Kiara Videla

What are your plans/ideal plans post-graduation?

Ideally, I would like to do public interest work. I am not sure what area of law that would be currently, but I have appreciated the career fairs FSU Law has put on because they allow me to meet attorneys in different areas of the law, some of which I didn't even know existed. Being able to hear what they do day-to-day helps me narrow down the field I would like to practice in as well as network to set up future opportunities.

What is your favorite thing about FSU Law?

One of my favorite things about FSU Law is the community. Being a first-generation lawyer, I had this scary idea of what law school entailed. I thought the environment would be extremely competitive and that I wouldn't have time to do anything but readings. However, my experience has been the complete opposite of that. The faculty and my peers were welcoming and supportive, and I was able to join a few clubs. Everyone at this law school is invested in your journey, not only the current community but also the alumni. There is a very strong alumni network that wants to support the next generation of lawyers by giving back with advice or opportunities.

How has your experience been as a first-generation lawyer at FSU Law?

I have felt very supported. FSU Law is great at breaking down your 1L year into achievable goals. I had zero idea what to expect going into it, but they will hold a variety of forums explaining everything you need to know. For example, in my 1L fall, they had a forum on how to apply to the FL Bar, how to outline, how to search for summer internships, and then in the spring, they even had a forum on how to manage stress after getting grades back. You don't have to know anything going into it because they will support you every step of the way. Even fellow peers and upperclassmen are willing to lend a helping hand!