October 2024
With the fall semester slowly coming to an end, I realize that I have a long journey ahead. When I started law school in June 2024, I wasn’t sure what to expect. At that time, I was living in New Jersey and working as a paralegal in a law firm in New York. However, the faculty at Seattle U ensured that my experience was seamless. Once I moved to Seattle, I was excited to be on campus. The transition from working full-time to becoming a student full-time has not been easy. As a full-time employee, I would complete my responsibilities from 9 to 5 and have time for my hobbies. Now as a full-time student, I barely have time for my hobbies and I’m going to sleep around 3 a.m. Needless to say, I am somewhat enjoying my law school experience. Personally, I think I’m not enjoying law school like my classmates because I’m not taking the classes I’m passionate about. However, I like seeing my progression from the beginning of the semester to the midpoint of the semester. I find it cool that I can understand criminal cases on TikTok or Instagram better now that I'm in law school.
Even though I barely know what’s going on in some of my classes, I’m not worried because I’m not the only one that feels this way. The nice part about law school is that everyone is feeling the same thing. We are all trying to figure out how to tailor our study methods, have a social life, and prioritize self-care. To be honest, I’m ready for the semester to end so I can travel and catch up on sleep.
As I reflect on my law school journey thus far, I hope to have leadership roles and responsibilities in the future. Currently, I’m not very active in student organizations because I want to focus on my studies. By having more leadership roles, I can continue to build my professional network and meet new people. Right now, I’m trying to survive the fall semester. Stay tuned!
December 2024
I can hardly believe it’s the end of the semester already. It feels like just yesterday I was sitting in orientation, nervously meeting my new classmates. Back then, we were all strangers, awkwardly sizing each other up—some of us keeping to ourselves, others already forming their tight-knit groups. Now, here we are, on the brink of finals, and the transition from strangers to study partners has been nothing short of surreal.
Fall semester was a whirlwind. Five classes, each with its own set of challenges and demands. Four of them, in particular, were equally intense. There were days when I genuinely wondered how I was going to keep up with reading over eight cases a night, briefing them, and piecing together my outlines, all while trying to grasp interconnected concepts that build on one another. Missing one concept made it even harder to stay on track. To say it was overwhelming would be an understatement. And then there were the cold calls. At first, I dreaded them with every fiber of my being. I’d break out in a cold sweat every time the professor’s eyes scanned the room and landed on me. But somewhere along the way, I started to get used to it, even though I still hated it. It's funny how something so terrifying becomes a little less terrifying after you've faced it enough times.
Despite the intensity, I can honestly say I enjoyed all of my professors. They’re brilliant, yes, but they also bring a kind of humor and engagement that I didn’t expect. Their ability to make even the most complex legal concepts feel accessible—and occasionally hilarious—made the long nights of studying feel a little more bearable. This semester has been the first time in my academic life that I’ve felt sad to see it end. There’s something about the energy of the classroom, the push to keep learning and improving, that has made it so special.
Looking back on the semester, I’m proud of how far my classmates and I have come. At the beginning of the term, we were complete novices when it came to subjects like torts, civil procedure, and contracts. Now, we’re familiar with the basic concepts, we know how to structure a legal brief, and we’re starting to develop our own voices as future attorneys. There’s something incredibly satisfying about realizing how much we’ve learned in such a short time.
Next semester is going to be interesting. Our section is merging with another, which means a whole new set of faces, a new dynamic. We’ve gotten so used to each other’s quirks and study habits that the thought of mixing things up feels a little strange. I’m not going to lie—I’ll miss my classmates, even the ones who always ask the most outlandish hypothetical questions in class. I’ve grown to appreciate their enthusiasm, only because it adds a little extra unpredictability to the day.
Law school is tough. There’s no denying that. But it’s also totally doable. The keys are leaning on your support system, finding strategies to manage stress, and if you believe in God, asking for the strength to keep pushing through. I’ve done the work this semester, and while I’m nervous about finals, I know that I’ve given it my all. I trust that with focus, determination, and a little divine help, I can finish strong.
Once finals are over, I’m looking forward to some time away and much-needed rest. I’ll be heading back to New Jersey to spend Christmas with my mom, then treating myself to a well-deserved vacation in Indonesia. It feels like the perfect way to recharge before diving into another semester of law school madness.
Two semesters down, five more to go. Let’s do this.
