I am a second-generation Cuban American and the first generation in my immediate family to attend and graduate from college as well as to pursue studies in Law School. I received my Bachelors degree in Marketing from the University of Florida with a minor in Mass Communications. In college I was a member of the Pre-legal Honor Society and held the position of advertising chair.
Whilst my degree was in marketing, law has always been a powerful interest of mine. The specific areas of law that interest me as of now are trial advocacy and litigation, I have witnessed many court proceedings, understanding and therefore appreciating each one better than the last. I particularly admire the skill of the litigator who gracefully executes a powerful defense or examination, focusing on the sole purpose of achieving a positive outcome for his or her client.
That aspect of the justice system – the principle of speaking for those who lack that capability for themselves – has a strong appeal for me. Being part of a close-knit family originating from a humble background in Cuba, I am extremely empathetic to the underprivileged in our society. I recent travelled to Morocco in North Africa, where I was impacted by the cultural simplicity and communal unity I saw everywhere there, even though the vast majority of the population appear to live in poverty.
Having the benefit of a college education has helped me acquire a broader perspective on life, and has made a significant impact on my personal growth. I grew up in a poor family living in a small city and have needed to push myself to exponential heights to accomplish the goals I set. Whilst I am unashamedly goal-driven and extremely ambitious, and confess to being opinionated on occasion, I am nonetheless compassionate. I believe in helping people that need it the most and want to make an impact in the world, empowering people to achieve their aspirations, large or small. I believe in the fundamental good of humanity and am passionate about the pursuit of knowledge and the universal right to education. I have discovered in college that I have a natural aptitude for and am skilled in debate, which I foresee will be a definite advantage for a career in law. I am fluent in Spanish, and am currently learning Italian. Both languages are important in today’s American society, not least for those involved in the legal profession or the Justice system.
In terms of leisure pursuits, I favor the more physically active and outgoing variety. I have my black belt in Tae Kwon Do, I am in the process of obtaining certification as a rescue diver, and I am an agile skier. I prefer to lead rather than follow.
My family underwent tremendous struggles to get to where they are today. I would not be here and enjoying the privileges of a great American education if it were not for them and their fierce determination. My driving force and overall purpose is to ultimately give back to them for their benefit and for the greater good of society. My grandfather hijacked a boat from Havana, Cuba, in order to escape to America and thereby give his family their freedom, and his legacy is still kept alive in our family. Whilst we don't always have it all together, we are most definitely each other's biggest fans.
I have previously demonstrated my interpersonal skills working at a small industrial refrigeration company – Thermal Dynamics Inc. My duties there included touching base with important customers, service calls, managing financials, and mitigating problems, some of which included resolving legal issues to the advantage of my employers.
Subsequent to obtaining my PhD, my short-term goals are to work for the State as a prosecutor. Later, as a natural progression in my career, I believe that I will eventually seek employment at a private firm. My longer-term goals are to potentially hold a political position within the Senate/house and to acquire a PhD in finance, so that I can more effectively help my clients in particular types of cases such as bankruptcy or corporate law.
Thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing this Personal Statement.
