By Jennifer Tamariz Bautista, Fellow Class of 2014
Loyola University
Being a LAW SCHOOL … Sí Se Puede Fellow has been both an honor and a blessing. The relationship I have created with my mentors has definitely been one of the biggest benefits I have gained as a Fellow. Each and every one of my mentors has something unique to contribute, not to mention their genuine interest and concern as to how I am doing. One of my mentors, Andrew Volin, is an attorney at Sherman & Howard. He makes a great effort to ensure we have time to check in with each other and never fails to ask how I'm doing and how I'm managing, not only with my school work, but also with everything else that I am involved in. He gives great insight and oftentimes provides tips for when I'm feeling troubled. Meredith Rose is another one of my mentors. She works as a clerk for Justice Hood and gave me the pleasure of a tour of the Colorado Supreme Court. Meredith also makes sure I'm managing well and is very thoughtful - she sent me and my roommate a care package to help us get through midterms. Adrien Anderson is a student at DU's Sturm College of Law. She too goes through what I am going through with school and oftentimes checks in to see how I'm doing. Since we usually have monthly meetings and not every body's schedule is similar, Adrien always makes sure she takes time to check in with me if she can't make it to any of the group meetings. It's always nice catching up and hearing about how school is going for the both of us. All three of my mentors are an incredible support system. My college experience definitely would not be the same if it weren't for them. I don't always get the support I wish I would get from home, and it's nice having someone to turn to. My mentors cheer me on and encourage me to keep doing what I'm doing, which motivates me to keep working hard so that I can achieve my goals.
Because I did not become a Fellow until I was a sophomore in college, I had a completely different mindset during my freshman year. Being able to get to know Judge Arguello has allowed me to see that I can achieve whatever I want to achieve. It takes hard work and dedication but most importantly, it takes belief in oneself. She is extremely inspiring and such a great role model. It is evident that what she wants most is for younger generations to succeed and because of the support system I have through my mentors and LAW SCHOOL … Sí Se Puede, I know I will. I know I can turn to them whenever I need to whether it is for insight, support, encouragement, or to celebrate my success. Being a LAW SCHOOL … Sí Se Puede Fellow is something I will be eternally grateful for.