February 2025
Winter break has officially come to an end, and we are back in full swing for another semester of law school.
Over the break, I had the chance to go home to New Jersey and spend Christmas with my mom, which was a much-needed reset. I also made a quick trip to New York City, where I indulged in some amazing food (because what’s a trip to NYC without a food tour?). But the highlight of my break was my trip to Indonesia. Despite the grueling 17-hour flight, it was absolutely worth it. The hospitality of the people, the rich flavors of the cuisine, and the breathtaking nature left me in awe. It was an unforgettable experience—one I hope to repeat in the future.
Now, I’m back in Seattle and ready to tackle the semester. Thankfully, I’m taking four classes instead of five since I got criminal law out of the way over the summer. It makes a difference because, while I still have plenty of reading to do, my workload is lighter compared to classmates who didn’t take the summer course. This semester, my schedule includes Property Law and Constitutional Law. If I’m being honest, I don’t love the subjects, but it’s not the professors’ fault—it’s just that these topics don’t align with my career goals. That said, I do find it fascinating to see how the law has evolved in these areas and how the concepts influence our legal system today.
Beyond coursework, my main focus right now is securing a summer internship. I’m casting a wide net—applying not just to legal counsel positions, but also to roles in compliance, risk management, and finance. Hopefully, by my next entry, I’ll have good news about where I’ll be spending my summer. Until then, my priorities are staying on top of my readings, practicing more exam questions before midterms, prioritizing self-care, and making time for friends. Balancing everything isn’t easy, but law school is a marathon, not a sprint.
Here’s to another semester—let’s make it a good one!
May 2025
Finally, the end of the 1L year is here. And honestly? I’m so relieved. I miss having free time to do what I want without feeling guilty for not studying. One of the biggest takeaways from 1L year? I see myself using my JD in non-traditional ways, particularly in Finance. Looking ahead, I’m genuinely excited for my 2L courses. They’re focused on business and finance; areas that align with my background and what I’m truly passionate about. Hopefully, this means I’ll be more engaged in class. Then again, it is law school, so we’ll see.
This semester was better than the last. I made more use of office hours, got feedback from my professors, and started asking more questions. It made a difference. Last semester, I was running on fumes and barely sleeping. This time around, I finally prioritized rest and created some structure in my schedule. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m going into 2L year more confident, not just in my ability to handle the coursework, but to carve out time for myself, too.
This summer, I will be participating in the Immigrant Youth Pro Bono Externship Program in partnership with Kids in Need of Defense. To be real, I was disappointed by how the internship process turned out. One thing that’s become painfully clear to me is that while the legal field might say it values students with diverse backgrounds, it doesn’t reward them. The system often favors a narrow, cookie-cutter version of a law student, overlooking the valuable skills and perspectives that students from diverse backgrounds bring. From a business perspective, that’s a missed opportunity because innovation, adaptability, and real-world insight doesn’t come from uniformity. And when those students feel overlooked or boxed out, many will leave the profession altogether, creating an even bigger gap in access to meaningful, representative legal services.
That said, I’m still grateful for the opportunity to work on cases supporting immigrant youth, especially as federal funding cuts continue to impact access to legal representation. As a child of immigrants myself, this work hits close to home. Alongside the externship, I’ll also be taking Business Entities this summer, which I’m looking forward to. It feels good to return to a subject area that reflects my strengths and interests. In many ways, it feels like I’m finally getting back to me.
Remember when I said I wanted to take on leadership roles? Well, I’m proud to share that I’ll be serving as the President of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) for the 2025–2026 academic year! I’m honored to take on this position with a clear vision and a lot of ideas I hope to bring to life. My goal is to help make the year not just impactful, but also fun and fulfilling for Black students at Seattle U. I want to focus on building community, expanding professional opportunities, and creating events that reflect who we are and what we need.
It’s wild to think about how far I’ve come since day one. 1L year pushed me in ways I didn’t expect; it challenged my mindset, tested my stamina, and forced me to redefine success for myself. And as hard as it’s been, I’m walking into this next academic year with more clarity, more confidence, and a stronger sense of purpose.
Summer 2025
This summer was pretty chill but still full of experiences that made me think about where I’m headed in law school and beyond. I externed at Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), and it turned out to be one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had so far. My supervising attorney was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly personable, and that made a huge difference.
