Erika Chacon

Growing up, college didn’t feel like an option for me. I immigrated with my family from Mexico to the United States at a young age, and since then, I have had to learn how to be independent. To me, college always seemed far away, intimidating, expensive — like a benefit meant for other people. I didn’t see myself in college, and for a long time, it wasn’t even part of my plan. 

But now, I’m just weeks away from graduating this May with my bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Writing this feels surreal. And I’m so thankful I got the push I needed to take a chance on higher education and even more grateful for having found Law School… Yes We Can! (“LSYWC”) throughout this journey. 

LSYWC has given me what I didn’t even realize — that I now have the opportunity to go to law school. I am intelligent, I have the resources and resilience to succeed as I start applying for law school and thrive when I get there. I often wish I had found LSYWC earlier in my college journey. If I had, I know I would’ve felt more prepared and supported from day one. But even now, it’s made an enormous difference in my life. 

One of the most impactful benefits from LSYWC has been the mentorship. I was paired with someone already in the legal profession, someone I can reach out to at any time with questions, worries, or just to discuss things further. As a Latina, having someone who understands this career path and is willing to guide me through it has been everything. Just knowing I can turn to my mentor for help and guidance makes the idea of law school feel a lot less scary and a lot more possible. 

As a first-generation college student, I didn’t grow up hearing about the LSAT or personal statements. I didn’t know how to choose college classes with law school in mind, or how to build the kind of resume that admissions committees look for. LSYWC broke down all of those barriers for me. It helped turn a great challenge that once felt overwhelming into an opportunity that I could manage step by step. 

More than anything, LSYWC gave me direction, confidence, and a sense of community by reminding me that even if I didn’t start with all the answers, I’ve always had what it takes.