Stories

I knew I wanted to study law from a very young age. I also knew chasing this dream would take a lot of commitment, resources, and most importantly, support from those around me. The LAFD merit scholarship was one of the greatest examples of community support I received to begin my academic pursuits. The scholarship funds allowed me to attend UC Berkeley, fall more in love with the study of law, and ultimately land where I am today.

With the help of the LAFD merit scholarship, it was possible for me to attend UC Berkeley and focus on studying both geography and legal studies. My goal was to learn more not just about the law, but about the world around me and how the two can be at odds. I knew I wanted to go directly to law school once I graduated from Berkeley, but quite a few people made a point of telling me that it was not a good idea for one reason or another. But I already knew that my family and community around me saw my potential and believed I could succeed. So I remembered what my dad always said growing up, applied to law school anyway, and "didn't let anyone tell me otherwise."

In Fall 2018 I started law school at UC Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. At Hastings I learned how many different career paths there were for budding lawyers. I spent the majority of my time in law school working pro bono for lower income elders in San Francisco through a clinic called the Medical-Legal Partnership for Seniors, or MLPS. Through MLPS I helped our elderly clients create important estate planning documents, access public benefits they might not have been aware of otherwise, apply for veteran's benefits, and more. I also advocated on clients' behalves against one of the largest mobile phone companies in the country when they improperly took advantage of our clients' age and vulnerability. I saw firsthand how many members of our older generations are often cast aside and left to deal with difficult matters such as these completely on their own. It was incredible to see the gratitude my clients felt after we worked together. I didn't even have elder law on my radar when I entered law school, but by the time I graduated I knew this was a field I could really make a difference in.

Since graduating from Hastings in 2021, I've lived in San Diego and worked in private practice. I work everyday to represent the interests of older adults in my community and protect them from physical and financial abuse. I know I have a long way to go in my career, but if I've learned anything from my dad's time with the LAFD, it's that even at a young age you may already know what career is right for you.

It certainly was not just my own ambition that sent me toward a legal career. My parents, who never doubted my ability to succeed, did (and still do) everything they could to ensure I achieved my dreams, no matter how big or small. They taught me to never settle in life, which is exactly the mindset I needed to get through decades of schooling even when I wanted to quit. I also learned countless lessons watching my dad's career with the LAFD progress. I watched him work harder than most people I know and always strive to do what is right not just for himself, but for his family and colleagues alike. These and many more invaluable lessons from my parents make up the foundation of my character and are the reasons I will always work tirelessly for what I believe in. I have found a real purpose in representing elders and their families, and I am grateful that I learned to never settle until I found my passion. Thank you again to the LAFD Scholarship Fund for believing in me from the very beginning!