All posts filed under: Student Commentary

Locked Out

Reflections on Locked Out of Learning: Educating Refugees in America’s Schools

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I knew attending the Locked Out of Learning: Educating Refugees in America’s Schools forum would ignite in me a deep reflection of my life—a life shaped both by and in the shadow of my family’s immigration to the United States. Born to “Vietnamese boat people,” members of a two-million-people diaspora fleeing communist Vietnam from 1975 to 1995, I immediately saw the similarities between my own refugee parents, the six named plaintiffs in Issa v. School District of Lancaster, and the Asian American students involved in the 2009 interracial-violence incident at South Philadelphia High School. They were all new Americans who left their native countries in pursuit of greater educational and economic opportunities in the United States. However, upon arrival they were faced with the often harsh reality of cross-cultural assimilation, a slow and difficult process of adjustment. Escaping persecution, violence, and war, my mother and father settled in the United States for a better future. Yet, despite their steadfast work ethic, our household was in a perpetual state of financial instability. Growing up in this manner, …

DNC Experience

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I love to travel, but there is something special about the great city of Philadelphia. It is a place so rich with history, culture and amazing food that there was no doubt in my mind Philly was a perfect choice for the Democratic National Convention. The whole city came together for this once in a lifetime event, and I loved seeing all the decorations and support Philly showed for the Convention. I never thought I would get to attend the DNC when it hit our town last week. But, on July 26, I was there. I got to be part of history and I am so happy I had this opportunity. I went to Philly that day after being in court in New Jersey for my summer internship with the State of New Jersey Division of Law and Public Safety. I was meeting my mom at Independence Hall to continue participating in the Donkeys Around Town Challenge and was also hoping to score some DNC merchandise. We watched as Hillary Clinton became the first woman …

Mixed Berries in Heart Shaped Bowl

Why We Created the Student Wellness Association

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Enrolling at Temple Law was, hands-down, the best decision I’ve ever made. After just one year in law school, I’ve already taken classes that have shifted my perspective on the world, engaged with top-notch professors who always make time for their students, and, perhaps most notably, been consistently blown away by both the intellect and genuine kindness of my fellow classmates. As many other authors on this blog have noted, the Temple Law community is a uniquely welcoming place, and I am so grateful to be here. What I often neglect to mention about my law school experience is that my 1L year was also one of my most challenging. When I first started at Temple Law, I believed I had a solid self-care plan in place. I meditated daily, attended a local yoga class two times per week, and prioritized taking time to relax with friends and family. Because my background includes counseling individuals with anxiety and depression, I knew firsthand how important it was going to be for me to take care of …

Philadelphia Skyline from Fitler Square

My Philly Neighborhood: Fitler Square

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I grew up in Fitler Square, a small, quaint neighborhood in the southwest corner of Center City. The neighborhood’s charm is defined by its Victorian-era, 19th and 20th century row homes and its close proximity to Rittenhouse Square, Taney Park, and other Center City neighborhoods. The best part about Fitler Square is its diversity and exuberance; the neighborhood is comprised of families, young professionals, students, and empty nesters. I grew up loving the neighborhood, and I’ve never strayed too far. I returned to the neighborhood when I started law school and I could not be happier with my decision.

Queen Village

My Philly Neighborhood: Queen Village (And Bella Vista, Too!)

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Queen Village is the perfect neighborhood. Nestled just southeast of Center City, Queen Village is bordered by South Street to the north and Washington Ave to the south, and spans from 6th Street to the Delaware River. With tree-lined streets, historic brick homes, and plenty of shops and restaurants, Queen Village is the quintessential urban residential neighborhood. And if you’re interested in expanding your search closer to the Broad Street subway line, look no further than neighboring Bella Vista, which occupies the same latitude as Queen Village, but stretches to the west from 6th Street to 11th Street. It’s just as lovely, and perhaps more accessible to Temple for the car-free crowd.

Powelton Village West Philadelphia

My Philly Neighborhood: West Philadelphia

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I have lived in Philadelphia for the past three and a half years. During my first two years in Philly, I lived in Center City. While I enjoyed it there, I always thought that the rent prices were a bit of a rip off and, because I’m not much of a city girl, I missed being around trees. While visiting some friends who lived in West Philly, I noticed the charming old Victorian homes, and all of the gorgeous green space. I was delighted by how quiet the area was and decided to look into living there.