Even though my heart is in business and corporate law, I wanted to step into something completely different, and I’m glad I did. When KIND came to the school to talk about immigration and how policies from the Trump administration shaped so much of what was happening, I knew I wanted to be part of that work, even if just for a summer.
Meeting our client twice was the most impactful part of the experience. She’s so young, but the things she’s lived through and witnessed already? It was humbling. It reminded me how layered and complex the law really is when it touches people’s lives this directly.
If I’m being honest, the externship seminar itself wasn’t my favorite. We wrote reflection essays every other week, so class discussions often felt repetitive. I wish we’d spent more time talking about what’s happening in immigration law, such as current cases, recent court rulings, or even the roles of agencies like ICE that we always hear about in the news. Guest speakers like judges or practitioners would have made it much more engaging.
Outside the externship, I also took Business Entities, and I loved it. That class solidified for me that business and corporate law are where I want to focus in law school. It felt like confirmation that I’m on the right path.
When I wasn’t working or studying, I tried to soak up Seattle’s summer as much as possible. I hopped around different parks, beaches, and piers to watch the sunset. Every evening looked like a painting. I also went home to visit my mom and reconnected with a few college friends. I hadn’t seen them since graduation, so it was amazing to catch up and see how everyone’s thriving in their own fields.
The highlight of my summer, though, was Australia. I wanted to go somewhere far, have some solo time, and just reset before diving back into another busy school year. I saw the Sydney Opera House, wandered through the Royal Botanic Garden, spent time at the beach, and visited the zoo. I saw giraffes and kangaroos for the first time. Watching them eat was mind-blowing!
Now that I’m back in school, I’m feeling grateful for the summer I had. It gave me perspective and balance. I’m excited to take what I learned and keep building toward the kind of lawyer and person I want to be. However, all I can think about is graduation. Like, can we fast forward already?
October 2025
This fall semester has been intense. I’m taking five courses while serving as president of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), and honestly, it feels like I’m working two nine-to-five jobs. And I’m not even as involved as some of my classmates; just one leadership role, and it’s still a lot.
Being president has really made me appreciate how my background and experience have prepared me for leadership. I’ve noticed a positive increase in engagement: more students are attending events, speaking positively about BLSA, and asking questions about what we do. One of my goals this year was to clarify what BLSA is all about. People used to ask, “What is BLSA?” and now, there’s a sense of recognition. We’re not just a small, isolated student group; we’re part of the largest nonprofit, student-led organization in the country. Seeing this engagement has shown me that even small-scale efforts can make a meaningful difference, and it gives me confidence that I can do even more on a larger scale.
I also had a moment recently that really showed me the effect leadership can have. A few weeks ago, I attended the Student Bar Association’s first budget meeting of the semester and learned that they were planning to reduce funding to Certified Student Organizations.
Around the same time, BLSA had just collaborated on a social with the Latinx Students Law Association and several other student organizations. I was in a group chat with a few student leaders, and I told them how important it was to show up to these meetings. Decisions like this affect our organizations, and if we attend, we can advocate for our members.
At the next meeting, several student leaders showed up and spoke during public comments, myself included. I received positive feedback for speaking truth to power, and that moment really reminded me why leadership isn’t about being liked. Leadership is about doing the work, putting your members’ interests first, and creating impact. Because we spoke up, the proposal for the bylaws requesting supplemental funding did not pass. That wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t said anything. It was a small victory, but it showed me how far I’ve grown as a leader; comfortable in these spaces, candid about what’s happening, and effective in advocating for the people I represent.
A few weeks later, BLSA hosted a panel event featuring four attorneys from different backgrounds: entrepreneurship, public service, and sports law. It was the first panel BLSA has done in the last two years. After the event, a student came up to me and said they hadn’t seriously considered a certain legal path until hearing one of the panelists talk about their journey. And that’s really the point of events like this: to show Black students the wide range of legal paths available beyond the traditional big law route.
For me, this was incredible to see because it reflected the vision I set for BLSA this year. I built my leadership around three pillars: social, professional, and academic. Seeing the panel resonate with students confirmed that instinctively, I understand what students need, and I’m actively working to fill that gap. Moments like this make all the planning, organizing, and effort feel completely worth it.
I’m fortunate to have a strong board, which makes a huge difference. But there are challenges too. Processes aren’t always streamlined, misinformation exists, and juggling multiple personalities, while balancing law school and self-care, can be overwhelming. I think if this were a full-time leadership role, it would be more manageable. Combined with law school, it’s a lot.
