2024–25 Student Scholar, Reiss Center on Law and Security
Orison S. Marden Moot Court Competition Finalist
Executive Editor, Journal of Legislation and Public Policy
Before going to NYU Law, you were a teacher in the Bronx. How has that experience informed your perspective as you’ve pursued your law degree?
My experience as a teacher has kept me grounded throughout my time in law school. It’s easy to get lost in the heady, sometimes “ivory tower” air of legal academia. Working with kids keeps you real. They remind you of what’s important, and they ensure that you should never start to take yourself too seriously.
More substantively, my time teaching during the height of the pandemic, in one of the poorest congressional districts in the country, reminded me of the needs of communities that stand to gain—or lose—the most from the power of the law. Regardless of where my career takes me, I remain motivated to use my legal training in service of those communities.
You have taught debate and you were a Marden Moot Court finalist—is it your talent for debate that encouraged you to pursue law?
I have enjoyed reading, writing, and debate since I was in high school. The process of forming unique and persuasive arguments about important issues was exciting to me, and I always had a bit of a competitive spirit—an innate desire to win—that now seems apt for a career in law. I’m fortunate to now be surrounded by incredibly talented people at NYU Law from whom I have learned a great deal about effective oral advocacy and who inspire me to continue to improve my skills.
What classes and professors have had the most profound effect on you at NYU Law?
I particularly loved Constitutional Law with Professor [Kenji] Yoshino. On the first day, he explained that his guiding teaching philosophy is “the pedagogy of joy,” and I felt that in each and every class. He is such a special professor and made the course content feel deeply relevant and important.
I also enjoyed Criminal Law and Evidence with Professor [Erin] Murphy, whose enthusiasm for the content was palpable.
What do you most like to do *outside* of class? What’s your favorite way to spend a day in New York City?
I love going on long walks, especially along the Hudson River or in Central Park. Sometimes you can find great free activities, like kayaking on the Hudson or pickup soccer. A fresh New York bagel is also a great way to start the day.
Did you read any books or hear any podcasts lately that you would recommend?
I often listen to Pod Save America and Pod Save the World—I think they provide insightful and often humorous commentary on current domestic and global events. I also listen to Strict Scrutiny, co-hosted by NYU Law’s very own Professor Melissa Murray, which keeps me informed of breaking legal news.
I do most of my reading for fun over the summer. This past summer, I read a couple of books by David Sedaris, as well as Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking, all of which I recommend.
Posted September 20, 2024