How this ASU political science grad turned adversity into advocacy
Nicole Spencer-Walters is graduating from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a bachelor's degree in political science and a minor in English (literature). Courtesy photo
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2025 graduates.
Nicole Spencer-Walters, an ASU political science major with a minor in English (literature), has a knack for seeing what others might miss.
In high school, she earned one of the highest scores in her English class for an essay analyzing a Shakespearean play. The recognition sparked a moment of self-reflection: Why had her interpretation stood out? Why was her narrative so particularly compelling?
“Even though my classmates and I were reading the same text, there were certain parts where I was able to read in-between the lines in comparison to my peers, and it made me realize that I had been doing it automatically for a few years,” she said.
That instinct to analyze, combined with a deep-rooted passion for advocacy, shaped her vision for the future: a career in law.
Her mother, an immigration judge, was a guiding influence. But that inspiration took on a deeper, more personal meaning during Spencer-Walters' third year at ASU.
Just two days into the semester, her mother unexpectedly passed away. A week prior, a blood test had revealed critically high blood pressure, but the results were never communicated in time.
“This moment made me realize that if I get the opportunity to go to law school and I find interest in malpractice, I want to advocate for families, especially minorities, and help as many people as I can,” Spencer-Walters said.
Despite her grief and the demands of coursework, she found strength and community through the ASU Alumni Association’s Medallion Scholarship Program (MSP), a tight-knit group of student scholars who became part of her support system.
“I made a lot of wonderful friends through MSP who I still talk to, and many of them I met on my very first retreat. I don't even remember how we all started talking, but I remember on the bus ride back, we were talking the entire ride,” Spencer-Walters said.
Through the years, that community has helped her realize her worth.
“MSP has helped me realize that I'm smart enough to be in any room I find myself in. I know I can handle myself, and I know I can hold my own,” she said.
After graduation, Spencer-Walters plans to complete an internship she secured through MSP’s mentorship program, where she was paired with an employment attorney who has also been helping her prepare for law school.
“I think I was born into a family that always encouraged trying your best in everything you put your mind to, and I fully believe I'm not done yet. That's why I want to go to grad school,” she said. “I would love to go to the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU, especially since it's about a street away from where my mom worked.”
Wherever her journey takes her next, Spencer-Walters is determined to use her voice to make a difference — something she’s already begun at ASU through her academic achievements and active engagement.
She was awarded The Worth and Dot Howard Foundation Scholarship, and, in her final semester, served as a writing tutor at the ASU Writing Center supporting others in developing the very skills that were instrumental in her own growth.
Spencer-Walters also studied abroad in the South of France for a summer, fully immersing herself in a literature-based curriculum. The group often explored the region with chaperones, deepening their understanding of the local culture.
Reflecting on her undergraduate years, Spencer-Walters feels proud and at peace.
“I definitely have no regrets. I tried my very best throughout all four years of college. I can’t believe it’s coming to an end, but I know I gave it my all and have grown for the better."
Read the below Q&A to learn more about why Spencer-Walters chose ASU and her campus experience.
Question: Why did you choose ASU?
Answer: I wanted to know more about Tempe. When I stepped foot on campus for the first time as a junior in high school, I was in awe of how gorgeous it was. I also wanted to learn more about the political science sector at ASU, because I knew I wanted to go into law. I liked what I saw with the program here, and I liked learning more about law at ASU.
Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?
A: The Secret Garden. When I showed a few of my friends where it was, we would all go and study there at times. I enjoyed being a first-year student watching the seniors take pictures and thinking, “That’s going to be us one day!”
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: Expect the unknown, for it is the only constant throughout your college journey.
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