Shining Graduate Tessa Bernes

Tessa Bernes’ (BA '24) experience at the University of Lethbridge was filled with memorable moments, including her daily ritual of savouring morning coffee and breakfast at the Campus Coffee Collective. While those cozy coffee breaks were delightful, it was the opportunity to explore the intersection of psychology and law with Dr. Jamal Mansour that truly defined her time at ULethbridge, solidifying her passion for pursuing a legal career.

Discover more about this outstanding graduate in the Q&A below!

Meet Tessa: Perseverant. Tenacious. Empathetic.
Hometown: Lethbridge, Alberta
Program: Bachelor of Arts | Major: Psychology | Minor: Sociology

Be willing to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and seize opportunities that allow you to grow both academically and personally.

What is the most important lesson you learned during your time at ULethbridge?

The most important lesson I learned during my time at ULethbridge is the significance of perseverance and maintaining an open mind. Whether it was balancing challenging research projects or diving deep into complex legal concepts, I learned that approaching problems with tenacity and a broad perspective is key to success.

Is there someone specific who had an important influence on your ULethbridge experience?

Dr. Jamal Mansour had a profound impact on my academic journey. I completed two Independent Studies under her supervision, which allowed me to blend my interests in psychology and law. Her guidance during my research on eyewitness identification prepared me for law school and inspired me to pursue a career in which I could apply these concepts.

My dad, Dr. Kerry Bernes, has also been a major influence, both as a professor at ULethbridge and as someone who has shaped my academic path. My mom, a psychologist, and my twin sister have been constant sources of support and inspiration as well.

Tell us a bit about your experiential or work- integrated learning at ULethbridge. What were your three biggest takeaways from participating?

During my time at ULethbridge, my most valuable experiential learning experience was completing two Independent Studies with Dr. Mansour. I explored the connection between psychology and the legal field, preparing for law school by researching eyewitness identification and its role in criminal trials. My three biggest takeaways were: understanding the importance of interdisciplinary learning, enhancing my research skills by diving into legal databases like Westlaw, and appreciating the collaborative nature of academic research through discussions with Dr. Mansour and lab members.

What have you gained from the liberal education experience at ULethbridge?

The liberal education experience at ULethbridge has allowed me to approach problems from diverse perspectives, rather than seeing issues through a single lens. This broad understanding has strengthened my critical thinking and helped me develop a more comprehensive approach to both psychology and law. This interdisciplinary foundation will be invaluable as I move forward into law school and my future career.

What advice would you like to give those who are about to begin their journey at ULethbridge?

My advice is to stay open-minded and apply yourself fully to everything you do. Take advantage of the interdisciplinary nature of a liberal education—it will give you the tools to see issues from multiple perspectives.

What are your hopes/plans for the future?

In January 2025, I will begin my Juris Doctor (JD) program at Bond University in Australia. My goal is to build a career in law where I can advocate for justice and support those in need. I am excited to take the knowledge and skills I’ve gained at ULethbridge and apply them to my studies in law, with the long-term goal of becoming an attorney who combines legal expertise with psychological insights.