It's Possible as a Poet
• Whittier majors: Political Science and Government + Business Administration
What is your professional goal and why is it your goal?
My professional goal has remained constant: to open my own law firm. This ambition stems from a deep-seated desire to provide personalized, comprehensive legal services to clients during critical points of their lives. I envision a firm where I can leverage my diverse legal interests to offer holistic solutions. The ability to navigate the complexities of overlapping legal issues is what truly motivates me. I am grateful to be entering a profession that doesn’t confine you to a single practice area, but rather allows for versatility while making a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
How did your undergraduate years at Whittier help nurture and shape your goals?
Whittier’s liberal arts education fostered critical thinking, strong communication skills, and a broad understanding of societal issues – all essential tools for a legal career. Furthermore, Whittier’s commitment to social justice and community engagement resonated deeply with my desire to serve others. The College’s emphasis on ethical leadership and civic responsibility instilled in me a strong sense of purpose, reinforcing my commitment to using my legal skills to make a positive impact. The diverse academic environment at Whittier also broadened my intellectual horizons, exposing me to various disciplines and perspectives. This interdisciplinary approach helped me develop a well-rounded understanding of the world, which is essential for a lawyer who must navigate complex legal issues that often intersect with other fields.
What are the top three things you experienced at Whittier College that prepared you well for success?
1. Unwavering Focus on Writing and Critical Thinking: Whittier’s dedication to developing students as strong writers and critical thinkers was paramount. Every professor emphasized the importance of clear, persuasive oral and written communication. They also took the time to provide intentional and thorough feedback on our work product. My Whittier education made me feel uniquely prepared when I started my legal writing journey at Southwestern. Now, as a Writing Fellow at Southwestern’s writing center, I’m able to pass on those skills to other law students, further solidifying my own skill set.
2. Tight-knit Community: Whittier’s small class sizes are what make Whittier truly special. These small classes fostered enriching and meaningful discussions as well as close relationships with faculty. My active participation in class discussions built my confidence, ultimately helping cultivate my advocacy skills. The prevalence of the Socratic method in Whittier’s small classes pushed me to think on my feet, analyze complex issues, and articulate my arguments effectively.
Whittier’s staff and faculty are unmatched. Their level of intentionality is remarkable. As a first-generation student with minimal understanding about how to navigate higher education or establishing a career, planning beyond Whittier made me feel out of my depth. It was my professors who encouraged me to dream bigger and consider law school. The Student Life staff remained committed to developing me as a leader, encouraging me to get involved with ASWC Senate.
3. Leadership and Initiative in Extracurriculars: My leadership roles, particularly as ASWC Senate President and in the Athenian Society, along with my initiative in establishing the pre-law club, provided invaluable practical experience. These roles allowed me to develop essential skills in advocacy, leadership, organization, and networking.
Did Whittier provide you with scholarship and other financial aid?
In addition to need-based government aid, like the Pell Grant, I was a recipient of the John Greenleaf Scholarship during all my years at Whittier and did receive work-study. The financial assistance I received reflected Whittier’s desire to invest in me and my education. It made me feel that I was attending an institution that wanted me there just as much as I wanted to be there. This was proven true every time a faculty or staff member took time to develop me as a student and a leader.
You’re resume of extracurricular involvement at Whittier is impressive! What motivated you to serve as President of the Associated Students of Whittier College?
I served as President in my last year at Whittier. By this time, I had served in leadership for the Athenian Society, as Commuter Representative and Secretary for ASWC Senate, studied abroad in Japan, and worked for the Dean of Students Office and WCTheRock. I felt Whittier and its community had given me so much, I simply wanted to give back through my service and advocacy.
What other involvements were particularly meaningful and why?
A project that means a lot to me is Whittier College’s food pantry. While serving as Secretary of the Senate, I co-authored the Food Insecurity Bill, which allocated funding toward the development of the
College’s food pantry. As President, I remained committed to seeing this project through and worked with College leadership to bring the pantry to life. The pantry proved to be critical when the pandemic hit and continues to serve as a resource for the community.
My involvement in the Athenian Society has also been very meaningful. Societies are another special attribute of the College. Being a part of a Society really allowed me to create deep and strong ties with Whittier. To this day, my involvement in my Society keeps me connected to Whittier.
A particularly meaningful endeavor during my time at Whittier was the establishment of the Pre-law Club. Whittier’s faculty and staff cultivate a unique environment, one that champions student innovation and empowers us to transform nascent ideas into action. When I first presented the concept of the Pre-law Club, faculty and staff responded with nothing but encouragement and support. The experience of crafting this resource for my fellow students was profoundly rewarding, and the process of bringing it to fruition was equally impactful, reinforcing the College’s dedication to nurturing student initiative.
What are your favorite things about your Whittier College experience?
When I started college, the thought of studying abroad had never crossed my mind. It had seemed out of reach. However, Whittier prioritized giving students of all backgrounds access to study-abroad opportunities. While I was at Whittier, the College created the Global Poet Scholarship, which gave every student a designated amount of monetary funds to apply toward a study abroad experience. The scholarship allowed me to study international management and ethics in Japan during a May term in 2019. Prior to this experience, I had never traveled outside North America. The realization that I, a young woman from East Los Angeles, was immersed in the vibrant culture of Japan was nothing short of extraordinary.
Why should a prospective student interested in pursuing a career in law consider Whittier?
I have realized that preparing for law school does not start with the application process; it starts with choosing an undergraduate institution. Whittier’s faculty is genuinely invested in cultivating inquisitive minds and fostering a lifelong passion for learning. They genuinely care about students’ development in and outside the classroom. Whittier’s student life department is phenomenal and equally committed to ensuring Whittier’s students thrive. These relationships are especially useful for networking and during the law school application process. My close ties with Whittier’s faculty and staff enabled me to secure genuinely compelling letters of recommendation. My mentors also provided invaluable guidance in the refinement of my admissions essays. The Career Services Office facilitated access to crucial law school admissions fairs.
