Internships Put Gloria Flores ’27 on Path to Law Career
Major: Law and Society, Pre-Law Studies
Mentor: Elton Beckett, Jodie Roure, Ph.D.
Program: CUNY BMI Rising Scholars of Justice
Internships/Fellowships: Bronx Supreme Court, Judicial Intern; CUNY BMI Rising Scholars of Justice, Fellow; America Needs You, Fellow; Faithful Fellowship, Fellow
Hometown: Puebla, Mexico; Bronx, NY
Career Aspiration: Immigration Lawyer
What was life like before John Jay?
I was born and raised in Puebla, Mexico, until I was 16 years old. I grew up with my mom, grandparents, and middle brother. My dad was already working and living in the U.S. with my oldest brother. Dad obtained his citizenship through sponsorship by his employer. Most of my extended family was already here, but my mom wasn’t sure we should leave our little town in Mexico. She was scared to leave everything we had known behind, but my mom’s sister encouraged her to make the move. My aunt told my mom, “Let’s start the paperwork so you and the kids can come here and become citizens. The kids will have a better life here.” She knew that in the U.S. we would have more opportunities, especially when it came to education, so she had the paperwork ready for us to start the citizenship process. Since dad was a citizen, he was our sponsor. I really think that had I stayed in Puebla, higher education would not have been an option for me.
When I first arrived in New York at the age of 16, everything felt so big and loud. There were so many people. The city was so lively that it was a shock to the system, but once I got used to it, I really began to love it. When it came time to go to school, I was stressed because I didn’t know English, but I made it my mission to learn the language, not just to help myself but to assist my family as well. I knew I’d have to help them with doctor’s appointments, documents, and bills, so I took on that responsibility. Within three months, I was able to understand and communicate effectively. My high school teachers were amazed at how fast I picked up the language, especially since I was learning much later in life. Looking back, I think what helped me was that I went to a high school (Emma Lazarus High School) with a large immigrant student population. It meant I was not alone on this journey to learning English, and that there was no shame in making mistakes.
Why John Jay?
I wanted to attend a college where students received support throughout their academic journey. I learned that John Jay had many resources for first-generation students and students hoping to go to law school. As someone who is the first in her family to go to college, and who is also working a full-time job at Trader Joe’s while also going to school full-time, I knew John Jay would give me all the tools, resources, and support I needed to get into law school.
What sparked your passion for the legal profession?
Having gone through the process of becoming a citizen, and hearing stories from classmates in high school, I know that there are obstacles within the system that make it difficult for people to come here and stay here legally. I believe America is for everyone, and I want to help my community find its footing in this country legally. I want to help them understand the process and paperwork in a language they understand. I want to ensure that no one is taken advantage of, and I want to provide them with the protection and reassurance that they are backed by a reputable lawyer who will guide them toward citizenship.
How has your mentor put you on the path to success?
I took a communications course with Professor Elton Beckett that enhanced my John Jay experience. As a professor, he really sees his students and knows how to communicate in a way that validates us and our experiences. His class helped boost my confidence and enhanced my public speaking skills. Professor Beckett was also the first to emphasize the importance of building connections and utilizing resources available to students. John Jay is a commuter college, so it’s easy to go to school and go home. He stopped me one day and said I needed to take advantage of the opportunities being a John Jay and CUNY student afforded me. He encouraged me to seek out programs that would develop my leadership abilities, amplify my voice, and help me grow not only as a student but also personally. If I didn’t have his voice in my head, I would have never applied to the CUNY BMI Rising Scholars of Justice program.
What has it been like being part of the CUNY BMI Rising Scholars of Justice Program?
It’s been life-changing. From the moment I met Dr. Jodie Roure, I knew I had a champion in my corner. During the interview process for the program, she shared what was required of Rising Scholars. We had to commit to attending classes and events, engaging in internships, and participating in summer programs. When she mentioned that summer programs would be out of the city, or even in other states, I remember saying, “I don’t think I’ll be able to be in the program. I’m the only one in my family that’s currently working, and I have to support them financially.” Dr. Roure looked at me, and it felt like she understood what I was going through. She said, “What if I told you all these opportunities are paid, and you’ll not only be able to support your family but you will also be supported?” It was in that moment that I knew my life was changing for the better. As a first-gen student, it’s incredible what I’ve been able to accomplish because of Rising Scholars. I’ve attended workshops that have helped me refine my personal statement and provided guidance on the next steps to apply to law school. And, I’ve been able to participate in incredible opportunities, like the Discover Law Scholar Program and a judicial internship.
How did the University at Buffalo School of Law's Discover Law Scholar program help advance your career goals?
The Discover Law Scholar Program showed me I was on the right career track. At first, I struggled with imposter syndrome. I was among the oldest in the pre-law pipeline program, but when I sat down and thought about it, I realized I had been accepted into a highly competitive program, which showed that people believed in me.
During the program, I had the opportunity to take introductory first-year law school courses, where I engaged in legal writing, analysis, and research. I also did case briefings and learned how to outline and prepare for oral arguments. And I took a law school admissions class, which taught me how to apply to law school. It was such an incredible and invaluable experience.
Tell us about your judicial internship at the Bronx Supreme Court.
I’m interning with Judge Wilma Guzman ’78. The experience has been amazing because she’s so supportive of the John Jay Community. I’ve already learned so much. I’m conducting legal research and drafting decisions, such as default judgments and change of venues. Being able to produce for a judge and assist her and the team in their work makes me feel incredibly proud.
What’s been so incredible about this internship is getting to be personally mentored by the honorable Wilma Guzman. When you can see yourself in your mentors and they’re doing the work you want to do, it’s transformative. Getting to sit down and have conversations with her is my favorite part. She holds mentoring sessions with interns, where she sits with us and explains concepts, answers our questions, shares her journey, and emphasizes the importance of believing in yourself and manifesting your goals and dreams. She makes me feel I, too, can achieve my dreams. She encouraged me to repeat to myself, “I’m going to law school.” Because of my experience with her and the Rising Scholars of Justice Program, I know I am going to law school.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
I see myself with a law degree, hopefully serving my community.
