As a first-generation law student, navigating law school has been a challenge. Navigating the legal field without knowing any lawyers required extra effort in networking, mentorship, and understanding the law school process. The cost of living and tuition was also a concern because I did not have any financial support from my family.
10,000 Degrees provided me with financial support which significantly reduced my financial burden. The scholarship eased tuition costs, living expenses, and other academic-related expenses like books and bar prep materials. That’s been a life-changing thing. Being selected as a 10,000 Degrees scholar was also a recognition of my hard work, resilience, and commitment to justice that reinforced my confidence in my ability to succeed. Also, just the belief—it’s a motivation to know that, apart from my family and friends, there are other people who believe in my dream.
Attending law school has had a significant impact on my family, friends, and community. My journey is a testament to the sacrifices and hard work of my immigrant parents. My success represents their dreams realized. I have also been able to give back to my community through many pro-bono activities where I assisted vulnerable individuals facing a variety of legal challenges. My legal education is also about paving the way for future generations. I have served as a mentor for other first-generation and underrepresented students and will continue to do so throughout my career.
For me, getting an education and being a college graduate is the path forward to a better life for my parents’ sacrifices and for my own. My family came to this country looking for better opportunity, and they instilled in me to get an education, saying it would open a lot of doors. And it did; it opened a lot of doors for me going forward. I want to use the law as a tool for empowerment, equity, and change. My experiences in law school gave me insight into the strengths and flaws of our justice system. I want to use my legal skills to advocate for fair laws and policies and I want to ensure that justice is applied fairly to everyone.