Students on Diversity, Equity and Belonging

Hometown: San Leandro, California

Education: B.A. in English and East Asian studies, Johns Hopkins University; M.A. in humanities, University of Chicago

Student organizations/extracurricular activities: Asian Pacific American Law Students Association; Diversity Advisory Council; Virginia Law Weekly; Law, Innovation, Security & Technology; Student Bar Association; Virginia Journal of International Law

What does diversity mean to you? Diversity is an ongoing project to create an environment and community where everyone can thrive. This means more than recognizing and celebrating differences; it means dedicating resources to underrepresented groups so that all students can reach their full potential.

My voice at UVA Law was heard when… I ran for Student Bar Association senator and became chair of the Diversity Advisory Council. Diversity at the Law School is something I care passionately about and chairing DAC has given me new insight into how the administration is working to improve it. There is always more to be done, but I’m confident that we’re making headway. It’s heartening how much support I’ve gotten from Student Affairs, Admissions, Career Development and the Dean’s Office.

Advice for those considering applying to, or attending, UVA Law: Get involved! You get what you put into your community. Whether it’s club activities or other extracurriculars, find something you are passionate about and get involved. That’s how you’ll meet your best friends.

The community spirit: The first thing that struck me about the Law School when I arrived for orientation is how easy it is to talk with everyone. People here are super open to sharing their experiences and learning from each other. I think that’s what makes us such an engaged community — we care about each other and that shows in the way we interact. Students here are collaborative in their studies. I can’t count the number of times I’ve talked through a tough case with a classmate or had an upperclassman come through with a clutch outline. We help each other out and that makes us better scholars and future attorneys.

Hometown: Leander, Texas

Education: A.B. in public and international affairs, Princeton University 

Student organizations/extracurricular activities: Virginia Law Review, Black Law Students Association, Lambda Law Alliance, Community Fellows, Law Library student staff

What does diversity mean to you? To quote my favorite album, it means a seat at the table. But sheer inclusion only begins the work of diversity. We also have to empower marginalized voices and push them forward to truly be heard and received. It is important that our communities and institutions build a culture where everyone contributes and those contributions are valued. Only then can we build equity in our society.

My voice at UVA Law was heard when… As a 1L representative for Lambda Law Alliance, I co-sponsored and helped facilitate a discussion panel with Toccara Nelson ’19, Professor Dayna Matthew ’87, and Professor Kevin Gaines from Main Grounds on black queerness and related legal perspectives with BLSA. I firmly believe in the importance of intersectionality on legal analysis, and I was pleased to bring an event focusing on these issues to the Law School. We spoke about disparities, resilience in the community and the impact black queer thinkers have on legal scholarship. UVA Law offers copious opportunities for students to hold events on the issues that matter to them, and I did not waste time taking advantage of that.

Advice for those considering applying to, or attending, UVA Law: Consider the career opportunities your law school affords you. UVA Law students are highly sought after at all of the top law firms and litigation boutiques in the country. Additionally, our Career Development Office is the best in the game. When speaking to friends at peer schools, I am always proud to gloat about the fantastic support we have. The numbers do tell the story of an experienced office that is committed to getting you to your dream employment.

The community spirit: The various affinity groups in the Law School are tight communities- with each other and among themselves. We regularly collaborate with each other on social and educational events and show solidarities when justice is not served in the broader nation and world. I feel most affirmed and most proud of being a “Law Hoo” when any affinity group shines, and this unified strength was a significant factor in my decision to attend UVA Law.

Hometown: Atlanta

Education: B.A. in economics, minor in Spanish, University of Georgia

Student organizations/extracurricular activities:  Student Bar Association, Black Law Students Association, Peer Advisors, Community Fellows, Women of Color,   North Grounds Softball League, National Black Law Students Association

What does diversity mean to you? Diversity means ensuring that the individual complexities that make up the world are appropriately reflected in the spaces in which we work and learn.

My voice at UVA Law was heard when… I used it. As a member of Community Fellows, our cohort advocated for a resiliency space at the Law School. This year it was put into action with the support of our dedicated Student Affairs team. [The prayer/meditation room, SL 155, is available to students for quiet reflection.]

Advice for those considering applying to, or attending, UVA Law: Think about the kind of groups from which you will draw the most support and make sure that they 1) are represented at your school of interest; and 2) align with your personal interests and values. Law school can be a very mentally and emotionally challenging place, so it is important that you have the kind of support you will need to be successful. 

Hometown: Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Education: B.S. in business administration, economics, University of North Carolina

Student organizations/extracurricular activities: Virginia Law Review, Virginia Law Middle Eastern and North African Law Student Association, Muslim Law Students Association, Virginia Law Ambassadors, Admissions Student Life panelist

What does diversity mean to you? It means amplifying voices and empathizing with those who are different from us. Diversity is a way to engage with others, to learn and better ourselves and our communities. Ultimately, diversity can help us break down barriers across different subgroups in a productive way. 

My voice at UVA Law was heard when… I was encouraged to develop a Middle Eastern and North African community. There are about 30 students throughout the Law School with a MENA background who didn’t fit into any affinity group. A professor whom I had never met actually reached out to me to ask how the faculty could better support those students. With his support, along with my fellow classmate Rachael Joseph ’20 and the backing of the Admissions Office, we were able to successfully create a new community within the Law School. The Virginia Law MENA is now a strong affinity group within the school.

Advice for those considering applying to, or attending, UVA Law: Talk to current students. There’s no better way to get a feel for what life looks like at UVA Law. All sorts of people roam the Grounds, and by getting a taste of student life through one-on-one interaction, prospective students can really see what makes UVA Law special — the people. Students are always happy to chat with people considering UVA. 

