Raising The Bar
Donation protected
Growing up I have always aspired to become an attorney. The journey that I embarked upon leading me to where I am today was nothing short of an adventurous novel with burst of adversity to keep me humble.
My name is Enriqueta Perez, "Katie," and I am the youngest of four siblings. From an early age I told my single mother that I had big dreams of becoming a lawyer. I thank my mother for her sacrifice. We were raised far below the socio-economic line financially, but my vision for the future was rich.
My mother did not graduate from high school but instilled the value of knowledge into my heart from very early on. She woke us up every morning and made sure that we had perfect attendance and high academic achievement.
I attended Fox Tech High School, a law and research magnet school, located in inter-city San Antonio. My teachers and administrators imparted community service onto me. School was more than just tests. My teachers taught me how to be a student, a friend, a mentor, how to be compassionate and how to leave a footprint for those behind me. I graduated third in my class and received a full-paid scholarship to Texas A&M University in College Station. I am a first generation college student.
Before I departed from my hometown, I told everyone that I was going to go to France. I didn't know how I was going to get there but I knew my heart desired to travel abroad. I decided to make breakfast tacos every morning to raise the money for my adventure. Before I knew it I had raised $5,000 and went to France, Italy, Switzerland, and England for two weeks once I graduated high school.
During high school, I was blessed with people. By true happenstance I went to prom and forgot my camera. When I went into the most quaint store in La Villita I met a woman who would change my life. Chris Van Wyk owned the shop and when I walked inside with my prom gown, she wanted to take a picture and was gleaming with smiles. At the end of the serendipitous meeting she said "Do you want a job!" I said "Yes!" :) It was my first job and I have been there ten years now.
Chris has been an advocate for my cause since day one. She helped support me financially, emotionally, and mentally. The journey was not always easy but she was always there to give me the jacket off her back, the food from her table, the keys to her shop, and opened a path into her heart. Her maternal love and encouragement has been tantamount in molding me into the strong woman I am today. She is the reason I give my time and effort to my community, because she always led by example.
My last two years of high school I was offered a co-op opportunity to work with a lawyer. I jumped for joy to finally get to meet a lawyer. John C. Laye, Jr. took me under his wing and let me inside his circle. He introduced me to all of his friends including Julie, Georgie, Rosa, David, and Alma. I was ecstatic! These individuals became my mentors, friends, and family. They rooted for me the entire time and showed me the path I needed to take to capture my dreams. When I moved to school, they gave me the furniture from their own house since I had nothing but a bed to sleep on.
Throughout college I devoted my time to community service. I raised money for a tumor fund, dedicated 30 hours each semester to cleaning up highways, feeding senior citizens at LULAC, helping children within the community, and motivating high school students to attend college. I studied abroad in China for two months and learned mandarin.
One day during the summer of 2012, my dreams became a reality. I received an acceptance letter to law school. The first year was unbearable, but the experience was invaluable. Despite the challenge, I attained my goal and was invited to become a member of the Law Review. I later became Lead Articles Editor and signed a contract to be published the summer of 2015. I participated in Moot Court, Mock Trial, Board of Advocates, Ambassadors, and other academic programs.
But community service remained close to my heart. I volunteered at the Harris County District Attorney's Office for one year. The following year, Harris County DA offered me a paid position in the Grand Jury. Honored by the opportunity that was only available to a handful, I worked there for another year. During the holidays I worked at the shop in La Villita. The Asian Bar Association awarded me with the Honorable Herbert W. Gee Memorial Community Service Scholarship. As first generation law student, I graduated Cum Laude in May 2015 and became Enriqueta A. Perez, JD.
But I cannot say I did this alone. Every single person within my community came together as a driving force to help me along the way. Some bought tickets in the fundraisers I held, some opened up their home to me, some let me stay the night at their house while I worked, some shared a meal with me, some lent me a shoulder to cry on, others sent text to wake me up for exams, all sent prayers for my success.
Now I have reached an unprecedented milestone. During the next couple of months I will be preparing for my bar exam. I cannot work during bar prep. I have enrolled into the BARBRI course and will begin studying the last week of May thru July. I take my bar exam July 28, 29, 30.
This is the first time in my life that I will be unable to work. I have worked multiple jobs through high school, college, and law school to make ends meet. To prepare financially, I am encouraging You to help Me Raise The Bar!
Come along for the this epic journey.
Thank you for your love, support, and prayers in advance!
