"Brilliance and gifts as an amazing orator and storyteller" -Barbara S

Dear Professor Vanessa,

You have had a profound effect on my life. You have inspired me to study immigration law and to continue working in the immigration field post graduation. You are a larger than life individual, and it is truly an honor to have worked with you these last five and a half years.

Taking a break from studying for the LSAT, in November 2018, I walked into the JJLS offices mid-week looking to volunteer. I had run out of copies of my resume, and left a copy of my paralegal certificate with my contact information handwritten on it with Brenda, the receptionist. When Brenda called me the next day to come in and meet you, I didn’t realize then how that meeting would change my life. We spoke for a while… you told me all about the Immigration Justice Clinic (IJC)… and that there was a position open as your assistant as IJC Administrator. You encouraged me to apply right away, which I did, and I interviewed for the position the beginning of the next week. By mid-week I had a new job as your assistant, all within one week of walking into JJLS for the first time. It was meant to be.

Initially, working in the clinics was exasperating, keeping up with all the clients and students of IJC and the other four clinics I was responsible for too. Eventually, I learned how to be a good juggler, and I always appreciated your understanding when everything seemed to be happening at once and you always had some positive encouragement to give that it would work out. (as if to say, breathe, this is nothing, suck it up) In hindsight, learning how to multitask in that environment was good training for law school.

I have always been struck by your brilliance and gifts as an amazing orator and storyteller. I have so enjoyed our conversations over the years about immigration, life, and everything under the sun including politics. Your kindness, compassion and guidance to students, including myself, is exemplary and you have helped so many students guiding them on their paths forward in immigration and in other areas of law.

You set an amazing example for students to look to and emulate - in your engagement and passion representing clients. You showed us by example how important it is to work hard and be competent representatives for clients, and to strive to give the best legal assistance possible to clients, especially for pro bono work. You have touched and influenced so many people’s lives beneficially (your students, clients and colleagues). Your pursuits of social justice and immigrant rights and your steadfast determination in helping those in great need is admirable and an inspiration to us all.

I am so grateful to you, Professor Vanessa, for giving me courage, hope and understanding and guiding me to be the best that I can be. Thank you for everything. I will miss working with you at JJLS in the fall as a Fellow in your name, and I will carry on your good work as best I can.

With love,
Barbara S