Fall 2023
As I close out my first semester of law school, I find myself reflecting on where I was in life a year ago. Last year, I was on Guam teaching high schoolers, tutoring part-time, studying for the LSAT, and preparing law school applications. Now, I am editing my second memo for legal writing and studying for my semester exams.
Moving from Guam to Seattle was intimidating. Although I was returning to a familiar city, I had left during the height of Covid-19. To combat my anxieties surrounding the move and law school in general, I made the decision to start my classes in the summer. Taking the summer class not only eased me into the change of environment but also helped me adjust to being a student again. During this class, I learned how to read case law, write a case brief, and respond to cold-calling. It also allowed me to form bonds with my professor and classmates while reconnecting with my community from my undergrad.
Even after taking more classes, I consider criminal law to be my favorite. Despite the fast pace and emotionally draining subject matter, I was always engaged in class and ready to discuss the law and policy surrounding the topics for the day. The course solidified my desire to work in public interest law, specifically in public defense.
During undergrad and as a teacher, I struggled to find balance between work and fun. After some trial and error, I have managed my time in a way that prioritizes school and leisure. Although a large amount of my time is dedicated to reading and reviewing course material, I schedule time to attend concerts, eat at new restaurants, and sing at karaoke.
I came to Seattle U Law not only to join the legal profession but also to cultivate a network of like-minded people. I thrive when surrounded by community, so I made it a point to find mine and get involved. With one less class on my fall course load, I used my extra time to join student organizations, attend networking events, and participate in competitions. I became the 1L Representative for the Filipino Law Student Association and the International and Immigrant Student Association. I also joined OUTLaws, the Asian Law Student Association, the Family Law Society, and the Womxn of Color Coalition. These organizations brought me closer to my classmates as well as 2Ls and 3Ls who have been supportive and reassuring.
Once I get through finals, I fly back to Guam to visit my family (and to escape winter)! In between going to the beach and spending time with my 1-year-old goddaughter, I plan to prepare my applications for summer internships and fellowships. I am ending this semester very hopeful for the spring and all of the opportunities to come!
March 2024
One semester down, five more to go. Flying back to Seattle after spending my winter break in Guam was hard. I immediately felt homesick when I stepped out into 30-degree weather after 2 weeks in the sun. However, time really flies when you’re busy; I am now contemplating my plans for spring break. It's funny to think about how much I feared the 4 PM sunsets, and now it’s almost spring.
Returning to school, I dreaded two things, 1) checking my grades and 2) taking property law. My scholarship for SU Law is based on the condition that I remain in the top 50% of my class. I was relieved when I finally opened my fall semester grades and saw that I was within my conditions. It was a little boost of confidence to see that I performed well in the courses I struggled with the most. I was also able to meet with my professors to discuss my areas of improvement so I could strategize for this next semester. Property law started out as an intimidating course, but it has quickly become one of my favorite classes. Many of the practice problems remind me of the LSAT logic games, which was my favorite portion of the test.
The student organizations I joined in the fall continued to keep me busy this semester. I assumed the role of secretary for the Filipino Law Student Association and have been adjusting to new responsibilities. I performed a cultural dance number and sang for the Asian Law Student Association’s Karaoke Night. I also competed in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Board’s 1L Competition which included client counseling and negotiation. I was also a volunteer for the Public Interest Law Foundation Auction as a recorder. These experiences have been welcome breaks from studying and classes.
A major curveball from this semester was being sick with Covid-19 at the beginning of February. I was lucky that I only missed one class of each of my courses, but I was essentially in bed for the entire weekend. This sickness came after a weekend filled with events When I recovered from the sickness, I immediately needed to finish my legal writing memo and prepare a series of interviews for the summer.
My summer job/internship search began during winter break and continued into January and February. I focused on applying to diversity fellowships, and I received offers to interview for each opportunity I applied to. I am fairly confident in my interview skills, but I still did my due diligence to research and practice beforehand. Zoom interviews are particularly draining for me. After many applications and interviews, I was accepted into the Legal Employers Advancing Diversity in Washington (“LEAD-WA”) Summer 2024 1L Diversity Fellowship Program. I will spend this summer as a Summer Legal Associate at Salesforce, Inc.
This semester, I have made it a priority to schedule in time to do things I enjoy and see people. I’ve gotten to go to different concerts, read for fun, and discover new shows to watch. I feel ready for the break, and I’m excited for all of the activities to come!
