I moved across the country from Florida to Colorado on a whim, bringing only a couple of suitcases. I knew nobody, had never visited the state, and did not have family or a car here. Yet something about this colorful, vibrant state drew me to stay for my law school career, and I am so glad I did.
I remember my first day of orientation, thinking I do not look like anyone else. It was initially jarring to be surrounded by students who immediately seemed to mesh, while I felt out of place. Perhaps it was my own lack of confidence—feeling different because I was a minority and no one in my family had followed the same path toward a legal career—that made me feel this way. Or maybe it highlighted a broader issue: the underrepresentation of Asians in the field of law. I realized I had the opportunity to contribute to our small but impactful numbers in Colorado.
Finding my footing during my 1L year was challenging. I wish I could say I was a superstar student right away and instinctively knew how to navigate law school. As a first-generation law student without family to offer advice or connections in the Denver legal community, it was tough.
My confidence grew in the second semester. Making a lifelong friend with a shared Asian American background and becoming more involved in the Asia Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) were a tremendous help. I attended APABA events, such as the community legal clinic, the Lunar New Year festival, and the APABA annual banquet. I also joined the Sports & Entertainment Law Journal (SELJ) as a Staff Editor, planned my first event for the DU Law Outdoor Club (DULOC), including a goat yoga event to channel my love for yoga, and matched with the firm Hall Booth Smith, P.C. through the Pledge to Diversity program, which provided valuable connections to their fantastic legal team.
In my 2L year, I will continue my involvement with APALSA serving on the board as the Historian. I will also stay involved with SELJ as a Production Editor and with DULOC as the President. I will also start my role as a student attorney for the Community Economic Development Clinic.
I aspire to become a lawyer who champions representation and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. Despite the challenges of my 1L year, I’ve gained invaluable mentors through APABA and DU Law’s student attorney mentor program, made many supportive friends, joined clubs that ignited my interests, learned from knowledgeable professors, spent my summer at an amazing firm, and created memories I would not trade for anything. I am fortunate to be a law student at DU Law and look forward to continuing my journey next year.
Kristine Castillo is a rising 2L at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. She graduated from Florida State University with a double major B.A. in English: Editing, Writing and Media and Public Health with a minor in Philosophy of Science. She recently completed an externship with Hall Booth Smith, P.C, delving into areas ranging from medical malpractice defense to construction to employment law. She enjoys music, yoga, reading, and spending time with friends.
Comments