I am a first-generation Filipino-African American 3L law student at Delaware Law School. My grandparents, who were farmers, only had an elementary education. Akin to many Filipino parents, my mother wanted me to go into medicine for the money, but I desired to go into practicing law to be the change that I wanted to see in my community. My grandparents were selfless individuals that worked and sacrificed to ensure that my mother and her siblings would receive a better education. Their sacrifices inspired me to use my education and privilege as a law student—and soon-to-be attorney—to help alleviate those in disadvantaged situations. I am interested in AAPI and minority communities because there are not enough of us in the law. Although I have acquired several legal-related job and internships throughout my time in law school, I am incredibly proud of the contributions that I have made on campus and in my APPI/BIPOC communities. As classes resumed in person on campus during my second year, I joined clubs to mentor incoming first-year students and help to further diversity initiatives on campus. I became the secretary of the Asian Law Student Association (ALSA), which led to my 2022-2023 election as Vice President. As the Vice President of ALSA, I have executed several events to increase club participation, serve the community, and educate the student body on the impact of Asian- American lawyers throughout history. Additionally, I am on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Board of my school. As a Council member of the DEI Board, I promote the ideas and mission of ALSA by helping to improve cultural competency, promote the admissions of a more diverse student body and create campus events alongside the other affinity groups. I am also the 2022-23 Secretary for both the Women’s Law Caucus (WLC) and Food and Drug Law Association. As one of a few API/BIPOC members of WLC, I applied for a role on the executive board to expand WLC’s mission to incorporate more events tailored to acknowledging the contributions of ALL women in the legal field. For example, we are creating a Women’s Day event that will have female, alumni guest speakers from all the affinity groups on campus. Additionally, I have helped in past event collaborations between ALSA and WLC. Aside from my on-campus activities, I volunteer with Sanctuary Farms in North Philadelphia helping to end systemic racial oppression and economic injustice by converting abandoned areas into gardens to promote nutrition and growth in food deserts. Additionally, I volunteer with the Christian Legal Clinics of Philadelphia executing pro bono work in-person and remotely for low-income Philadelphians in need of legal assistance. Furthermore, I also volunteer with Delaware Volunteer Legal Services as a Law Clerk conducting intakes for low-income individuals seeking legal assistance in a variety of legal matters. The stereotype is that Filipinos are just nurses. I have taken initiatives in my communities to demonstrate that Filipinos are also leaders. I believe that through my work history, volunteer experiences and contributions on and off campus, I have displayed the inherent professionalism, excellence, integrity and leadership found in the Filipino/AAPI culture.

1. A healthy work-life balance matters the most to me. As a first-generation law student with relatives overseas, I instinctively thought that having a lucrative career to support myself and my family would matter most to me. However, when I attempt law school, I quickly learned to value a healthy work-life balance for my mental sanity. My first year of law school was conducted remotely. I was clinically depressed by the end of my first year because I solely focused on perfection and trying to be the best while neglecting my health. I constantly put pressure on myself to do well to subsequently have a lucrative career that will provide me an abundance of happiness through the wealth it brought. However, after taking a couple of steps back, I reevaluated my approach to life. My support system helped me through finding what mattered most to me. Fighting depression without the aid of medication took a village. My village of supporter helped re-introduce activities that brought joy. I stopped dedicating the majority of my day to studying and started to go on walks, hang out with friends and family, travel, volunteering and engage in activities that made me appreciate life. I found happiness in being able to find my passions and purpose, developing quality relationships with those around me, and focusing on maintaining my health. I realized that by focusing on a balance -- health is truly in itself wealth. 2. I learned that the law school application process slowly introduces you to law school life. First, the application process teaches you about organization. An important skill as a law student and future attorney. You miss an application date? Then, you pay for the consequences, much like the practice of law. While in law school, I found myself writing due dates for papers and exams because I was in charge of managing my class load. If I forgot to study for an exam or studied at the last minute because I forgot a due date, that was on me. Second, the LSAT, while controversial, prepares you for the time constraints and quick thinking necessary for taking law school exams and the bar. You have an average of 1 minute and 48 seconds to answer an MBE question on the bar. My law school exams follow this same rule. When I transitioned into law school, I found that the LSAT was a precursor that prepared me for limited time constraints. Third, the application process teaches you about persistence. My first LSAT score was below the average. Although I was distraught, I continue to study harder and re-take the test because I was determined to become a lawyer. Persistence is needed in a law student and as an attorney because every day will not be sunshine and rainbows. As a law school student, I was fighting to prove myself as a student against the notorious curve. Some grades were better than others, and I had to choose every step of the way to push forward.