Graduate School: St. John’s University School of Law, May 2026
Degree: B.A. in Political Science
Minor: Philosophy
Programs: Pre-Law Institute, John Jay Dreamers Club; Political Science Association
Internships: Safe Passage; Sonia and Celina Sotomayor Judicial Internship with the Honorable Charlotte Davidson, New York City Criminal Court; Bronx Supreme Court Law and Society Intern with the Honorable Wilma Guzman ’78; Law Offices of Tsui H. Yee Intern
Mentors: Charles Davidson, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Student Professional Advancement and Director of the Center for Post-Graduate Opportunities; Andrew Sidman, Ph.D., Interim Dean of Academic Programs
Hometown: Manhattan, NY
Career Aspiration: Lawyer, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
What was life like before John Jay?
I was born in New Jersey and raised by a single mom. I’m the middle child and the only boy in the family. My mom, Juana, and older sister, María, immigrated from Ecuador. Growing up, I saw their incredible work ethic and drive to succeed. Everything my mom did, she did for us. She was very strict with us but also very loving. She instilled in us a desire to help others, as well as a passion for learning.
When it came time for me to apply to colleges, my mom, who at the time was undocumented, was working so hard to get my sister into med school and me into college. Financially, it wasn’t feasible and I put my undergraduate education on hold. I wanted to make some money and help my mom make ends meet. Having seen the struggles my mom and sister faced made me passionate about immigrant rights.
Why John Jay?
John Jay College’s values are very much in line with my own. Working toward creating a more just society was and continues to be a fundamental belief for me. But John Jay also took a chance on me when no one else would, and for that, I’m so grateful. At the time I applied to John Jay, I had had several academic failures and a very low GPA because of all the pressure I put on my shoulders with my family’s situation.
Working a full-time job as a bank teller and helping my mother navigate immigration challenges put academics on the back burner for me. One time we became homeless and were sleeping in the back of my mom’s real estate office. Seeing her folding her bed away in the back of her office broke me and I vowed to do right by her.
Once we were back on our feet, I applied to senior colleges in hopes of finally earning my bachelor’s degree. But I was told my GPA was too low and declined admission repeatedly. Then I got an email from John Jay regarding “instant admissions,” and they scheduled an interview. I arrived at the office, met with a staff member, and gave him my transcript. He saw my low GPA and asked me to tell him what happened. It was the first time someone cared enough to know the entire story. I told him everything—my mom, my sister, their undocumented status, our housing issues, and why I wanted to go back to school. I remember he just listened to me and really paid attention to my story. He said “Wow, that’s a lot for a person to handle. Let me talk to my supervisor.” He left the room and a few minutes later he returned, extended his hand out, and said “Congratulations! Welcome to John Jay.” I remember just putting my face in my hands and feeling so relieved, hopeful, and thankful. The admissions team at John Jay saw beyond my GPA. They set out to see who I truly was and could be in the future. They wanted to learn more about me and help me meet my potential. John Jay changed my life.
What sparked your passion for the law?
In 2016, my mom and sister had just gotten their green cards—I was able to sponsor my mother and thankfully, she and my sister are now U.S. citizens. At the time, there was a lot of anti-immigration news coverage and I remember thinking, “Who’s going to save us?” It was then I realized it had to be me. I had to do something. As you can imagine, for someone who struggled academically, it was scary, but I knew it was something I had to do to be an advocate for people like my mom and sister. I couldn’t turn my back on the immigrant community.
How did your mentors help put you on the path to success?
Dr. Andrew Sidman was my mentor during my capstone project where I researched how immigrants impacted a city’s economy. He helped me with the project’s methodology and through his guidance I was able to thoroughly examine the statistics, looking at the cities that had programs for undocumented immigrants and Dreamers and understanding the positive impact immigrants had on a city’s economy. It was an eye-opening experience. Dr. Sidman also championed my efforts to get into law school, supporting me and providing guidance every step of the way.
Dr. Charles Davidson made me feel like I could climb Mount Everest. His enthusiasm for and belief in his students is palpable from the moment you meet him. He always encouraged me to apply for different opportunities, including an internship with Judge Wilma Guzman. He invited me to work with the PLI office after the winter PLI bootcamp. When it came time to apply to law school, he was there to offer guidance, breaking things down for me, and telling me what aspects to focus on.
How did your internships help shape your career goals?
My internship with Judge Wilma Guzman was an incredible learning experience. It was my first legal experience. I was reading case briefings from different attorneys and Judge Guzman let me draft her decisions. I was so nervous because I had never done that before, but she gave me the chance to prove myself. Right before the pandemic hit, I had produced a really good opinion, and I remember her saying, “This is good work, David.” That meant so much to me.
My internship with Tsui Yee was so transformative because it deepened my knowledge of immigration law. Tsui Yee was the attorney who helped my mom and sister with their petitions. I told her I was interested in immigration law and would love to intern with her if it was possible. I was able to see the technical aspects of the issues, what immigration law looks like, and what it entails. I learned how diverse the immigration legal world is and how much work is required of immigration attorneys. They’re pouring their hearts into these cases and making a difference. My sister, who was once undocumented, is now a citizen and medical doctor. My mother is now a citizen and small business owner.
How did John Jay prepare you for law school and your upcoming internship with the Department of Justice?
From the moment that admissions officer asked me to tell him my story, to my mentorships with Dr. Davidson and Dr. Sidman, I’ve been supported and encouraged at John Jay. My mentors showed me the seriousness of legal work and its tangible effect on communities. They boosted my confidence in ways that continue to impact me today. Being a John Jay student, I knew I was seen and learned to believe in myself and my abilities. Because of John Jay, I applied to the Department of Justice internship, and I know I’ll make the most of the experience.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself working for the ACLU, arguing not just for immigrant rights but also for the rights of other communities where we are seeing a retrogression of rights—voting rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, and immigrant rights. I want to defend and advance their rights.
