Aiming for Judicial Career, Hridita Islam ’26 Earns Dispute Resolution Certificate & Researches Crime Patterns
Major: B.A. in Political Science
Certificate: Dispute Resolution
Program: Accelerate Complete Engage (ACE); Student Council, Chief of Staff; Pre-Law Institute (PLI)
Mentor: Vivian Rivera, Senior Academic Advisor, ACE
Internships: Queens Civil Court, Judicial Intern; Bronx District Attorney’s Office, Intern; Legal Hand, Intern; International Rescue Committee, Intern; Law Office of David S. Harris, Intern
Hometown: Queens, NY
Career Aspiration: Civil Court Judge
What was life like before John Jay College?
I went to John Bowne High School in Queens. I chose to go there over going to a specialized high school because of its diversity. It was an environment that made me feel good about myself. I was able to connect with people from different backgrounds, which helped me gain a deeper understanding of where they were coming from. It was there that I joined the school’s mock trial program. I had always been a shy person, but I knew that if I wanted to be a lawyer, I would have to build up my confidence and step out of my shell. Being in mock trial made me into a whole new person.
At home, it was mostly just my mom and me. We haven’t always had the best relationship. She was under a lot of stress. She dealt with a lot of medical issues and was also working hard to put food on the table. From an early age, I knew I needed to get a job. I wanted to alleviate the pressure and help carry the financial burden. I started working at 15 as a tutor, and at 16, I began working at KFC. I’ve always been so grateful for that fast food experience. It taught me that you should always treat people with kindness because you never know what kind of day they’re having. At 18, I got hired to work as a CVS Pharmacy technician. I’m still there part-time and am certified to give vaccines. As a pharmacy tech, I work with many people from vulnerable populations, so it’s important to me to be patient and understanding with customers.
Growing up, when I’d go to the hospital with my mom, I often had to translate for her because she immigrated from Bangladesh and didn’t speak English. Working at CVS, I learned a lot of medical and pharmaceutical terminology, which helped me navigate the system and understand her doctors better. I was able to advocate on her behalf regarding treatment plans.
What sparked your passion for the law?
When I was younger, my mom was physically abusive to me. Putting your hands on someone is never the right thing to do, but being a single mom is hard, and she had a lot going on that was frustrating and stressful. So, she would take her anger out on me. Growing up, I didn’t understand why she was doing that. I just knew I wanted to be free of the situation. I began reading about the law and how to be an advocate. It sparked my interest in law. Then, when I joined the mock trial program in high school, I found a place where I could speak up, express my passion, and argue my case before a judge. The experience increased my passion for law and helped me shift my energy. I decided to focus on healing, to take the steps to forgive my mother, and invest my energy in earning my degree and becoming a lawyer. Focusing on law was the start of my healing process.
Why John Jay?
I knew I wanted to become a lawyer and knew John Jay was the college that would help me get closer to that goal. I appreciated the College’s focus on law and justice and its incredible program offerings. I toured John Jay, walked on campus—including the beautiful Jay Walk—and met with student orientation leaders. After the tour, one of the student leaders said, “If you felt something good today while being here at John Jay, then this is the right place for you.” They were so right. I instantly fell in love with this vibrant and diverse community. I knew I would fit right in at John Jay and thrive.
What made you want to apply to ACE?
The financial support the program offers was one of the main reasons I applied to the program. I attended a campus tabling event, and an ACE student mentioned that the program provides students with free MetroCards. I thought to myself, I don’t have to worry about my MetroCard anymore, and I get one-to-one advisement and access to workshops. That sounds perfect for me. ACE alleviated much of the financial burden I had by covering transportation costs. Which meant I could focus more on my studies.
How has your mentor put you on the path to success?
From the first day I met Vivian, I knew she was rooting for me. She asked me about myself and my goals, and when I told her I want to be a lawyer, she didn’t bat an eye. She looked at me and told me, “You got this. You’re going to be great.” Then she planned out my four years so I could earn my degree. Before the start of each semester, we would sit down to select courses. Vivian was never afraid to sign me up for a challenging class—and I wanted those. She also didn’t hesitate to tell me the truth. Like if I had a professor known to be a tough grader, she would let me know, but would also assure me that I could push through and pass the course.
