Written by: Addison Roberts, Caminos al Futuro 2024
Latinas belong in the House of Representatives, Senate, Oval Office and beyond.
These words have stuck with me throughout this past week as we met incredible leaders. I had the honor of speaking with and learning from Professor Paulina Vera. A George Washington alumna and Professorial Lecturer in Law at the GW Law School, Professor Vera also supervises the GW Law Immigration Clinic, where about eight to ten students can gain real-world experience by working pro bono cases.
My classmates and I had the opportunity to visit one of the mock trial courtrooms and act as attorneys in two different cases. These cases were actually argued in court by Professor Vera and her law students. We were divided into two groups, each assigned one of the cases. My case involved a woman seeking asylum in the US, while the other case concerned a man hoping to obtain a U visa.
Afterwards, Professor Vera gave us a tour of the larger mock trial courtroom at the GWU Law School. Walking into that courtroom and sitting in those chairs, knowing that so many amazing people have sat and argued their cases, was amazing. One thing about me is that I love being right and participating in a mock trial solidified my desire to become a lawyer. I also love listening and bringing justice to all people.
I have known for a very long time that I want to pursue a career in law. Seeing Professor Vera as a strong and powerful Latina lawyer gave me a role model for my future. I am so grateful to have been able to experience even a glimpse of what it is like to be a lawyer.
Addison Roberts is a 2024 Caminos al Future Scholar. Addison’s views are her own and not necessarily reflective of the Cisneros Institute.