Majors: Political Science and Spanish
Minor: Legal Studies
Why did you choose your majors?
Studying political science offers me a robust foundation for my aspirations to attend law school and create positive change in the world through legal avenues. Through the classes offered which focus on issues such as human rights, social justice, international relations, and public policy, I am gaining valuable insights into the legal frameworks that underpin societal governance and the mechanisms for advocating for the rights of individuals and marginalized communities. With a deep commitment to social justice and a desire to utilize the law as a tool for positive change, political science provides me with the necessary tools and perspectives to pursue a career dedicated to advancing justice and equality which is why I chose this major.
Studying in Spanish is a deliberate choice rooted in my desire to foster greater representation of Hispanics, particularly within the legal field. By pursuing my education in Spanish, I aim to break down language barriers and ensure that legal knowledge and resources are accessible to Spanish-speaking communities. In doing so, I hope to contribute to the empowerment of Hispanic individuals and communities, facilitating their engagement with the legal system and amplifying their voices in matters of justice and advocacy. Additionally, studying in Spanish allows me to better understand the unique cultural and linguistic characteristics of Hispanic communities, enabling me to advocate for their rights and interests more effectively within the legal sphere. Ultimately, my decision to study in Spanish reflects my commitment to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and representation within the legal profession, paving the way for a more equitable and just society for Latinos as a Latina myself.
My experience taking an Introduction to criminology class sparked a fascination with the field of criminology, leading me to see the value of pursuing a criminology major. While navigating the complexities of becoming a triple major, and adding a major in criminology might have been challenging, pursuing a minor in legal studies provides me with the flexibility to tailor my education to my interests and career goals while still gaining valuable insights into the study of crime.
Would you recommend it to a future student? Why?
I highly recommend pursuing a major in political science for its versatility and the wide range of career opportunities it offers, particularly if you’re unsure about which profession to pursue. Political science provides a comprehensive understanding of political systems, institutions, and dynamics, while also developing critical thinking, research, and communication skills that are valuable across various professions. One of the greatest strengths of a political science major is its flexibility, allowing graduates to explore diverse career paths based on their interests and strengths. For example, a political science major can lead to careers in government and public service, such as working for elected officials, government agencies, or non-profit organizations focused on advocacy and policy analysis. Alternatively, graduates may choose to pursue careers in law, to become lawyers, lobbyists, or legal analysts
Choosing to major in Spanish offers a handful of opportunities and advantages that extend beyond the classroom. Being bilingual is increasingly valuable in today’s world. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States and is widely spoken across the Americas, Europe, and other regions of the world, so if you are interested in pursuing a career that studies abroad majoring in Spanish is ideal. For example, if you’d like to become a teacher you are offered the opportunity to study in Spain as a teacher and are paid. Proficiency in Spanish opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities and pairs well with all majors. The small department size at California Lutheran University fosters a close-knit learning environment where students have unique opportunities for one-on-one access with professors. This personalized attention allows for tailored guidance, mentorship, and support, enhancing the learning experience and facilitating academic and personal growth. I think that it also will equip students with practical skills that are highly applicable in the real world, including resume writing for the job field, it’s more than just learning Spanish. Throughout their coursework, Spanish majors develop strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and Spanish, which are invaluable assets in any professional setting.
I highly recommend pursuing a major in legal studies, especially if you’re on a pre-law track or interested in fields like criminology, business, or political science. Legal studies complement pre-law studies exceptionally well by providing a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, legal theory, and jurisprudence. One of the standout advantages of a legal studies major is its flexibility and interdisciplinary nature, making it an ideal choice for students interested in law-related fields. For instance, if you find yourself in a situation where you’re interested in majoring in criminology but have limited space in your schedule, the legal studies minor offers a solution. Legal studies programs typically offer a range of courses in criminal law, criminal justice, and criminology, allowing you to explore these topics within the framework of your legal studies minor. The legal studies courses can “double dip” with your political science classes or others which can allow you to fulfill requirements for both degrees simultaneously.
What are your future plans?
Following my undergraduate studies, I aspire to attend law school. The current representation of Latinos in law schools accounts for only approximately 4% of lawyers in the United States, which I think underscores the pressing need for greater diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. Furthermore, the legal field remains predominantly male-dominated, presenting an additional barrier that I am eager to confront head-on. By pursuing law school, I am not only seeking to represent and advocate for the Hispanic community but also to challenge gender disparities within the legal field. I am motivated to take on this challenge with the conviction that my presence as a Latina woman in law school and, ultimately, as a lawyer can catalyze positive change. Through my education, advocacy, and future legal practice, I am committed to breaking down barriers, promoting diversity, and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable legal profession. The benefits of attending law school encompass the opportunity to advocate for underrepresented and disadvantaged communities, amplifying their voices and addressing systemic inequalities. As a lawyer, I envision myself leveraging the power of the law to enact meaningful change and promote justice within these communities and my goal is to actively contribute to the empowerment and upliftment of those who have historically been marginalized and overlooked.
Are there any particular experiences — in or out of the classroom — that have helped you identify that path?
Growing up in the disadvantaged and marginalized community of Nyeland Acres in Ventura County, I never saw women, let alone women of color, represented in the legal field. The lack of representation in my community left a profound impact on me. It made me aware of the systemic barriers and biases that hinder minorities from pursuing their dreams. Despite the challenges and limited resources in my environment, I am determined to become the representation I never had. I realized that to enact real change and advocate for the underprivileged, I needed to break through the barriers myself. I witnessed firsthand the disparities in access to legal assistance, educational resources, and opportunities for advancement. These experiences fueled my passion to pursue a career in law, and to become a voice for those who are too afraid to speak up such as in my community. I am committed to being the change I wish to see in the world. I aspire to become a beacon of hope for individuals in communities like Nyeland Acres, where representation and advocacy are desperately needed. I am determined to make a difference, one case at a time, and to pave the way for a more inclusive and just legal system where everyone has a seat at the table and their voices are heard and valued.