Law/Public Policy Pre Grad Intern Gabe Sepulveda
As a junior at the University of Texas at Austin I had the pleasure of participating in the Intellectual Entrepreneurship (IE) Pre-Grad Mentor Program. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my university career. At the time, I was a government major with eyes on law school. I knew I had a keen interest in public policy, but wasn’t sure exactly what that meant for a career trajectory. I believed that pursuing law school and working with policy as an attorney was precisely where I belonged. Looking to become more exposed to life as a law student and the intersection of public policy and the legal world, I applied to the IE Pre-Grad Mentor program. I was lucky to be accepted and got to spend an amazing semester splitting time at the UT Law School with my own mentor. It was in this program and in my time with my mentor that I learned so much about law school and the legal world. I also learned a great deal about the importance of advocacy and civic engagement as major piece of public policy discussion and social movements. My mentor was highly involved in her student groups and was constantly pursuing social justice issues. It was in this experience with her and the other program elements that opened my eyes to my true passion for public policy and advocacy as a tool for social justice. Inspired by my time in the program, I shifted my focus toward a career in advocacy and social justice through public policy. This was a decision meant to be. I know that this exposure and invaluable experience I had in this program is what helped lead me to my current career and life. Because of this, the IE program will always have a special place in my heart. I am forever grateful to be a participant and it makes me proud that other students can benefit from this amazing program. Thank you, Dr. Cherwitz, for making this all possible.