Carlie Belile
Carlie Belile of Ogdensburg is building a case for law school. The online Legal Studies major will complete her bachelor’s degree in spring 2026.
“I’ve always been interested in local cases on the news and the legal terminology behind them,” Carlie said. “Once I started looking into law, I realized that was what I really wanted to do.”
When she discovered that SUNY Canton offered the Legal Studies program and the 3+3 pathway at the University at Buffalo School of Law, she knew it was the right fit. “Canton also took all of the transfer credits from my high school courses, which put me a full year ahead,” she said.
Growing up on campus with her mom, Interim Library Director Jessica Spooner, also influenced her decision. “I used to think Canton was the coolest place when I was a kid,” she recalled. “I wasn’t quite ready to leave home yet, so it made sense to stay here.”
Her favorite class so far has been Online Media & Pop Culture with Professor Emily Hamilton-Honey. “Even though it’s an upper-level course, it gave me a break from some of the more intense classes I have to take,” she said.
Carlie works on campus as both a Learning Commons Associate and an Academic Recovery Peer Mentor. “Since I’m an online student, working in the library is my chance to interact with people on campus,” she said. “It’s also my favorite place to be.”
After completing her education, Carlie plans to pursue a career in family law.