Internships + Rising Scholars of Justice Puts Law School in Reach for Nicole Vega ’26
Major: Criminology
Certificate: Spanish Legal Translating & Interpreting
Program: CUNY BMI Rising Scholars of Justice
Mentors: Jodie Roure, Ph.D., Bosco Villavicencio ’18, ’20, Shania Uppal ’25
Internships: Make the Road New York Pro Bono DACA Clinic; University at Buffalo School of Law Discover Law Undergraduate Program; Judicial Intern, New York County Supreme Court; Judicial Intern, New York State Appellate Division of the Supreme Court
Hometown: Queens, NY
Career Aspiration: Lawyer
What was life like before John Jay?
I grew up in the Corona section of Queens. My parents were both academic professors in Peru, but upon arriving in the U.S., their lives changed. Mom became a stay-at-home mom. Dad took on two full-time jobs and a part-time job to make sure my brothers and I had everything we needed. He worked at a salad restaurant and did entertainment jobs for a party event planning business. One of my favorite memories growing up was when there were leftover candy bags at an event, he would bring them home to us because he knew it would make us happy.
My parents have always encouraged me to pursue my educational dreams, pushing me to stay ahead of the game, join different academic enrichment programs, do volunteer work, and be involved in student organizations. In high school, I started a Peruvian club. They also stressed the importance of perfecting my Spanish language skills. They told me that education was the key to unlocking a bright future and explained that there is so much for me to learn. By mastering two languages, I can double the number of people I can help.
Why John Jay?
When I was nine years old, some of the classes in my elementary school visited colleges across the state. My class happened to visit John Jay. I remember falling in love with the campus, being in awe of the school’s focus on law and justice, and feeling genuinely excited sitting in a lecture hall listening to a professor speak. I realized then, at such a young age, that I had to come to John Jay College. I thought, I can’t wait to go here. I wanted to jump ahead in time, skipping middle school and high school, and come straight to John Jay.
What sparked your passion for the law?
When I was in high school, I was working as an assistant soccer coach, and a seven-year-old little boy told me his mom was being abused. I couldn’t believe this was happening in my community. I really wanted to help this boy and his mom. At the time, I felt helpless. There wasn’t much I could do except tell the program manager. It was then that I decided that I needed to be a lawyer. I wanted to be a voice for the voiceless, advocating for young people like him.
How have your mentors positively impacted your educational experience?
I had heard from other students what a changemaker Dr. Jodie Roure is, so I couldn’t wait to meet her. Dr. Roure sees her students’ potential and pushes them to step outside their comfort zone and grow. I think part of her drive is that she sees herself in her students. Through the Rising Scholars of Justice program, Dr. Roure has created an incredible foundation for students to launch their law school endeavors and transform their lives. Whenever there’s a Rising Scholars of Justice event, like a workshop or panel discussion, she sees it as an opportunity for her students to shine. I remember arriving super early for one event, and she came up to me and said, “Nicole, introduce yourself, be your authentic self, and tell your story. Network.” She holds students accountable and encourages us to get out of our cocoons and speak with alumni who are in law school or actively working in the judicial system.
Criminology adjunct lecturer Bosco Villavicencio has been an inspiring mentor for me because he’s a John Jay alumnus through and through—from undergrad to grad school, now to his doctoral degree. Knowing he’s been in my shoes and sat in the same classrooms has been inspiring. It also makes him super approachable. He’s always available to talk to students, even when he’s juggling his work as a professor and his research as a Ph.D. candidate. When I told him about my goals of going to law school, he really stressed the importance of maintaining balance and self-reflection after every experiential learning experience. He’s really empowered me to be kind and honest with myself, which has made me a better student.
How has the Rising Scholars of Justice program helped shape your career goals?
It’s been a dream come true. Before joining the program, I didn’t have a support system in place to help me navigate the law school application process. I had no clue where to begin. When I interviewed for the Rising Scholars of Justice program, that all changed. As a Rising Scholar of Justice fellow, I’ve been given access to the tools, resources, and a roadmap for getting into law school and succeeding. Each experience, whether it’s receiving feedback on my personal statement from Dr. Roure or participating in a summer pre-law program like the Discover Law Scholar Program, leads to growth and has the potential to open doors of opportunity. Through Rising Scholars of Justice, I’ve also been mentored by Shania Uppal ’25. Seeing her journey from being an immigrant, first-gen college student to getting accepted into seven law schools and earning a full-ride to New York Law School, lets me know I too can accomplish great things.
How did your judicial internship enhance your passion for the law?
During the spring 2025 semester, I interned with the Honorable Ellen Gesmer of the New York State Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. It was my first judicial internship and the place where I was first exposed to legal writing. It was so different from the academic writing I was used to, but I really appreciated the exposure because legal writing is something I need to understand and excel in during law school. My site supervisor gave me models on sentencing reports and taught me how to revise and edit briefings down for the judge. I learned judges don’t like redundancy, and keeping drafts short and simple was the best way to produce these briefings. What I really enjoyed most about this internship was having open access to appeal hearings, where I could listen, observe, and learn courtroom terminology. Afterward, I was able to ask Judge Gesmer questions and get feedback on my work. It was such a welcoming learning environment and made me excited to want to practice law.
How has the Discover Law Scholar Program helped prepare you for law school?
The Discover Law Scholar Program was a profoundly rewarding experience, especially because it came immediately after my internship with Judge Gesmer. During the summer program, I got the chance to take courses in legal analysis, contract law, and intellectual property. I participated in a trial competition where I presented a case in front of attorneys and attended a speaker series where judges discussed their cases. Because I had experience with legal writing, I was able to quickly pick up on the legal writing skills we were being taught in class and could adapt to meet our professor’s goals—writing briefs in the preferred style, understanding the appellate division, and breaking down cases. I also had a mentor through the program, an assistant district attorney from Buffalo, who shared his law school journey and would talk to me about cases he had worked on throughout his career. The Discover Law Scholar Program gave me a glimpse of what law school would be like. Doing well in the program really boosted my confidence.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself owning my own law firm, providing services to Spanish-speaking clients who are facing a language barrier in court. I want to be able to tell their story in court and have a positive impact on my community.
Finish this sentence: Because of John Jay and the Rising Scholars of Justice…
Because of John Jay and the Rising Scholars of Justice program, I have gained confidence in myself and have the support and resources I need to get into law school and pursue a thriving career in law.
