Why did you choose to attend South Texas College of Law Houston?
I grew up in the city and was a bilingual teacher in Title 1 schools here for several years before I decided to commit to my dream of being an attorney. My family and support network were in Houston so I knew I wanted to stay in the area. While figuring out what school was the right fit, I met several STCL Houston alumni who I grew to admire. They highlighted the strong reputation our school has earned in Houston and beyond. South Texas Law values advocacy and service, all in the heart of a very special city that encourages different cultures to weave together. It’s definitely been the right decision.
What legal opportunities are you participating in this summer?
I’ll be working as a law clerk at the University of Texas System Office of General Counsel this summer, which will give me the chance to learn from attorneys working on issues in higher education, health care innovation, and public policy in a major public research system. I’m the first South Texas Law intern in that office, so I hope to leave a good impression that might open the door for future STCL Houston students to follow.
How did you secure that opportunity?
Our Career Resource Center (CRC) office partnered with several other law schools for the UT Public Service Career Fair in Austin, and that led to this role. It was fun and I met other students from law schools across our state who were also interested in public service.
How did the CRC help you successfully navigate the recruitment process?
The CRC encouraged me to reach for jobs in fields I was passionate about, even if I thought they might be out of reach. Without them, I probably wouldn’t have known about this opportunity. Whenever I reached out to the team during recruitment, I always left feeling relieved and encouraged by their support.
What are your career goals for the future?
I came into law school with the intention of serving in government, civil service, or federal institutions that support the public. I’m really passionate about fighting for the public good, and though I’m still learning the shapes that can take, I really like what I’ve seen so far.
What advice would you give future law students going through recruitment?
Don’t compare your journey to others. It can be frustrating to feel like you’re behind, but the fact that you’re even here means that you’ve earned it. So don’t worry, you’ll find the right fit. The best and most practical advice I can give is to be brave and take the initiative. Look at internship pages early and often, whether that’s through on-campus interviews or reaching out on your own.
I’m introverted, but I’ve learned you need to attend a wide variety of recruiting events and learn from people, even if you go by yourself. Get business cards and email the people you like to follow up and ask for help. If your academics aren’t where you want them to be, take the initiative to make up for that with volunteering, networking, and showing your other strengths. Really make that effort.
It’s not just empty advice; the extra effort paid off for me. Last year, I was denied an interview for a prestigious summer role I really wanted. A week later, I met members of that office at a hiring event and stopped by to ask more about the office for the next hiring cycle. I introduced myself, spoke about my personal interest in what they do, and asked how to improve. They offered me an interview on the spot, which led to an offer. It can be scary, but I promise it’s doable.
Who has been influential during your time in law school?
I’ve had some great professors during my time in law school. Professor Williams is my favorite, because even though Property is naturally very dense and often highly technical, I appreciated her style of teaching through practical assignments and class discussions. Likewise, Professor Hogan’s class is thought-provoking and he gives insightful feedback. As a first-generation law student navigating all this for the first time, his help evaluating different paths has been invaluable.
What student organizations have you been involved with?
I’m a member of both the First-Generation Law Student Association and Hispanic Law Students Association. These organizations do an amazing job helping students access academic resources and, on a personal level, have given me a better sense of belonging. I’m also a member of our school’s Law of Armed Conflict team, which won its first national championship at the Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Competition this semester.
How has the law school community supported your growth?
I’ve been given a hand by both classmates and complete strangers when I was anxious about not knowing how to prepare for class or build an outline. I try to do the same with anyone who asks for help. You just have to reach out and make sure you always pay it forward.
What is something unique about you that doesn’t appear on your resume?
When I’m nervous about an upcoming interview, I sit with my two dogs and practice with them. They are very patient and nonjudgmental, which helps me sound more like myself. They lose interest when I talk too long and prefer when I’m animated and short. I know it’s a small thing, but it reminds me to stop trying to sound impressive and just focus on being clear and genuine. And it always helps to bring snacks.
