Fall semester has officially begun, and baby直播app Law is looking forward to welcoming the incoming class of new students. Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting some of our incredible 1Ls through a series of brief profiles! For our next student spotlight, meet Tessa Bailon (she/her/ella).听听
Born and raised in Denver, Tessa earned her bachelor's degree at Regis University in Denver.听
What inspired you to pursue a law degree?听
TB: During my senior year of high school, I was uncertain about my career path and was looking for something that would spark my passion. I was assigned to read Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson for my civics class, and as I read, I realized I could see myself doing meaningful work similar to Stevenson鈥檚. It became clear to me then that I wanted to dedicate my work to seeking justice for marginalized communities and I believe pursuing a law degree is a great first step to ensure I can do just that.听听
What are your hobbies outside of work and school?听
TB: Outside of law school, I enjoy spending time on my family's farm. It鈥檚 soothing to watch chickens eat and sheep graze. I also love dancing to reggaeton, norte帽as, and trending rap. I find dancing to be a healthy and enjoyable way to stay active and socialize with friends.听
What is your educational background and/or what was your career before deciding to come to law school?听
TB: Shortly after graduation, I served as a Jesuit Volunteer with AmeriCorps in Tacoma, Washington, working at the Northwest Immigrants Rights Project as an Intake Coordinator for the Asylum Unit. I then participated in a baby直播app Capitol fellowship with the baby直播app Latino Leadership Advocacy and Research Organization, collaborating with a grassroots lobbying firm focused on impactful legislation in baby直播app justice, birth justice, and immigrant rights. After the fellowship, I worked at baby直播app Legal Services in the Migrant and Farm Worker Unit as an Outreach Coordinator/Paralegal, where I conducted outreach to farm workers across the state, educating them about their rights as H2A visa holders and baby直播app agricultural workers.听
Why did you choose baby直播app Law?听
TB: I chose baby直播app Law because, after visiting the campus for an baby直播app justice summit, it felt right. Sitting in the classrooms, I could envision myself as a future Buff Law student. I also love baby直播app, and baby直播app Law felt both new and familiar, like home.听
What are you most looking forward to this upcoming academic year?听听
TB: I鈥檓 looking forward to meeting lifelong friends and learning from amazing professors. I鈥檓 also excited to immerse myself in the classroom environment, absorbing knowledge and engaging in the learning process.听
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