This weekend I had the honor of speaking with our Director of Pre-Law, Chidera Anthony-Wise. If you’re interested in hearing about ambitious work and goals from the Pre-Law program, whether that be for future volunteering or seeking assistance, keep reading to see it all.
An Introduction to the Director
A UCLA alumni, Chidera grew up in Southern Califonria and graduated with a Bachelors in Human Biology and Society. She is an aspiring attorney with a passion for healthcare law, combining her love for science and equity in her daily work!
- Question: What inspired you to become the director of Pre-Law at Next Light? Answer: “I initially started my professional journey with aspirations of becoming a doctor. After some reevaluation, I realized that law would be the most effective and streamline way to achieve my goals. In that transition, I’ve learned a lot about the legal space, academically and professionally and I would love to share that knowledge with other through my role as Pre-Law Director. I want to help students understand more about their passions and aid them in deciding if law is right for them.”
- Question: What qualities do you possess that you believe are necessary when pursuing law?
Answer: “I love to research, analyze, and yap. I believe those skills were developed in my 6-year involvement in Model United Nations between high school and college. I am very passionate about equity and justice, especially for marginalized groups. I am confident that these skills facilitate my journey in becoming an attorney.”
About the Pre-Law Program
Pre-Law is among four resource centers at The Next Light Foundation, run by volunteers that provide personalized internship recommendations and mentorship. One of Chidera’s goals with the program is to equip members with information that takes their approach to law school applications and a legal career to new heights with their basic support system, and additionally hold informational yet interactive online events centered around everything Pre-Law and even college applications. Right now Chidera and her team are hard at work getting the program running!
- Question: How many volunteers do you have, and what are you working on at the moment?
Answer: “I have one at the moment. So far, the team has added pre-law opportunities from across the nation to the database. I’ve even added programs myself or friends have completed so some of the programs have been tested and approved.”
Online events/supports to look forward to:
- Personal statement workshop
- LSAT Study Seminar
- Law Student Panel
- Attorney Panel (certain specialities)
- How to research law schools
- LinkedIn/Networking 101
- Financial Aid
What could the Pre-Law program mean for you?
- For Students: If you are a high school student or beyond looking for experience in Law internships, programs, or earning certificates, our Pre-Law program is where you need to look. Our volunteers will provide you with information personalized to you, and mentor you throughout the process of landing the internships you apply to. Beyond this, you can find a variety of information on key aspects of pursuing law and get advice from professionals in one spot.
- For Volunteers: If you are in middle school or beyond interested in Pre-Law and looking for volunteer hours, I highly recommend volunteering with the program! Under the guidance of Chidera, you will research opportunities in law, provide customized internship recommendations, mentor students trying to land an internship, and assist in putting together informational events. Not only does it look great on your resume or college application, you get the chance to impact future advocates nationwide!
How to get in Touch
Whether you want to volunteer or are looking for internship assistance, I’ll show you how to get in contact with them! Here is what Chidera has to say to future volunteers or students in need:
- Question: What would you like to say to people who want to volunteer for the Pre-Law department?
Answer: “JOIN! It’s gonna be a great opportunity to develop yourself professionally. One thing I’m excited about is to learn from students and the research I do on behalf of students. I am yet to apply to law school so a lot of the events the pre-law department will hold will be applicable to me as well and I think future volunteers who are interested in a career in law will be able to benefit from that dynamic as well.”
- Question: What would you like to say to anyone who wants to reach out the the Pre-Law program for assistance?
Answer: “Please reach out. I am more than happy to assist students who are trying to navigate the legal space because I understand. In some ways, I’m in their shoes so I’m happy to navigate it together. Through my research, I’ve developed a wonderful network of legal professionals, lawyers, healthcare professionals, and fellow students who possess a wealth of knowledge that I can have them share with members!”
To volunteer with us, visit our volunteer opportunities page below, select committee member, and fill out an application:
If you’re a student seeking internship assistance, click on the link below and select Government/Law, then fill out the form so our volunteers can find personalized internships for you!
Conclusion
In summary, the Pre-Law program is the resource center to go to when pursuing law and navigating internships/college applications! Volunteer work with the program could range from research to event planning, while seeking help with the program provides personalized assistance and mentorship! As the director, Chidera is very experienced in pre-law and is applying to law school herself in the coming years, which makes her a relatable guide for students pursuing law, and is very excited to work with future volunteers and students.
Interested in hearing about our other resource departments? More blogs are to come! Thank you for reading.