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Do you enjoy trying new food from different cultures? Have you ever wanted to join Mock Trial or other after school clubs? Do you think being a lawyer takes a lot of resilience and self discipline? Well, meet Paul Foley, Mock Trial’s very own Lawyer here at Doherty Memorial High School! During this spotlight interview, you will get to learn a bit more about what it takes to become a Lawyer, and how he overcame challenges life threw at him. So, follow along to what Paul Foley has to share with us today, and how he would define “success”.
Meet Paul Foley!
Q: Tell me about your background.
I was born in Boston in July of 1977, and raised in Worcester, the last of six kids. – Paul Foley.
Q: Do you want to share a few words about a loved one? What role do relationships—whether with family, friends, or colleagues—play in your life? Do they inspire, motivate, or offer valuable lessons to you?
My Dad is 83. We didn’t always see eye to eye growing up. He can be a pain the butt, but, after all these years, he’s my pain in the butt. – Paul Foley.
Q: Do you own a pet? If so, what is their name and how has your pet impacted your life? Share a bit about them.
No pets now, but have owned three dogs over my life, all black labs!! – Paul Foley.
Q: Did you join any extracurriculars when you were younger? Any after school clubs, organizations, programs, or sports in the past? If so, explain.
Many – sports, school musicals, school government, and more. – Paul Foley.
Q: What were some challenges you had to overcome during High School? Any advice to Highlanders?
The hurdle I faced was financial. I grew up in a very supportive house, but we didn’t have a lot of money and, as mentioned above, I was the last of six kids!! As a result, I took on a lot of debt to get myself through college and law school, which was stressful, sometimes intensely so. I’ve gotten to a place now where I am past that. My only advice is that there is no substitute for hard work. And if you can work hard and also be mindful of others and what they are going through, you will get where you’re going and be glad for it. – Paul Foley.
Q: Do you believe you can reach success despite bad grades? How would you define a ‘star’ student in your professional opinion? Would you say it’ll be a more difficult experience than others with a good education? What role does having an education play on an individual’s future?
I am not a teacher. My experiences as a student were mostly positive, but I did get bad grades at times. Focus more on building up good habits and resilience. You may not always get the result you want, but in the long run you will. – Paul Foley.
Q: Do you have any notable achievements or awards that you’ve received in the past?
I’ve received awards for volunteer work that I have done over the years. Those are the awards that I remember the most fondly. – Paul Foley.
Q: What are your hot takes right now?
Worcester’s ethnic restaurant scene. From Vietnamese, to Lebanese, to Ghanaian, to Puerto Rican, Jamaican, and beyond. Get out and get you some! – Paul Foley.
Q: Do you have any tips on self care, and how do you approach it? What’s your daily routine like? Why do you believe it’s important?
I exercise a lot and read an analog book at night. I call people. Those things keep me grounded. – Paul Foley.
Q: What’s something you feel nostalgic about? Is there anything you feel very grateful towards? What are some of the most memorable school moments or events that have still stuck with you?
I am always and forever nostalgic, even in the present. We all have those moments we wanna bottle up and save forever. They happen to me every day. – Paul Foley.
Q: Do you have any music recommendations?
G Love and Special Sauce is an offbeat jazz-rap group from my college days that suddenly popped back on my radar. It’s an electric old-school groove, that’s pretty funky and fun to listen to. But – GO SEE LIVE MUSIC!!! – Paul Foley.
Q: Do you have any community work, volunteer work, or internship experiences you want to share with us?
Doherty Mock Trial!!!!!! ALL RISE!!! – Paul Foley.
After getting to know a bit about Paul Foley’s personal life, what can you take away from this spotlight interview? Do you now feel inspired to pursue your own goals in life? Do you think pursuing a higher education is a good choice?Whether it’s joining school government and sports, or doing volunteer work, this interview highlighted how taking every opportunity life gives you can really help benefit your future career! Thank you for following along, and do not forget to click the comment button on the right-hand side to share your opinions and critiques on this matter! To read more articles, scroll down and click the ‘Spotlight Interview’ tag in red! Tune in for more articles.