August 11, 2015

Why are you willing to spend the time to be a LAW SCHOOL … Sí Se Puede Mentor?

August 11, 2015/ LAW SCHOOL … Sí Se Puede

By Corelle Spettigue, Mentor
Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Colorado Attorney General

As a young woman who came from a relatively middle class background, I never really doubted that I would someday attend a university and pursue a career in something. That is just what my family did; what was expected. And, being a fickle teenager, I was not sure what that “something” might be. But I always enjoyed the security of knowing that I would figure it out. I had the support, stability, and good sense to figure it out, come what may.

What I did not know, and what I came to learn very quickly, is that I was a part of a very fortunate minority. For so many, it is not a question of where you want to attend school, but if you can afford it. Can you succeed in a place that is so foreign to you? Can you penetrate through the artificial barriers that hold so many back?

The answer is a resounding YES! But, like everyone, guidance and support are such an integral part to this journey for any young person. I was fortunate to have this invisible sense of security, largely because I sought guidance and support along the way. I hope to be able to pay that forward; to model behaviors that yield positive outcomes, meaningful relationships, and fulfillment in any endeavor. And, to be clear, the benefit is not one-sided. It is not only the Fellows who benefit from this program. It is uplifting and reassuring for me to know that we have such a strong and tenacious new generation of leaders emerging. The grit and determination that I get to witness from this group of young people is inspiring, and drives me to be a better parent, mentor and friend.

So, for these reasons, I am not only willing, but I am grateful for the opportunity to be a LAW SCHOOL … Sí Se Puede mentor. These incredible individuals have bright futures ahead of them, and we are all so lucky to get to watch them reach out and go after their dreams.

“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)