1L SBA Candidates

My name is Amandeep Ghuman, I am running for the 1L Representative position wit the Student Bar Association. I would feel extremely rewarded to be able to represent my fellow 1L’s at California Western School of Law, I am aware that there is tremendous responsibility behind the position, and I would be honored to be able to do this. I was involved in various student organizations during my time at California State University, Long Beach. I was also involved in organizations at different universities such as UCI, UCR, etc. I dedicated my free time as a volunteer at the Norwalk and Whittier courthouses to help self-represented litigants and have a tremendous interest in serving my community which includes my school.

The atmosphere at California Western School of Law is one of the utmost tranquil and supportive. During these trying and uncertain times, California Western School of Law has made me feel at ease with the transition to my first year of law school. I felt supported throughout the summer leading up to school, as well as when I started classes. I felt the beloved support of my fellow 1L classmates, as well as the 2L’s, 3Ls and the faculty at California Western School of Law. I feel this was very important because law school is difficult and with the current pandemic the tensions were already very high, due to the of the unforeseen circumstances of being remote. The school did an excellent job with assistance. I want to help further the enriching experience.

            I wish to be a part of this amazing team that is the SBA. I want to be able to help my classmates continue to transition ever so smoothly as we have been doing since the pandemic began. This position is extremely valuable because it helps to get a detailed representation of the current students, as well as what they will need to continue to succeed. It is very important for students to know that we have a voice. I wish to be that voice for my fellow 1L students, I want them to know that I will be that voice for them, as well as represent them in their desires through the Student Bar Association. I have been able to meet up with many of my fellow 1L classmates over scheduled zoom study sessions and hangouts as well as through other means of online communication. We have not been able to meet in person frequently because we must adhere to guidelines put forth by the state of California. With the support of my fellow 1L’s, I will do everything in my power to make sure their viewpoints are understood, as well as incorporated during their time at California Western School of Law as a 1L representative.

Hello my fellow 1Ls! For those of you that do not know me, my name is Arya Sadighian and I am running to be your 1L Representative! I have been interested and involved in leadership and in student government for as long as I can remember. Stemming back to the early years of middle school and high school and being a part of the Student Council and Student Government Association, to being in positions of leadership during my undergraduate years through serving as Vice President and then President of my fraternity, there has always been a drive for me to take on these roles. When I reflect in where the roots of my desire lie, I can confidently say it stems from my passion of being a public servant and a catalyst for positive change. I am running to be1L Representative so I can be in service to you; and that comes with maintaining a healthy, respectful, and communicative relationship with you all.

Without a doubt, we are entering law school during a difficult time where it is more difficult to form strong connections with one another. Additionally, it is difficult to get involved and immersed in the community since our only form of contact is through our computer screens. That is why I am excited to serve as you 1L Representative, so I can voice your very relevant concerns to the SBA when it comes to attending law school virtually. Furthermore, I will make sure to be constantly in communication with you all to ensure you are up to date with all the relevant campus news. Lastly, as a public servant, I want to ensure that I am a resource for you to come to if you need me to voice any concerns to or to guide you in any way shape or form I can, as a fellow student and friend. I would be an honor to serve as your 1L Representative! It has been a pleasure getting to know most of you through our GroupMe and through class, and I cannot wait to meet more of you throughout the year!

“…and nothing shall be impossible for you.” Matthew 17: 21. This bible verse has been a part of me through much of my life, and it is one my parents continuously remind me. It is a powerful and compelling thought, but for a long time I had trouble reconciling with the words. I would think to myself, “There are plenty of things that seem impossible for me, things I could likely never accomplish. For example, I will never walk on the moon, I will never be America’s Next Top Model, and I will not find a cure for cancer.” That’s fine, though. The people that will do these things are the people that will make a difference in the world in areas such as medicine, business, government, and throughout society in general, and they will do so because that is what they are passionate about.  

There it was. Staring me right in the face. 

“Someone else will do it.” “Someone else will make a difference in the world.”  Why must it be someone else? Why shouldn’t that ‘someone’ be me? If nothing is impossible for me, then “someone” certainly could be me. 

