Raquel Lopez Blanco (she/her)
Raquel (she/her) participated in our UCDC program in the Spring of 2024. During her time in UCDC, she interned with the American Bar Association’s Commission on Immigration, where she was able to better understand the immigration process through working directly with detainees. Her experience allowed her to develop her professional skills and future plans.
How will the skills you developed through your internship help you achieve your academic and/or professional goals?
During my time with the ABA, I worked one-on-one with detainees – guiding them through their immigration process, helping them understand their legal procedures, how to find representation and many other essential things for their wellbeing. Since I hope to go into the legal field, this internship prepared me in understanding the realities people endure and how to carry myself in difficult situations. While I was not able to give legal advice (as I am not a lawyer), this internship allowed me to gain a better understanding of the immigration process and connect with real people, at various stages of their story. I grew as a person and as a professional.
What was one defining moment from your experience with UCDC?
A defining moment was when I had completed my internship and got evaluations from my supervisors, nearly all saying how much I’d grown and learned in the time I was there. This made me realize it was an opportunity of a lifetime, where I developed skills that will follow me through the rest of my career. I am grateful to UCDC for giving me that opportunity and preparing me for the professional world.
What is one way prospective applicants could prepare for the UCDC program?
In preparing for the UCDC program in general, I would advise applicants to truly think about what they hope to get out of the experience – beyond what they think may look good on a resume. This experience allows people to develop and it’s important to do something meaningful, because the time spent in the program will contribute greatly to one’s views of the future. Once this is figured out, share these findings and passions throughout the process.
To learn more about the UCDC program, attend our online info session: Wednesday, December 4th 1-2PM