June 01, 2020

Mentorship

June 01, 2020/ LAW SCHOOL … Sí Se Puede

By Camilla Rodriguez, Fellow Class of 2019
University of Denver

When I first got accepted into the program, my heart jumped with excitement simply because I knew it was a step closer into my career path. As a first generation college student, I have always had to advocate for myself to find the necessary resources that would help me succeed. I appreciate the mentors I have had in life because they have guided me into going to college and have always believed in me when I have doubted myself the most. I am incredibly thankful to now have mentors who can guide me into the law field and support me through my college career.

Having mentors is LSYWC has allowed me to learn about the variation of jobs within the law field and create connections with judges and attorneys. My favorite part of being in the program is being able to attend events such as the Hispanic Bar Association. It is inspiring to see other people who look like me become successful, it gives me hope and motivation to continue fighting for my dreams.

Having mentors is significant to me because they help me stay grounded during the most difficult times. Being a Latina from a low-income community has been difficult at the University of Denver (DU). People look at me differently, and the culture is different compared to where I come from. Meeting monthly with mentors reminds me of the support I have and pushes me to continue fighting against the stigmas assigned to me. I am very lucky to have passionate mentors who are always ready o advise me during the struggles I encounter in college. I am blessed to be part of LSYWC because it ignites a fire inside me that motivates me to continue reaching for my dreams. Thank you LSYWC for supporting me and providing amazing mentors that help me prepare in becoming the advocate my community needs.

“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)