I think I would like to stay in New York and be a musical theater writer for a time, picking up opportunities where I can, before eventually moving on outside of New York wherever the wind may bring me. One thing I love about my program is the versatility it equips me with, so if I end up doing something I may not enjoy, I have the ability to switch to something else.

What advice would you like to give to our current students?

Both within and outside of college life, I’ve discovered that attitude will make or break an experience. If I go into a class excited to take it, I'm more likely to enjoy it, but if I go into a class expecting to hate it, I probably will. Sometimes your expectations can feel out of your control, but when you don't know what to expect, I find the safest option is always to err on the side of positivity, rather than negativity.

Growing up in a modest family in Eastern Europe, hard work wasn’t just a value for Remila Jasharllari ’25—it was a way of life. “My parents did not have the luxury of college degrees, but they gave me something even greater: the passion for education and learning, and the belief that I could dream bigger than I ever thought,” shared Remila. “As the first in my family to pursue a degree beyond high school, every step felt monumental – graduating college, receiving my acceptance letter from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, and walking into my first class. It was not always an easy journey, and I had my own moments of doubt, but I will always honor where I came from while creating opportunities for those who come after me.”

Remila’s journey at Haub Law has been shaped by transformative experiences that challenged and inspired her to grow both personally and professionally. “There are so many opportunities for growth at Haub Law and I took advantage of every that could provide me with hands-on experience in the legal practice,” said Remila. She participated in both the Federal Judicial Honors Program and the State Judicial Externship offered at Haub Law. “Both programs offered me a rare glimpse into the judiciary and provided me invaluable insights into judicial decision-making.”

In addition to these experiences, Remila also served on the Board of the Pace Law Review, which she describes as both impactful and empowering. “Working alongside my fellow students to publish cutting-edge legal scholarship was extremely meaningful. It fostered my leadership abilities while sharpening my legal research and writing skills.” Remila’s desire to give back to the Haub Law community also led her to serve as a Dean’s Scholar for both Contracts and Civil Procedure. “As a Dean’s Scholar I was able to deepen my understanding of the subjects at hand while providing a meaningful opportunity to give back to the fantastic Haub Law student community. All of these experiences not only shaped my legal education but also instilled in me the confidence and resilience to pursue a meaningful career in law.”

In addition to these hands-on learning opportunities, Remila feels the courseload at Haub Law allows students to sharpen their analytical skills while also exploring areas of interest in preparation for specific career paths. “At Haub Law, I took classes such as Investment Advisors Law & Compliance, Corporate Governance, Negotiations, Secured Transactions, Corporate Finance, receiving a solid foundation on corporate law. Each class brings the excitement of uncovering how corporations are built, governed, and transformed through deals and regulations. I had the opportunity to analyze the successes and failures of real-world transactions, gaining insights into the delicate balance of strategy, compliance, and client interests.” Remila also remains grateful for the mentorship she received from faculty, alumni, and other fellow students at Haub Law. “Whether it was guidance on finding a job opportunity or expanding my understanding of the law, these relationships provided me with invaluable support. They equipped me with the skills and confidence necessary to successfully transition into the legal profession, leaving a lasting impact on both my education and career journey.”

Remila’s dedication has paid off. She is set to graduate in May 2025 as part of the part-time program and will join Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP as an associate in the fall, pending bar admission. She looks forward to this amazing opportunity and is particularly excited to explore the intricacies of transactional law. “Transactional law creates value and is always forward looking. I am eager to be part of that at Arnold & Porter.”

As a first-generation immigrant student, Remila acknowledges the challenges of navigating unfamiliar territory. She credits Haub Law’s Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) with lightening that burden. “Whether it was career advice, refining my interview skills, or finding job opportunities, the CCPD was instrumental in lightening that burden, providing me with unwavering support every step of the way. The support system at Pace is truly remarkable- it made me feel like I was never navigating this journey alone.”

Looking back, Remila reflects with gratitude on her time at Haub Law. “Haub Law believed in me right from the start. Without the generous financial support from the school, I do not think I would have been able to attend law school. Haub Law is a school that values its students and invests in their future, and I am the living proof of that commitment. The part-time program was another blessing, offering me the flexibility to balance my responsibilities while pursuing my studies. I am deeply grateful for the like-minded, inspiring students I’ve met along the way – connections that have turned into lifelong relationships. Haub Law didn’t just shape my career; it gave me a sense of belonging and a community I will cherish forever.”