Vivian set me up for success, not just at John Jay but beyond. I have a really high GPA and am more confident in my abilities, and a huge part of that is because she believed in me, saw my potential, and pushed me every day.
Are there any classes that helped shape your career aspirations?
There have been so many amazing courses that I feel are preparing me to be a good lawyer. Last year, I took an immigration law course with adjunct assistant professor Utku Sezgin, Ph.D., where, as a class, we had really intense but enriching discussions. Students from different backgrounds, sharing different perspectives in a respectful way. Taking that course really allowed me to voice my thoughts without fear. We all understood that our words were meant to educate one another and to share ideas, not to tear anyone down. I also took a law and internship class with associate professor James Cauthen, where we talked and wrote about our legal internship experiences. When I got a 94 on a paper, I went to him and asked why I didn’t get 100 and if I could redo the paper. He’s really helped me improve my writing skills and communicate more effectively. Now, I’m writing more eloquently and more concisely.
How has being on Student Council enhanced your college experience?
Student Council feels like home, and the council members are like family. We’re such a tight-knit group that really strives to do our best for our fellow Bloodhounds. Being part of the Student Council has allowed me to proactively take on initiatives for the community that will hopefully improve their lives. One event I’m proud to have spearheaded was the speed-healing event we did last semester. It was set up in a similar way to speed dating, students would come into the safe space we created, sit in front of someone, and vent. Then a timer would go off, and they would go to another person and do it again. It was a great way for students to unload some of their trauma and open up about their feelings. A lot of difficult issues were dealt with that day. It was rewarding to see students leave the space feeling better and clearer-headed.
Why did you decide to earn a certificate in dispute resolution?
During my internship with the Bronx DA’s Office, I noticed that many court cases involved youths as defendants. So many of these young people didn’t know how to communicate effectively, which led them to join gangs, become involved in major conflicts, and ultimately, be system-impacted. Watching their stories unfold stayed with me. After the internship, I wanted to learn how to communicate in a way that could help resolve or improve a conflict, and to understand people’s arguments more clearly, in an unbiased way. I also realized that the best lawyers and judges know how to manage their emotions and that dispute resolution would teach me these skills.
What did you learn during your internships?
I found out about the Bronx DA internship through the Pre-Law Institute. It was my first legal internship. While at the Bronx DA, I worked in the Crime Strategies Bureau, so I mostly handled criminal court cases on the prosecution side. It was an exciting opportunity because, at the time, I was thinking of becoming a prosecutor. During the internship, I conducted research on crime patterns in neighborhoods and gathered digital evidence to support cases. I remember looking at some of the case files and seeing these crimes that were committed, and just being so saddened. There were a lot of gang-related activities and offenses committed that involved minors. I couldn’t sleep at night thinking about what I had just read about or seen. I have the utmost respect for the DA’s office because the work they do is incredibly challenging and emotionally and mentally taxing. I’m grateful for the experience because it showed me that working in the criminal court system wasn’t the right fit for me.
I’m currently a judicial intern at the Queen’s Civil Court, and it’s been so amazing. I work with Administrative Justice Marguerite A. Grays ’79, who is also a John Jay alumna. Justice Grays understands that internships are a time to figure out what you want to do. That’s why she’s encouraged me to learn as much as possible during my time in her court and sends me to other courts, like small claims court, to see how they operate.
In Justice Gray’s court and under her supervision, I do case briefs, draft judicial opinions, conduct legal research, and summarize motion calendars. I also get to observe pre-trial conferences and alternative dispute resolution proceedings, which has been great because I’m being exposed to case management and litigation.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself with a law degree and clerking for a judge in Civil Court. Eventually, I hope to be a civil court judge when the time is right.
Please finish this sentence: Because of John Jay…
Because of John Jay, I have aspirations bigger than I ever dreamed. I feel like I belong in spaces I never thought I’d be in. I’ve learned I’m capable of so much more than I give myself credit for and that I deserve a seat at the table.
