Advantage Testing Foundation

This is my first post ever. I've been inspired by people like Adewale Oduye, JD, MBA, Rukayatu ("Ruky") T., Ximena Bobadilla, MBA and Seth C. Pearson to share my genuine feelings. I was invited to give a short speech for my former TRIALS student, Saeed Ahmad's law school graduation celebration. I briefly outline his background, current accomplishments, and future. It is included below. Saeed introduced me as his mentor. His gratitude for those who pushed him to graduate from Harvard Law School prompted me to do my own soul searching about the caring people and organizations who inspired me on my journey from mentee to mentor. While I recognize this shout out is late, I realize I tend to be a late bloomer. Things just seem to take me a little longer than most. I nearly flunked out of middle school and was kicked out of high school. It took me 5.5 years to graduate from California State University, Fullerton and (Santa Ana College). It took me 4 years to graduate from Harvard Law School (due to a family tragedy forcing me to take time off). I earned my MBA from USC Marshall School of Business at an age when most are already done with their schooling. Last year, I married at 37. Only now am I starting a family. And finally, my first social media post ever. Late or not, here is my shout out to those who inspired me spiritually, intellectually, or professionally. Mrs. Verostek, Mrs. Mull, Mr. Short for helping me survive my K-12 education and convincing me I had potential. Horatio Alger Association for showing me a world of opportunity and encouraging me to aim higher. Anthony Solana, Jr. and For People of Color, Inc. for my first real-life model of what a Latino from SoCal can achieve in law. Leo Trujillo-Cox, Tony Tolbert, and the UCLA Law Fellows Program for welcoming me into a law school classroom and assuring me I belonged. Professor's Davis, Battaly, Greene, and Nichols for enthusiastically opening my mind to the mesmerizing world of philosophy. Mimi Ko Cruz for compassionately telling my story, cheering me on the whole way. Philip Lee for teaching me to how to tie my first tie, even while he was a Harvard Law School admissions officer. J. Tomlinson Hill for exemplifying that a person's success should never stop them from caring about and supporting hungry young souls as we chase our dreams. Professor Charles Ogletree (RIP) for guiding me through law school. University of Southern California Professor Paul Orfalea for proving that a learning disability does not determine our destiny. Vairam Alagappan and Dennis Benzan for providing much needed, up-close examples of good family men. Arun Alagappan. For granting me the privilege of a father in my corner as an adult, a blessing I never expected to experience growing up with a single mom, my abuelita, and younger brothers. In short, I am deeply grateful. And I'm excited to continue paying it forward to the next generation of Saeeds!

A little late but, I just finished up my Fulbright Spain English teacher assistantship! I'm deeply grateful for the invaluable experiences, lasting connections, and personal growth it has brought. Ready to take these lessons as I begin the next chapter! The Fulbright Program Fulbright Spain