Looking back, it feels like my entire journey through the law school application process unfolded as a series of fortunate events. It all began in the fall of 2020 when a friend at Howard, who was also applying to law school, told me about UPLIFT. Figuring I had nothing to lose, I decided to apply to UPLIFT’s Law School Admissions Mentorship Program (“LSAM Program”). The timing was perfect as the application opened right after I received disappointing results from my first LSAT in October. I began questioning if getting into a good law school was even within reach. I knew I had to retake the LSAT in January, hoping for a better score by February, just in time to meet the application deadlines.

 

Little did I know that being accepted into UPLIFT’s LSAM Program would be the pivotal first step that I didn't realize I needed to reach where I am today. The program kicked off in December, and that's when I was paired with Aliyha as my mentor. I am forever grateful to her for the incredible support she provided. Her energy during our meetings was truly empowering, especially in the weeks leading up to my LSAT retake. Not only did she assist me in refining every aspect of my application, but she also offered invaluable insight into what schools were looking for. She was honest about the sections of my statements that required a complete overhaul and helped me understand the challenges I would face in order to thrive in law school. I vividly remember her sitting with me over Zoom as I put the final touches on my application to Berkeley on the very last day the application was open.

 

Despite my late application and the need for an LSAT retake, Aliyha never made me feel like getting into my dream school was impossible. She provided unwavering support throughout my senior year, which was further complicated by the COVID-induced shift to online learning. When I received the acceptance email from Berkeley, she was one of the first people I texted. She made it clear that this was only the beginning of our relationship and encouraged me to reach out to her anytime I needed assistance.

 

Only a few weeks later, I found myself taking her up on that offer when I had the opportunity to interview for a pre-law position at Latham & Watkins. I knew this position had the potential to completely change the trajectory of my life. Once again, Aliyha came to my aid, reviewing my application documents and conducting a mock interview. Despite the tight time frame, she made time for me and played a vital role in helping me secure the pre-law summer internship, which later evolved into a 1L position and ultimately led to my current 2L position.

 

Aliyha and UPLIFT have completely transformed the course of my professional career. That's why when I received the chance to rejoin UPLIFT as a director and assist the second cohort of the LSAM Program, I was more than thrilled to return. "Lift as I climb" has always been a guiding principle for me, and I sincerely hope that I can provide the same level of support to someone else that I received from the program.

 

Edwin Ross II