Thomas Jefferson School of Law 2L Samantha Morales has been awarded the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association’s Wally Davis Scholarship. Morales is one of two awardees of the $8,000 scholarship, and the mother of two young daughters is very grateful for the recognition.
“I am extremely humbled and honored to be recognized for my work in the Latino/a community by receiving such a generous and prestigious award from the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association,” said Morales. “Although this scholarship relieves some of my financial burden, it is very meaningful to me because it comes with the support of an organization that strives to make a difference in the community. “
Morales distinguished herself before she arrived at TJSL with her public service work in her native Sacramento, including holding leadership positions and winning several prestigious awards for her efforts in the Latino community. She brought her passion for public service with her when she arrived in San Diego, as public service co-chair of TJSL’s La Raza Law students and as a mentor with San Diego La Raza Lawyer’s LEAD Project. She has interned at the Immigration Center for Women and Children and has worked with the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program.
“My journey to law school was not an easy one, but it has definitely propelled me to follow my dreams.” said Morales. “Being a lawyer will allow me to be an advocate of social justice for others, and hopefully also inspire future generations of Latino/a(s) to pursue a higher education despite any obstacles in their way. Anything is possible with faith, hard work, and determination.”
At TJSL, Morales is part of the Criminal Fellowship Program and is interested in practicing criminal law after law school. She also serves as a student assistant in the TJSL Communications Office.
And Morales is also grateful to the TJSL professors who are helping her along the journey now that she is in law school. “I may be a full time law student but more importantly, I am a mom 24/7”. I am grateful for this opportunity and extend my gratitude to the amazing TJSL professors who have believed in me and have gone out of their way to try to help me balance school and motherhood.”
The award will be presented at a gala ceremony March 2 at the Disney Grand Californian Hotel.
Congratulations to Samantha from everyone in the TJSL family!
