October 16, 2015

Fear Could Not Stop Me.

October 16, 2015/ LAW SCHOOL … Sí Se Puede

By Jasmine Luna, Fellow Class of 2014
Regis University

“Does RED mean go? Although this may be obvious to most of us, it was not so obvious to Elliot Cook, the plaintiff in today’s trial.” This was how I began my opening statement in Denver’s 2014 Regional Mock Trial competition. Although my opening statement was pretty much meaningless for everyone in the audience after I preformed it, for me it was an eye opener. I hate public speaking, but I was not afraid to stand up and represent my client in the case. In fact, I felt comfortable presenting facts and evidence to the jury. After standing in front of a jury and feeling the adrenaline rush, I knew that I wanted to attend law school and pursue a career in law. However, I knew I needed some type of guidance to help me get admitted into law school. I heard about LAW SCHOOL … Sí Se Puede through my mock trial coaches and I knew I had to apply. I had never heard of any other program that offered such a great mentoring program that benefited students so much. Since becoming part of the program, I know I have been moving in the right direction because of what I have experienced so far. During my first semester of college, I was able to shadow one of my mentors, Anni, in her criminal lab class at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. This was such a special experience for me because I was able to visualize myself in the same classroom in just a few years and I promised myself that I will accomplish that goal. In addition, another mentor Cristal, was able to help me receive an internship at the City and County of Denver that I am excited to start soon. I know my internship will be one of many unforgettable and beneficial experiences that LAW SCHOOL … Sí Se Puede has granted me!

“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)