Political science student finds a voice and purpose at Central State University

Above: Rising senior Azariah Crosby (left), a community engagement fellow with the Cuyahoga County Public Defender's Office in Cleveland, distributed legal resources at Cleveland Pride this summer. 

Azariah Crosby’s path to Central State University wasn’t straightforward — but it was intentional. A native of Merrillville, Indiana, just 30 minutes outside Chicago, Crosby transferred to Central State from a Historically Black University in the South in fall 2024 in search of a more fitting academic and personal environment. 

“Athletics was one of the reasons I transferred,” she explained, referencing her role on the Lady Marauders volleyball team. “But I also felt like I wasn’t getting what I needed academically or in terms of the people I wanted to meet and network with.” 

Now a rising senior majoring in political science with a minor in forensic studies, Crosby has fully immersed herself in campus life and beyond. She serves as vice president of the Pre-Law Society, president of the newly launched Mock Trial Association, and continues to compete as a student-athlete — all while preparing for the LSAT and working full-time as a community engagement fellow with the Cuyahoga County Public Defender’s Office in Cleveland. 

From campus to community 

Crosby’s summer internship, arranged with the help of Assistant Professor Brittany Brake and the Black Public Defenders Association, has provided hands-on insight into the legal system that aligns with her career goals. 

“I knew I wanted to be in some aspect of law since I was young,” Crosby said. “Family always told me I’d make a good attorney — probably their way of saying I was sassy.” 

At the public defender’s office, Crosby’s role includes tasks such as creating flyers for law clinics, attending Cleveland City Council meetings, and assembling reentry bags filled with hygiene supplies, resources, and bus passes for individuals transitioning out of prison. 

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“Community engagement is essential,” she said. “It builds trust and understanding between the public and the legal system. People often don’t trust because they don’t know who’s representing them or what their rights are.” 

One particularly impactful experience for Crosby was attending a parole preparation session at a prison. “It was overwhelming emotionally,” she said. “That visit reminded me how flawed and human our justice system is.” 

Building bridges and gaining perspective 

Though Crosby initially felt intimidated working alongside law clerks with more legal training, she quickly found her footing. 

“I had to get out of my own head,” she said. “Everyone was willing to explain and help. I just had to get comfortable being uncomfortable.” 

That mindset — paired with her deep appreciation for the mentorship of Professor Brake — has helped Crosby thrive at Central State. 

“(Professor Brake) has done so much for us, and it’s so genuine and straight from her heart,” Crosby said. 

“She genuinely cares and makes sure we have a seat at the table, even if she has to elbow her way in for us. She’s that girl.” 

Professor Brake’s constitutional law class was another turning point. “We had to learn all 27 amendments. At first, I dreaded it,” Crosby laughed. “But by the end, we all knew them, and I found myself geeking out with friends and engaging in conversations I couldn’t have had before.” 

Professor Brake, who also helped facilitate Crosby’s internship, recalls their first conversation vividly. 

“My first encounter with Azariah was an email that led to a phone call during the summer of 2024,” Brake said. “She mentioned she was transferring and was a political science major with the intent of attending law school. I was ecstatic to have her join our program, and I think my enthusiasm caught her off guard — especially since she mentioned how her most recent experience at college was not a good one.  

“I assured her our program was different. When we finally met in class and she spoke, I knew she was destined for law school or graduate school. Her knowledge of the political world, and political science as a discipline, was much more advanced than usual for an undergraduate her age.” 

Leading with purpose 

Despite a packed schedule, Crosby is committed to balancing it all — through structure, communication, and intention. 

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“We’re all given the same 24 hours,” she said. “It’s about how you organize it. During the summer, I’m up at 6 a.m., working by 8:30, hitting the gym after, and studying for the LSAT at night,” she said. “During the school year, I plan ahead and keep communication open with my coaches and professors.” 

Professor Brake has no doubt Crosby’s discipline and drive will carry her far. “Since that phone call, she has been working harder than ever to achieve her goal of becoming a lawyer,” she said. “Aside from being a student-athlete, working off-campus, and being the president of Mock Trial and vice president of the Pre-Law Society, she is an outstanding student and even better human being — all of which will continue to serve her well in her journey to law school.” 

Professor Brake also emphasized the breadth of opportunities available to students in the Political Science program — resources that help students like Crosby gain real-world experience, expand their networks, and explore their interests. 

“Our program offers amazing opportunities: the Central State University Capital Internship Program, the CSU Mock Trial Association, internship opportunities with Montgomery County Probation Services. We bring in local law firms to talk with students, and we host the Political Science Speaker Series,” Professor Brake said. “We take field trips to the Ohio Statehouse, the Ohio Supreme Court, and more. And here’s the real proof: every student who graduated from our program in the last three years has either accepted a job or been accepted full-time into a graduate program. We have a strong track record.” 

'Don't limit yourself'

For Cosby, practicing law is the end goal — whether in public service, policy, or another branch of the legal field. For now, she’s focused on gaining experience, growing her network, and making an impact wherever she lands. 

Her advice to fellow Marauders? 

“Don’t limit yourself. Apply even if you’re scared. I almost didn’t apply for this internship. I thought I didn’t have enough experience. But I did it — and it’s changed everything.”