The community spirit: UVA Law has a special something about it. Professors, students, the administration — everyone is invested in making the Law School, and greater Charlottesville community, a place we can call home. From softball and Student Bar Association socials to study groups and finals prep, people here truly care for one another. Even after you leave UVA Law, alumni are always willing to help — whether it be career advice, clerkship connections or casual networking.

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

Education: B.S. in f​inance, Barrett the Honors College at Arizona State University 

Student organizations/extracurricular activities: North Grounds Softball League, Middle Eastern and North African Law Student Association, Peer Advisors, Virginia Law Ambassadors Vice-Chair of Recruitment, Virginia Law & Business Review

What does diversity mean to you? Diversity of not only experiences, but also of thought and opinion, is vital to growth as a student and human being. We are fortunate to have professors and administrators who all recognize the importance of all forms of diversity.

My voice at UVA Law was heard when… I currently serve as president of the Middle Eastern and North African Law Student Association, and I feel that the administration genuinely cares about our organization and its place at the Law School. Dean Goluboff has held several meetings with MENA and other affinity groups in an effort to make sure that all of our organizations’ needs are being accommodated.

Advice for those considering applying to, or attending, UVA Law: Every student who has been admitted to UVA Law is clearly a bright student. I recommend continuing your study habits, workout routines, recreational activities, etc. It is also important to not get caught up in what other students are doing, and to realize that your established routines are likely best for you.

The community spirit: It sounds cliché, as most law schools make similar claims, but the community at UVA Law is about as collegial as they come. Everyone sincerely wants their classmates to succeed. Law school is not an easy experience, but you will have a work-life balance at UVA Law. Your classmates will be social, hard-working, and always there for you when you need them.

Hometown: New York City

Education: B.A. in mathematics, City College of New York

Student organizations/extracurricular activities: Co-president of Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, co-president of Virginia Law First-Generation Professionals, events co-chair of Virginia Law Women, Student Bar Association Diversity Advisory Committee, Women of Color

What does diversity mean to you? Diversity is just a fact of life for me. I was born in Seoul, South Korea; spent a few years in Los Angeles; and then grew up in New York City, so my life has always been filled with it. Diversity also means bringing all sorts of different perspectives into the mix. Everyone has different experiences, and everyone can benefit from being exposed to, appreciating and learning from these different backgrounds.

My voice at UVA Law was heard when… We founded Virginia Law First-Generation Professionals. It’s only recently that first-generation students are being recognized for their own unique backgrounds, and UVA Law now finally has our own first-generation group. There are issues that are unique to the first generation, and we’re starting to spark conversation about it not just among students, but also among the faculty. We also have representation in the SBA Diversity Advisory Committee. The group is just beginning, and I'm looking forward to seeing it grow.

Advice for those considering applying to, or attending, UVA Law: UVA Law is a unique place that’s different from anywhere else. There is no scarcity of resources, whether they come from fellow students, upperclassmen or the faculty — all you have to do is ask. My advice is don't be scared to ask! Everyone here is not only willing, but happy to make sure that your time in law school is some of the best years of your life.

The community spirit: Everyone genuinely cares about your well-being. If I ever missed class, I never had to ask for notes — my section mates offered it to me before I even had a chance to because they noticed I wasn’t there. Throughout the summer and during OGIs, I had upperclassmen and classmates check in on how I was doing, just for the sake of it. My mentors who graduated even still keep tabs on me, and they're sincerely interested in how I’m doing. UVA Law is a place where collegiality isn’t just a slogan that people throw around, but rather a place where it truly is part of the community.

Hometown: Sharon, Massachusetts

Education: B.A. in political science, minor in cognitive sciences, Tufts University

Student organizations/extracurricular activities: Virginia Law Women, Law and Public Service,  Minority Rights Coalition, Peer Advisor, Virginia Journal of International Law, Trial Advocacy Team

What does diversity mean to you? Diversity is a step in a long journey toward equity. It is not about having a few shining examples of “diversity.” It demands creating a society and removing the filters so that all walks of life become valued parts in the mosaic of our community. Diversity is not tolerance, but acceptance, inclusion, respect, and understanding of the unique qualities and lived experiences. It is disrupting conformity and becoming aware of the nuances of our intersectional characters. It is where people do not have to speak for others but where voices are represented as their own, and heard.

My voice at UVA Law was heard when… I met with the counselors at the Public Service Center to discuss my career path. The counselors are committed to ensuring that students find a career that marries up nicely to your scheme of values, interests and personality. Every time, I am astounded by the time and effort they take — beyond the job description — to consider my hopes, background and fears in supporting and advising me. With PSC, I feel confident that as I take the next step in my legal career, I will be in a place where I can grow and do right by my profession. 

Advice for those considering applying to, or attending, UVA Law: Make your own litmus test of success. You know what drives you to the legal profession: Wear it and live it. Your boundaries will be pushed, but do not let the challenge curve your dreams. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve gotten here at UVA is not to compare your inside with other people’s outside. Imagine that feeling when you’re wearing a sock and it’s slipping off your foot as you’re walking. Outwards, you seem perfect with those boots, but inside it’s chaos. Comparing your journey to that of others is not fair to you or to them. Sharing your journey, on the other hand, with the UVA community is probably the best decision you’ll make. When you’re on the other end, pass along the goodwill, kindness and generosity shown to you.

The community spirit: Undoubtedly, my favorite part of UVA Law is the community. Every time I interact with my Peer Advisors, section-mates, other students, professors, staff and any person associated with this law school, I feel humbled and at the same time irrevocably welcomed in their presence. The aptitudes presented by this community in valuing people — their voices, experiences and beliefs — are unmatched. I feel honored to grow as a lawyer in this community. The UVA Law community is caring, helpful and full of role models.