This is why I am here, in law school. I understand, through various life experiences, volunteer work, and through conversations I have had with peers and others, just how fortunate I am. I understand that I have been given certain talents and gifts and it is my responsibility to use them to the best of my ability in pursuit of a greater good.

Following my undergraduate career, I worked as a legal secretary at an insurance defense law firm. I reported directly to the firm’s managing partner, Patrick, and assisted four other attorneys. Patrick quickly noticed by natural ability to cultivate relationships. In my six-month review, he explained to me the crucial role that this skill would play in my future legal career. I had never considered this a “skill.” I had always simply regarded myself as a people person. However, in hindsight, while I may have always had a natural inclination to communicate with others, I have refined this “skill” as a result of life’s challenges.

I love people. I love talking to people, getting to know them, and learning about their interests, passions and concerns; which is why I want to serve as an SBA 1L Representative. I beliebe that my natural ability to cultivate relationships coupled with my passion to communicate with my peers makes me a qualified candidate to serve as their representative. I believe that all leaders should possess empathy and selflessness. Therefore, I will consistently strive to represent in an accurate and honest way and will be certain to place their needs and wants at the forefront of my mission. I understand that my role as an SBA representative for section 2B is to ensure that the concerns, passions and interests of my peers are heard. It would truly be an honor to serve my peers in this way.

My name is Hannah Bushyeager and I am excited to announce my Intent to Run for the Class of 2023’s 1L Representative (Section 3).

I am a “second career law student” having spent the majority of the last six years as a Musical Theater performer and playwright. I received my undergraduate degree in Theater Arts and Screenwriting and continued my studies as a playwriting fellow at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. I believe that this unique background makes me uniquely prepared as a class
representative. I am a skilled communicator, a creative thinker, and community-focused leader. If given the opportunity, I would love to use these skills to listen to my peers’ concerns and lead us all to find creative solutions.

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, it is my firm belief that now more than ever we need to focus on building community. Law school is so much more than getting good grades. The relationships we build now will grow with us throughout our careers, and I am passionate about finding ways to help us all achieve these goals. I stand on a platform of trying to encourage inclusivity and community even in the virtual context. I seek to find ways to encourage genuine community and connectedness among the 1L students despite being behind our computer screens.

Although I know that we are in trying times, it is my goal to be a liaison for all 1L students to faculty and upper classmen so that when we are on campus one day (hopefully soon) we will feel stronger and more connected than ever! I am excited at the prospect of representing
the JD Class of 2023 as a 1L representative.

My name is Javier Partida. I am a part-time 3A CWSL student whose aspiration is to become a Judge. My hobbies include cooking, penmanship, and gaming on my phone. I cook very spicey food through the implementation of serrano peppers and mozzarella cheese. I also enjoy writing in cursive with my vintage fountain pen which was acquired in the LAX pen convention prior to the shut-down mandate. Finally, I love gaming on my phone for my selfcare time, currently I play Albion Online which is a multiplatform mobile friendly game.

My professional work exemplifies my passion for our community. I interned as a grant writer for Restorative Justice Mediation Program where I was tasked to collaborate with my manager in drafting, editing, and submitting grant proposals for funding. The funding contributed to programs that affect victims of domestic violence, youth that need a second chance, and prisoners held in facilities working with RJMP. I am happy to say that with my contributions, we were able to secure funds that will cascade into our community in the hopes that RJMP will help reducing recidivism in the San Diego community.

I plan to bring my experience and candid attitude to the Student Board Association with the intention to represent our section’s needs, wants, and thoughts to the relevant venues within our school.

I understand that Covid-19 and our Zoom meetings have changed the interactions in our educational environment. I am aware of the problems we face such as: the imposter syndrome, procrastination, zoom fatigue, and the lack of comradeship in person. It is my awareness that fuels my drive to be our representative, because I want to be the person whose email—[email protected]–is thought of when you have a need, a question, a concern, or just want somebody to talk to. My part-time class standing gives me the opportunity to be accessible and I hope that you will reach out to me.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know Javier Partida, your candidate for the Student Board Association. I look forward to serving you.