Classes are going okay. I wouldn’t say I have a favorite this semester, and constitutional law continues to be my least favorite, no surprises there. The semester feels like it’s flying by. I can’t believe it’s October already, and soon it will be November and finals. I know for a fact I’m not fully prepared for finals, and yeah, I’m nervous, but I’m trying to stay positive and focused.
It’s also been interesting to watch the 1L students come in. They’re younger, have different energy, and it reminds me of my own classmates from last year. Sometimes I catch myself downplaying how much I know, but interacting with them reminds me just how far I’ve come in a year. It’s also a little dreamlike; seeing new students makes me feel older, but in a good way, like I’ve grown and learned more than I realized.
My focus remains on strengthening BLSA, staying on top of my classes, and being intentional with my time. Law school is overwhelming, and it’s not just about showing up; it’s about making deliberate choices with your energy and time. For me, it’s about balancing leadership, learning, and self-care while still pushing to achieve meaningful outcomes.
So that’s where I’m at: busy, challenged, learning, and still trying to figure out how to do it all without burning out. But knowing that my efforts are helping others grow makes it all worthwhile.
December 2025
As unbelievable as it feels, we’ve reached the end of the fall semester of 2L year. Let me just say, this semester flew by. One of my classmates put it perfectly: “The days are long, but the weeks zoom past.” Never has a sentence felt more accurate.
I’m relieved this semester is over because it has been busy and hectic in every imaginable way. Balancing classes with attending meetings, executing events, and running an organization has been a lot. And honestly, I can only imagine what it’s like for my peers juggling multiple leadership roles or several orgs at once. When people say they work you to death during 2L year, they are not exaggerating.
Am I ready for finals? Absolutely not. But as always, I have faith in myself. This semester made one thing clear: I focus significantly better in the library than at home, so that’s where I’ll be living during finals week. I’ve also learned that studying in bursts helps me understand the material more deeply. Even now, I’m still figuring out what works best for me, how I learn, and how to apply everything I’ve been absorbing.
Law school classes feel like giving you the ingredients, talking you through the cooking techniques, and showing you pictures of the finished dish. Then the final asks you to run an entire restaurant kitchen during a dinner rush.
And all the while, life outside of law school hasn’t exactly slowed down. This semester has unfolded against a turbulent national climate, with policies from the Trump administration affecting law students and the communities we care about. 2L year has been so demanding that I rarely have a moment to sit with the news, let alone absorb what it really means. It’s a strange tension; being immersed in legal education during a politically intense moment, yet so consumed by school that you’re just trying to stay afloat.
But I am excited for next semester. I’m taking a lighter course load, which I desperately need after the chaos of this fall. My classes will be Evidence, Bankruptcy, Corporate Tax, and Legal Writing II: Written & Oral Advocacy. I’ll also be serving as a student representative on the Budget Advisory and Planning Committee. I already have a sense that I’ll be pushing back on some proposals, but that’s part of the role; advocating for students, asking the right questions, and making sure things add up before decisions move forward.
Plus, I’ll be competing in the Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Competition at the Western Region BLSA (WRBLSA) Annual Convention in Las Vegas. To be honest, I didn’t want to compete (and part of me still doesn’t), but it’s a good way to ease myself back into legal writing and oral advocacy; skills I’ll be relying on heavily next semester anyway. And let’s be real: a trip to Vegas and a long-overdue reunion with In-N-Out after three years is not the worst motivation.
It’s wild to realize I’m already halfway through law school. I’m grateful time is moving quickly, even if that also means I am, unfortunately, aging. (Don’t worry, I still look good.)
This winter break is about to be a whole tour. I’m starting with Costa Rica for some much-needed time to myself. After a semester of constant engagement as president, I need a moment to slow down, breathe and recharge. After that, I’m heading home to Jersey to see my mom and friends, then off to Canada with a friend, then back to Seattle, only to immediately head to Vegas for WRBLSA Convention. Will I ever do this much travel during a school break again? Probably not. But then again, it depends on how dramatic next semester turns out to be.
This semester had its ups and downs, but I’m proud of myself for staying strong through all of it. I cannot believe that after one more semester, I’ll officially be a 3L.
Like… how? I was just a 1L.
But here we are. Growing, learning and thriving.