Warmly,
Enriqueta A. Perez
Katie
My name is Enriqueta Perez, "Katie," and I am the youngest of four siblings. From an early age I told my single mother that I had big dreams of becoming a lawyer. I thank my mother for her sacrifice. We were raised far below the socio-economic line financially, but my vision for the future was rich.
My mother did not graduate from high school but instilled the value of knowledge into my heart from very early on. She woke us up every morning and made sure that we had perfect attendance and high academic achievement.
I attended Fox Tech High School, a law and research magnet school, located in inter-city San Antonio. My teachers and administrators imparted community service onto me. School was more than just tests. My teachers taught me how to be a student, a friend, a mentor, how to be compassionate and how to leave a footprint for those behind me. I graduated third in my class and received a full-paid scholarship to Texas A&M University in College Station. I am a first generation college student.
Before I departed from my hometown, I told everyone that I was going to go to France. I didn't know how I was going to get there but I knew my heart desired to travel abroad. I decided to make breakfast tacos every morning to raise the money for my adventure. Before I knew it I had raised $5,000 and went to France, Italy, Switzerland, and England for two weeks once I graduated high school.
During high school, I was blessed with people. By true happenstance I went to prom and forgot my camera. When I went into the most quaint store in La Villita I met a woman who would change my life. Chris Van Wyk owned the shop and when I walked inside with my prom gown, she wanted to take a picture and was gleaming with smiles. At the end of the serendipitous meeting she said "Do you want a job!" I said "Yes!" :) It was my first job and I have been there ten years now.
Chris has been an advocate for my cause since day one. She helped support me financially, emotionally, and mentally. The journey was not always easy but she was always there to give me the jacket off her back, the food from her table, the keys to her shop, and opened a path into her heart. Her maternal love and encouragement has been tantamount in molding me into the strong woman I am today. She is the reason I give my time and effort to my community, because she always led by example.
My last two years of high school I was offered a co-op opportunity to work with a lawyer. I jumped for joy to finally get to meet a lawyer. John C. Laye, Jr. took me under his wing and let me inside his circle. He introduced me to all of his friends including Julie, Georgie, Rosa, David, and Alma. I was ecstatic! These individuals became my mentors, friends, and family. They rooted for me the entire time and showed me the path I needed to take to capture my dreams. When I moved to school, they gave me the furniture from their own house since I had nothing but a bed to sleep on.
Throughout college I devoted my time to community service. I raised money for a tumor fund, dedicated 30 hours each semester to cleaning up highways, feeding senior citizens at LULAC, helping children within the community, and motivating high school students to attend college. I studied abroad in China for two months and learned mandarin.
One day during the summer of 2012, my dreams became a reality. I received an acceptance letter to law school. The first year was unbearable, but the experience was invaluable. Despite the challenge, I attained my goal and was invited to become a member of the Law Review. I later became Lead Articles Editor and signed a contract to be published the summer of 2015. I participated in Moot Court, Mock Trial, Board of Advocates, Ambassadors, and other academic programs.
But community service remained close to my heart. I volunteered at the Harris County District Attorney's Office for one year. The following year, Harris County DA offered me a paid position in the Grand Jury. Honored by the opportunity that was only available to a handful, I worked there for another year. During the holidays I worked at the shop in La Villita. The Asian Bar Association awarded me with the Honorable Herbert W. Gee Memorial Community Service Scholarship. As first generation law student, I graduated Cum Laude in May 2015 and became Enriqueta A. Perez, JD.
But I cannot say I did this alone. Every single person within my community came together as a driving force to help me along the way. Some bought tickets in the fundraisers I held, some opened up their home to me, some let me stay the night at their house while I worked, some shared a meal with me, some lent me a shoulder to cry on, others sent text to wake me up for exams, all sent prayers for my success.
Now I have reached an unprecedented milestone. During the next couple of months I will be preparing for my bar exam. I cannot work during bar prep. I have enrolled into the BARBRI course and will begin studying the last week of May thru July. I take my bar exam July 28, 29, 30.
This is the first time in my life that I will be unable to work. I have worked multiple jobs through high school, college, and law school to make ends meet. To prepare financially, I am encouraging You to help Me Raise The Bar!
Come along for the this epic journey.
Thank you for your love, support, and prayers in advance!
Warmly,
Enriqueta A. Perez
Katie
Organizer
Enriqueta Perez
Organizer
Houston, TX