By Dimitrius Wells, Fellow Class of 2014
University of Denver
Since I was a child, I knew that I would be an attorney. Before wanting to be an attorney, I wanted to be the governor of Colorado. That dream was instantly shattered when my then family doctor had said “Dimitrius you will never be the governor of Colorado, be more realistic.” At the time, I could not understand why he would say such a thing to me because, in my eyes, this was a very achievable goal. I informed my parents of this statement, and they both reassured me that I could be whatever I wanted to be. Since that day, I believed that I could do whatever I put my mind to. Because my parents have always been my support system, I have to thank them for the high confidence levels that I have today. Whatever I want, I go after until I actually get it. So, when I found about about LAW SCHOOL … Sí Se Puede, I knew that this would be the key to opening as many doors as I want open.
Joining LAW SCHOOL … Sí Se Puede, has definitely allowed me to have opportunities that I may not have had. I have had the privilege to attend monthly meetings that not only pertain to law, but also, discuss how to further one’s education and success in the near future. Additionally, I have given speeches about this program to other attorneys and have had phone conversations with co-workers of my mentors as part of my efforts to obtain internships with a law firm in order to further my college career and preparation for law school. Most recently, I was interviewed by Channel 9 News regarding my achievements since entering college and how LAW SCHOOL … Sí Se Puede has helped me. Because LAW SCHOOL … Sí Se Puede has such a powerful team of attorneys, law students, as well as board of directors, I believe that sky is the limit when it comes to having success in this program. A phrase from one of my mentors that has stuck with me is “you literally have connections at your fingertips.” To me this meant that I should take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to me, because not everyone has something this beneficial handed to them.
I know that none of this would have been possible had I not heard about this program during my senior year of high school. During my senior year of high school, I was on the mock trial team. It was a week after graduation when my coach reached out to inform me of this program. She had explained this this was a program for underrepresented minorities who aspire to be attorneys in the future. When I read an overview of this program, I instantly applied because of the values of the program and the opportunities that were being presented to participants. When I told my parents about the program, I remember them both saying “why would you not apply.”
Since being a member of this program, I have had numerous peers tell me how they wish they had heard of this program when they were in high school. Having the same thoughts as me, they too, believe that the skills I am learning and the network I am developing as a result of being involved in LAW SCHOOL … Sí Se Puede are keys that can open many doors for my future. As I have talked to my peers about this program, I also talk to adults and professors about this program. I have never received a negative response from individuals when discussing this program with them. They, in fact, applaud me for having the courage to join LAW SCHOOL … Sí Se Puede. When speaking with “individuals of color,” they are especially proud me because they believe that this proves that anyone can choose to be successful as long as they want to be. I applaud the board of directors for this program, because they too know what it looks and feels like to be passed up for opportunities due to the simple fact that they do not look the “same” as others. I refuse to let my skin tone hold me back. I love proving others wrong by simply not living up to the negative stereotypes that are put on minority students. When I speak to my parents about this program, as well as the other programs and ambitions that I have for my future, I know that they are in awe of the moment. They can be proud that they have crafted a confident, intelligent student who will always choose the success route no matter what barriers get in the way.
