Yoselyn Roman-Rodriguez Blog

Only the Beginning
June 1, 2020

As I sit here and attempt to write this blog post, I am reminded of the journey my college career has been. I remember how each year, I would tell myself, “This semester can’t be bad as last semester.” Yet, to my surprise, each semester would get even more challenging then the last. However, this is not to say that they were terrible years, in fact these past four years have been the most memorable of my life. I have met incredible people—such as my mentors and Judge Arguello—and I have worked towards leaving my legacy on campus. I founded a multicultural sorority and became a part of a student cohort of marginalized students in the Political Science department. The Collective engages in anti-racist work to create a more equitable academic environment. While my last semester of college was abruptly cut short, I am proud of how far I’ve come and what I overcame.   

LSYWC has paired me with an amazing group of mentors who are always there to listen and give great advice. I have witnessed my mentor, Vanessa, study and work hard to graduate from Colorado Law. She has inspired me to continue on the path that I am on and has restlessly given me her support—either by helping me with LSAT prep or offering an ear to listen. My mentor Candyce, always reminds me of my worth and keeps me grounded after listening to me deal with my third existential crisis of the semester—I seem to have those often. My mentor Russell is passionate about the work he does, and that motivates me to keep pushing to reach my goals. They all have impacted my life for the better and I am forever grateful for them.   

I especially felt their support when I took the LSAT in July of 2019 and did not receive the score I wanted. It seemed impossible to overcome the self-doubt that I felt—but my mentors were there to reassure me that I am worthy, and I shouldn’t not give up if this is something I strongly yearn for. Even though my original plan was to go straight to law school after my undergrad, my mentors emphasized the benefits to taking a gap year. Thanks to them, I am now confident that taking a year off will favor me in that it will allow me to dedicate more time to prepare for the next chapter in my life.   

I am extremely grateful for the opportunities LSYWC has granted me. I am immensely proud to be a part of such a unique program that helps students, like myself, break down barriers and reach their goals. Being a first generation Latinx student, it can be tough to learn how to navigate (and succeed) within these academic structures that were not created for people of diverse backgrounds. Yet, LSYWC is creating that space through their mentorship program that is devoted to helping these students during their entire college career.   

Si se pudo. 

Defying the Odds; ¡Si Se Pudo!
June 5, 2019

My first year of college was not a smooth transition from high school. I found myself passing classes and struggling to keep my scholarship. I began to question if college was even the right path for me. I knew then that I would have to make a decision – drop out or consider a different major. I decided I would give it another try and switched majors from Architectural Engineering to Political Science. 

My second year of college was smoother but equally difficult. I no longer had studio courses, but instead had courses such as, American Politics– I had entered an unknown world. I relied on my advisor to guide me on my new journey, but there was only so much she could do. However, thanks to her, I applied to the Law School Yes, We Can program. 

After applying to the program, I was filled with anxiety waiting for the program’s response – I was ecstatic. At the interview, I met Judge Arguello who inspired and motivated me after sharing herreasonsto start the program. Being chosen to be a fellow of the program sparked a fire within me – to continue the law school path.

I was so nervous the first day I met my mentors that I anxiously waited for my mentors to find where I was sitting. My team was a perfect match. Russell, Candyce, and Vanessa have done an exceptional job at not only listening but giving advice. I am honored to have them in my life.

I grew up with a single mother and until I met Russell, I did not know what it was like to have a male figure rooting for me. He has been supportive and always makes sure I am on track. I remember the time we had lunch in his office. I was worrying about my LSAT prep course and when I should take it. He listened to every concern I had and then made me realize that if I kept coming up with excuses I would never sign up for the exam. He encouraged me to take risks. But the thing that stood out to me the most was the fact that he believed in me. 

I noticed that I surround myself with empowered and strong women, two of which are Candyce and Vanessa. These two women have taught me not to give up. Candyce always makes sure that I am on track to meet deadlines and with everyday life. Candyce reminds me that its ok to take a step back if I need to and makes sure I recognize the growth I have achieved. She keeps me grounded. Vanessa is always there to root for me, whether it be a good grade or my on-campus activism. Vanessa and I share a special connection because we are closer in age, but also because she makes me realize that I am worthy of wanting more for myself. Vanessa could be studying but still makes the time to hear me out; she is a big sister. 

I can be my harshest critic, but I am extremely fortunate to have my mentors to remind me of my worth. LSYWC has given me the opportunity to bond and share my experiences with people who have already gone through it. I hope one day I can do the same for someone else. 

“Sí, Se Puede” is a phrase born of farmworkers, who, under the leadership of the UFW, César Chávez, and Dolores Huerta, fought valiantly for equal protection under the law. As a result of the efforts of the UFW, “Sí, Se Puede” has become well known as a call that engenders hope and inspiration in those who face similar battles. We thank the UFW, whom we acknowledge to be the sole and exclusive owner of the Trademark SI SE PUEDE, for granting us a limited license to use“Sí, Se Puede” in connection with our efforts to recruit, in Colorado, students of Hispanic or Latino descent for our law school pipeline program. For more information about the programs offered by the UFW, please see UFW’s webpage (www.ufw.org); UFW Foundation’s webpage (www.ufwfoundation.org); and UFWF’s immigration services webpage (www.sisepuede.org)