"I often think about the work I do and how much I try to make Professor Merton proud" -Paul A

There are many people that come into your life and make a big difference in the trajectory of your story. But there are few people that are monumental in shaping up how that story goes. These special people will never be forgotten and play such a huge role in the person you have become. To me, one of those people is Professor Merton.

Since I was 18 years old, I always knew I wanted to be an immigration attorney. It was a dream of mine and probably my parents as well since we are all first generation immigrants. I worked in the legal field for many years before going to law school. When I was accepted to Pace, Professor Merton was the person that I was most excited to meet because I had read so much about her and the Immigration Justice Clinic. I knew I had to find a way to be a part of it. Although IJC mostly took only 3Ls, Professor Merton gave me the opportunity to try it as a 2L. The rest is history.

She taught me so much about the kind of attorney that I should be. The attorney that I am today. With the main value of giving service to others. I once asked her why she gave me cases that we knew we couldn't win. She gave me an analogy that we were like doctors who deal with terminally ill patients. Even though there's nothing that can be done, we will always hold their hand until the end and they will value so much that we fought for them and stood by their side.

She always encouraged me to be a leader and be involved in anything that I could to make a difference in this world. I opened up my own law office and I'm also an elected official. I often think about the work I do and how much I try to make Professor Merton proud.

I'll always be amazed about the support and kindness she gives to all. I am privileged to call her my mentor and a hero of mine. I can only strive to touch so many lives as she has in her journey of life.

I wish her so many blessings in her retirement and will always keep her in my mind.

Paul A