MADISON – Four 2013 graduates of Bob Jones High School completed their undergraduate study, passed entrance exams and have found themselves in the same law class at the University of Alabama.

Kyle Campbell, Carmen Cantrell, Tamara Imam and Eric Nelson have known each other since their days in Bob Jones classes and labs and from social media. Carmen and Tamara first met at Liberty Middle School.

“We didn’t realize we were all going to law school until we all attended the same open house,” Carmen said. “It was pretty surprising considering the different paths we took in undergrad.”

“UA was pretty high on each of our lists of potential law schools,” Tamara said. “Each of us, having studied such different things in undergrad, are fairly different in our interests. Commonality we all share is an interest in the law and legal profession.”

Carmen and Tamara chose UA law school for its high national rank, proximity to home and affordability. “Alabama admissions folks are amazing and made me feel like a rock star throughout the entire admissions process,” Tamara said.

Carmen describes the four of them as ambitious and hard-working individuals who are inquisitive and (respectfully) opinionated.

Carmen’s plans took a drastic turn after graduating summa cum laude from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in apparel merchandising (fashion) and participating with AU Danceline. “Honestly, I was inspired to go to law school by the movie ‘Legally Blonde.’ You don’t need a specific degree to get into law school so I decided to have fun and major in something that interested me,” Carmen said.

Carmen’s parents are Keith and Sandi Cantrell.

Tamara earned a neuroscience degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. However, she developed a strong interest in politics and government, particularly after interning with Human Rights Campaign’s Health and Aging Department. However, she decided neither medical school nor research was her destiny. With a leap of faith, she entered law school.

“I could see myself working for the ACLU or SPLC,” Tamara said. “I’ve also recently become interested in civil litigation, so we’ll just have to see what happens.” Tamara’s parents are Yousef and Fatima Imam.

“We keep each other accountable when class gets rough,” Kyle said.

Kyle’s parents are Frederick and Debra Campbell. He’s undecided about the type of law he’ll practice but knows he’ll be in the field of public interest.