Student Spotlight: Paris Lait

Paris Lait is a senior at Florida State University pursuing a degree in ancient history through the Department of Classics with a minor in philosophy through the Department of Philosophy, both in the College of Arts and Sciences. Her Honors in the Major thesis examines how the lives of Roman women continue to influence modern women’s roles in religion, government and family dynamics, providing historical context for the legal and societal structures studied in law today. Since 2023, Lait has interned with TopBuild, a leading installer and distributor of construction materials, in its contracts management group. Set to graduate in Fall 2025, Lait plans to attend law school and specialize in construction or corporate law.

Tell us a little about your background, where you’re from and what brought you to FSU?

I was born in Dearborn, Michigan but have spent most of my life in Port Orange, Florida. I’ve wanted to practice law since my sophomore year of high school. FSU’s strong humanities programs, supportive student resources, proximity to the Florida Capitol, and reputable law school made it the perfect place for me.

What inspired you to pursue ancient history?

Although it's not the most traditional pre-law path, studying ancient history has been the ideal path for me. I wanted to pursue my passion for history, especially the philosophical developments of antiquity or pre-medieval times that helped shape modern government. My major and minor combination allows me to study what I love while building the critical thinking and writing skills needed to pave the way for success in law school.

What are your main areas of research and topics of interest?

One of my favorite things to analyze is how the past directly impacts the present. My thesis explores how the lives of Roman women influence those of today by drawing parallels between how women then and now engage with religion, government and family life. I also examine how women’s roles have evolved while still echoing ancient patterns. Roman women are notoriously difficult to study due to limited surviving evidence, so my work carefully pieces together legal texts, funerary inscriptions, personal letters, and archaeological findings including household artifacts and temple dedications to build a clearer picture.

What do you want the public to know about the importance of your research?

My research shows that our understanding of women in Ancient Rome is still evolving. Recent studies have overturned many long-held assumptions about women in antiquity, such as the belief that they had no influence in public or religious life. Additionally, the ancient world still plays a major role in influencing modern culture, politics, and philosophy, which makes its study essential to understanding where many of today’s ideas come from. Even when based on misinterpretations, these ideas continue to influence modern appeals to “tradition.”

How have the clubs, organizations, and leadership roles you’re involved in shaped your experience at FSU?

Extracurricular involvement has been key to my academic and professional growth and has strengthened my time management, leadership and teamwork skills. Through honor societies like Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa — for which I served as vice president of communications from Fall 2023 to Fall 2024 — the FSU Honors Program, and FSU Honors Legal Scholars, I developed strong communication skills and critical thinking abilities. As a Blazer, which is a student ambassador for ForwardFSU — a leadership program that empowers students to prioritize tradition, advancement and intentionality — and as an intramural soccer team member through CHAARG, a national fitness organization that encourages women to connect through exercise, I gained long-lasting friendships and a deeper appreciation for collaboration.

Tell us more about your internship with TopBuild.

Since 2023, I’ve interned with the Contracts Management Group for TopBuild, drafting and reviewing construction subcontracts and insurance compliance documents. A highlight has been analyzing advertising clauses for multi-million-dollar projects because they’re often for companies you come into daily contact with, such as Google. Seeing the real-world impact of my work in places like airports and corporate headquarters has been rewarding. This experience has solidified my decision to pursue a career in law and deepened my knowledge of construction law, insurance and union regulations.

What are some current goals or projects you’re working on?

Right now, my main goals are to finish my thesis and successfully get through the law school admission test. Both are major milestones I’ve been preparing for, and I’m excited to accomplish them. I’m also working to become fluent in French in the future; I took three semesters of French through the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics at FSU and fell in love with the language.

What on-campus resources have helped you achieve success?

University Health Services has been a big help. I’ve suffered from bad allergies and asthma for most of my life, so having a facility on campus to get my allergy shots and other treatments is very convenient. Case Management Services was also extremely accommodating when I had to rush home after my house flooded from recent hurricanes.

Are there any faculty or staff who have helped or inspired you?

My thesis adviser and associate professor of classics Jessica Clark has been an incredible help throughout my college career. During my first semester, I loved her course “Studies in Roman History: Roman Women” so much that it solidified my decision to become an ancient history major. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she has helped me out of a pinch more times than I can count.

Following your graduation, what are your plans? Even though you might miss FSU, what are you looking forward to once you graduate?

I plan to attend law school after graduation, though I’m still exploring which area of law I would like to specialize in. I’m currently most interested in international, real estate, human rights and corporate law. I’m also excited about the opportunity to travel and possibly study abroad during law school.