My name is Jennifer Ngo and I am running for SBA Section 2 1L representative. I am a San Diego native, born and raised. Took some classes at San Diego Miramar Community college but transferred to Arizona State University to finish my undergrad education for a Bachelors in Criminal Justice. I decided to go to law school to pursue my interest in Criminal Law. There is definitely work to be done in reforming the criminal “justice” system and I want to be a part of that change. I want to join SBA to get involved in the school community and make the most of my educational journey. I believe representing Section 2 is a great opportunity to foster a connection between the section and the SBA. These are challenging times and although the struggles of 1L are something that every lawyer or upperclassmen can remember, current 1L’s have a unique set of struggles thanks to the pandemic. I will communicate concerns from Section 2 to the SBA and represent Section 2 1L’s as a community of hopeful students determined to make the most of our current situation.

My name is Latasha Augustus and I am announcing my run for the Student Bar Association 1L Elective position. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY from two West Indian immigrant parents and I recently moved to San Diego to attend the California Western School of Law. Prior to Law school I have completed my Bachelors in political science at Morgan State University and my Masters in political science at Long Island University and worked in finance for the last few years. I think my educational and professional background has provided me with the necessary experience to fulfill the duties of this role.

            During my time in undergrad I have served on SGA’s executive board as a Senator for Judicial Review. My responsibilities included reviewing and advising budget allocation, new SGA policies, as well as institutional policies related to student affairs. My time as senator become so crucial to student life that my board was called upon to decide on a controversial, academic institutional policy that had stood with the University for years. The policy was an additional measure put in place by the institution as a graduation requirement that had to be satisfied. By the end of my academic career with Morgan State the policy was effectively removed within virtuous reason.

            As Chief Justice at Long Island university, I served on both the academic and student affairs bench, and would hear all issues brought before me in regards to the relative committees. I decided cases on budget, venue, marketing rights, and revenue disputes raised by the likes of organization and students. Academic cases were less common but were still brought forward. I’ve heard issues in regards to minor matters that can be advised by a student panel such as course registration requirements, library hours, and academic resources as well. My decisions as Chief Justice were final on matters of student affairs. All decisions on the matter of academic affairs underwent a final review by the institutions Chief Judicial Officer.

            Alongside my student government experience throughout my academic career, I have a well-versed political background that includes my role as a legislative aide at the Maryland General Assembly, and campaigning with candidates who ran for political office in cities such as Roswell, GA and Baltimore, MD. Budgeting and committee review as well as event planning as a 1L representative will have its challenge for me, but I believe my experience will help in my transition into the role. I am determined to not let a pandemic-society ruin what was supposed to be the biggest, and best chapter of my life. I think fulfilling this role will allow me to help others determine the same.

Hello!  My name is Tyler Nigut and I would like to represent you as our 2B SBA representative. 

As 1Ls during a global pandemic, we’ve already had the pleasure (ha!) of adjusting to the virtual world of Zoom law school.  Although we may be socially distant, I would like to ensure we still have opportunities to remain social and connected.

As your rep, I promise to bring a sense of community to our section.  From Zoom study sessions to Zoom Happy Hours, I think it’s important that we build our section into a team, one that will support all students during our law school careers.

Prior to coming to CWSL, I was an event director for the TAO Group in Las Vegas.  Working in the hospitality event industry taught me to get things done regardless of how impossible the request may sound.  When Snoop Dogg, fresh off the stage from a performance, asks you for a fresh-pressed juice—at 1am—the only right answer is, “You got it!”  It doesn’t matter that all the juice bars are closed, or that it’s the middle of the night, you find a way to make it happen.  It is this same mentality that I’ll apply as your SBA Rep, I’ll work to ensure our time at CWSL is the best possible experience while providing an inclusive and supportive environment for our section to thrive.

Thank you for your time, and I would love to have your vote for Section 2B representative.