Global Justice

    Currently I am taking a Global Justice course. This weeks assignment revolved around the genocide in Rwanda in 1994 when the Hutu were slaughtering the Tutsi. Our assigned readings were two books: Machete Season (view point of the killers) and Left To Tell (view point of a survival). I read Left to Tell first, which I think the order really did matter. When I first began reading, I thought that the only way Justice was going to be served was by imprisoning all that partook in the heinous crime. But as I continued reading I realized that the best Justice is forgiveness, which at times is difficult. When we open ourselves to forgiveness we are able to move on, and not live in the past. Which was one of the reasons why the genocide occurred in the first place. As I read the last page, my perception had changed and I longer felt anger towards the killers.
    I really think that by reading Left to Tell first, I wasn't as emotional with Machete Season. So I wasn't as critical on the killers responses as much as I  would have been if I wouldn't have embraced forgiveness first. What they did was not right, but its important to try and understand why many were motivated and influenced. For some of them, being in prison was better than being free. Which really surprised me, but after they explained their reasons it made sense. Overall, these two books shared a lot of insight about genocides and applying morals into our lives. I would recommend them both.
 

Does money buy happiness?

     On the bus today, I had a interesting conversation with a stranger as he was heading to work. The topic of the day was "Does money buy happiness?".  Our view points on this topic were complete opposites. Which made the ride to campus a little more entertaining. His view point was that money does not buy happiness, because regardless of the amount you have you will never be satisfied. Which he made a very valid point, because if this was true we wouldn't have wealthy established people committing suicide, depressed etc.  
     Even though I understood what he meant I did not agree. It all depends on the individual, and to some money does buy happiness. The definition of happiness various, thus it comes in different forms so to someone money might just be that definition. The conversation was short, but it was enlightening. In the end this conversation was not about who was right or wrong, but an opportunity to be open to different perspectives.

Food In Library

     Usually I always eat before I go to the library. That way I am not distracted with the constant thought of eating while I am doing my school work. But there always has to be that one student that walks in with some delicious food, and the scent gets carried across. I realize, we have busy lives and have to eat, but we shouldn't have food in the library because it distracts others. Even if I was already full, the simple thought of food makes me hungry, so when I smell it I lose my focus and all that is in mind is "What am I going to have after I leave the library".
  So pretty much I lose my focus in reading or doing my assignments. The point of going to the library was to get away from the distractions, but sometimes I find more distractions in the library then at home.At the same time the student next to me has fries, so now I am craving fries. And now as I finish this post, I have become more concentrated in looking up a new place to try a delicious meal.

A Day at RYM

     A day at RYM starts with opening up the team room and making sure to finish any work that was left the day prior. Once all computers are turned on, I must have email open up and clients contact information ready to go. Usually a case will be handed down. If this is the circumstance; its important to read the clients file to understand the situation since client is not there to fill you in. 

  By now, I have gone to courts and learned where to obtain criminal records. As more experience is gained the case load increases. There isn't a day where there is nothing to do. The office is constantly motivating me to be creative, use organization skills, read instructions and fill out applications. Throughout the whole time someone is always there to make sure applications are correctly filled. On the side, I read about qualification requirements or check to see if there is new updates for immigration form applications. I have to make sure that the most updated application is submitted and that the files are organized. 

The Team

     So by now I have got to know other interns in the office. Some of them have more experience than me (reminder I came into the office with zero experience) and others have found themselves in the same boat as I. Regardless of the level of experience each one has, we can rely on each other for help. This makes the environment more welcoming knowing that you can depend on your teammates. The Law Office of Ray A. Ybarra Maldonado has placed much emphasis in creating a family environment that even when new interns come in they are welcomed as if we had known each other for years.
    It makes it more pleasurable to go to the office everyday. I have now looked forward to the week beginning then when the weekend comes. For everyone participates and no one is left out. We carry conversations when we can, and work diligently when we need too. Even when another member is busy, they are always there willing to lend a hand. I look forward to collaborating and continue learning from my teammates.

From Dressing to Behaving

     So I have never had a formal job that required me to dress or behave professionally. The internship itself was new too me. But I must say, I have always worn sweats, jeans whatever made me comfortable, but of course in an office setting one cannot wear those Supra shoes and neon vibrant colors. I think it took me about two weeks to get use to dressing professionally and I realized that even how I dressed previously would never cut it in the career I aspire. So its a good thing to get use to it now, for even how one dresses changes in how one is treated respectfully. I also learned that the iron board is not for decoration but to be used daily.
    Previously, I had always worked in warehouses and even though there are rules in how one can behave it doesn't compare to a more professional setting. How I acted then, to how I act now has changed dramatically, and as I look back I realized that since I wasn't supervised on a daily basis I never behaved as properly as I do now. Which makes me realize that every single little thing makes a difference in how serious your taken. Also, I realize how serious I am about reaching my career for I have let go of my old childish ways and I take myself  seriously because if I don't my mistake can cost someones case. Of course though this doesn't mean I carry a grouchy serious face all day. But actually began to care and show compassion for the family and team.

The Law Office of Ray Ybarra Maldonado, PLC

    The Law Office of Ray Ybarra Maldonado embodies its mission of "reuniting families and keeping them together" by treating individuals that come in for service as if they were part of the family, instead of treating them like clients. this mission is what has made the office so successful, and future clients are most often referred by past clients that were satisfied with the treatment and respect they received.the office primarily focus is on Immigration cases. The specialization in crimmigration, ensures that non-citizens in criminal cases are not deported or receive other negative immigration consequences.  The office also does criminal defense cases, and personal injury.
   As an intern, it is my responsibility to provide full dedication and commitment to our families need. Whether this be providing water as they await for consultation too obtaining court records. It is my duty to ensure that the attorney has everything in order and ready before he goes to court. The people we serve are in unique and difficult situations, thus its important that I am always patient and willing to meet the demand of the clients. So from the moment they walk in the door to the moment they leave, I must be there attentive to their needs.