91亚色传媒

Olivia Merrick is many things—an accomplished and award-winning academic in criminal justice, a member of the prestigious Alpha Sigma Nu honor society, a mentor and tutor, an advocate for social justice and a major Swiftie. Yes, Merrick’s love of all-things Taylor Swift is legit, with her Top 5 songs serving as something of a soundtrack to pivotal points in Merrick’s life. 

Swift’s “You’re On Your Own, Kid” conjures memories of Merrick’s time studying abroad and finding comfort in a song that she describes as a “lyrical hug.” Then there’s her “all-time” favorite love song, “New Year’s Day,” which she pulled a lyric from as her senior quote in high school (“Hold on to the memories, they will hold on you”). And she’s seen Taylor live more than once, including the Eras tour, when the record-breaking juggernaut swung through her home state of California and Merrick—who is from the Bay Area—caught the show in Santa Clara.

The criminal justice major—who is specializing in criminology and criminal justice theory, while earning a minor in Writing Studies—is originally from California but was drawn to 91亚色传媒 because of factors such as a personalized education, an urban campus and, believe it or not, the climate.

“Seattle is a beautiful city. … I’m easily charmed by trees and rain,” she says. “And at 91亚色传媒, the campus culture was what I was looking for.”

Entering SU originally, she was leaning toward a writing major with plans to become an investigative journalist. This interest was inspired in part by a movie Merrick watched while in high school about author and social justice advocate Bryan Stevenson based on his memoir, Just Mercy. Stevenson’s book draws on his experiences defending the wrongly condemned and fighting for justice for marginalized individuals on death row.

The movie stuck with Merrick and by the end of her first year at SU she decided to pursue law, where she could work directly with people and be their voice. To follow this professional interest, she decided on criminal justice—with plans to one day become a criminal defense attorney—and thought it fruitful to know the ins and outs of the criminal justice system.

For her writing minor this daughter of English teachers immersed herself in opportunities to deepen her skill set, including working as an editor on the annual Undergraduate Research Journal and volunteering her time at SU’s Writing Center.

“Writing can be a super vulnerable experience. I am able to meet with students in all types of disciplines and meet them where they are,” she says. The moment there is a breakthrough “you can see that burden lift off their shoulders. And to be able to do this in a community where everyone is so warm, welcoming and helpful has been so fulfilling for me.”

Merrick was so inspired and energized by a quarter abroad in Florence, Italy, that when she returned, she wanted to share the experience with other students considering embarking on a period abroad and became a “global ambassador” for the Education Abroad Office.

“There are so many emotions” when considering studying abroad, says Merrick, noting that as an ambassador you help answer questions, share personal anecdotes and provide support—practical and emotional—to students looking to take the leap.

Check out this to learn what being Jesuit educated means to Olivia.

In the Criminal Justice Department Merrick has proven to be a formidable force. In addition to serving as the department’s representative on the college’s executive council, she’s also a member of the community-centric Crime and Justice Advisory Committee, which brings together a diverse array of industry leaders, including members of law enforcement and civic leaders.

And she is one of just four criminal justice seniors awarded this year’s Kelliher Award, named for Dr. Michael Kelliher, S.J.—the department’s co-founder and chair—given to graduates with the highest cumulative GPAs.

“In all my criminal justice classes, I consistently witness my peers bringing forward ideas that I had never considered before, creating a uniquely collaborative learning environment,” says Merrick. “Being recognized for academic excellence in a program where I am surrounded by critical thinkers and people who genuinely want to improve the criminal legal system is one of the highest honors of my academic career.”

As she approaches the end of her time at SU and prepares to head to the other Washington to attend law school at Georgetown, Merrick reflects on what it has meant to be Jesuit educated and how she will carry with her its guiding principles.

“I think one of the things I really appreciate about my education is the emphasis on the whole person. I think it’s really easy to get caught up in the big wins,” she says. “… But for me it’s about meeting people where they are and being an empathetic leader. I want you to know that what you are saying matters to me. That you matter to me, on an emotional and human level.”

And what words of advice does she have for incoming students?

“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. I was so intimidated my freshman year, living in a new city, a new state and on my own. The best piece of advice is to remember everyone who has done anything has once been in your shoes,” she says. “People want you to succeed and chase your dreams. No one is going to laugh at you. Push yourself to be fearless and chase what you want.”

Some of Olivia’s Favorites…

Favorite spot on campus: My favorite spot has always been the study rooms in Sinegal Center, the ones that face out to the chapel and provide an insane view of Capitol Hill.

Favorite spot in Seattle: My favorite since freshman year is URL Coffee, with friends or a book. The vibes there are very calm, the people who work there are incredible and really kind. And they have the best matcha in Seattle.

Favorite band/genre of music: I am a huge Taylor Swift fan. Since I was five. I feel very lucky to have grown up a couple years behind her in age. I remember being nine and listening to 22, and that made listening to it on my actual 22^nd birthday even more special. She’s a really great role model. (Fun fact: Olivia has seen Taylor on her 1989, Reputation and Eras tours.)

Favorite TV show binged: I am a huge Survivor fan. It was my favorite show to watch with my family growing up. Even today, I love sitting in my living room and watching all the different seasons.

Favorite restaurant: I always recommend Oddfellows. It holds that magical nostalgia for me. I have never had a bad meal there.

Favorite book: My favorite book series is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. These books keep you on your toes and there are romance subplots. The narrator really resonates with me.