When I look back on my time at Rutgers Law School, one of the moments that stands out most clearly is our experience at the Mid-Atlantic Black Law Students Association Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial and Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competitions.
That weekend in Philadelphia reminded me why I chose law in the first place. It wasn’t just about arguments or research. It was about using the law to tell a story, to bring structure to chaos, and to stand for something larger than yourself.
Our teams came to the competition ready for a challenge. Rutgers faced some of the most respected law schools in the region - including the University of Pennsylvania, Howard, Temple, Villanova, and Penn State. Every round felt like stepping into a real courtroom. We had to think fast, respond with precision, and rely on months of preparation that tested not only our knowledge but our ability to stay composed under pressure.
I was proud to serve as Vice President of the Rutgers Black Law Students Association (BLSA) at the time and to compete alongside Sadé Calin, my teammate in the Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition, where we earned Best Petitioners’ Brief. That recognition meant a lot to us, not only because of the hours of drafting and revising but because it reflected the values that guided us through law school - rigor, clarity, and advocacy with purpose.
The experience also reminded me of how special Rutgers Law really is. The faculty and alumni who coached and supported us never treated these competitions as extracurriculars. They saw them as essential training. Professor Dennis Braithwaite, along with coaches Marcus Washington and Angella Middleton, challenged us to think strategically, anticipate objections, and find our authentic voice as advocates.
For me, that mentorship carried lessons that went far beyond the competition. It taught me that preparation is the most powerful form of confidence. It showed me that advocacy begins long before you stand in front of a judge. And it gave me the humility to listen, even in moments of debate.
Watching our Rutgers Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Team win first place that weekend was inspiring. Seeing classmates like Frantz Duncan, Ayoola Stewart, Jarrod Welsh, and Kisha Pinnock argue with composure and conviction was a moment of pride for everyone in Camden. They demonstrated that skill and substance could outshine reputation - and that Rutgers Law students are as capable and ready as any in the nation.
These experiences also shaped my view of leadership. As part of the BLSA executive team, I saw firsthand how community strengthens performance. We trained together, supported each other through long nights of drafting and rehearsals, and reminded one another that representation matters - not only in the courtroom but in how we carry ourselves every day.
Looking back now, those lessons continue to guide me in my legal career. The discipline we built through these competitions translates directly into the work I do today. Whether I am reviewing contracts, advising organizations, or working on compliance strategy, the foundation is the same: preparation, precision, and respect for the process.
Most of all, that weekend reaffirmed something that has stayed with me since law school - that excellence is not defined by where you start but by how you prepare, how you collaborate, and how you show up when it matters.
To this day, I am proud of what our teams achieved. Rutgers Law gave us the tools, the mentorship, and the belief that we belonged in any courtroom. The Frederick Douglass and Thurgood Marshall competitions were more than contests of skill. They were moments that proved what is possible when talent meets purpose.
