Alejandrina Gutierrez
As a pre-law undergraduate student at Soka University of America studying Social and Behavioral Sciences, I learned that advocacy is not something that happens only inside courtrooms. Sometimes, it happens through conversations, community outreach, translation, and simply showing up for people. Other times, it happens when you advocate for yourself.
This past academic school year, I worked as an intern with the Orange County Legal Clinic in collaboration with Chicanxs Unidxs, UC Irvine Law’s Community Violence Intervention Clinic, and the Peace and Justice Law Center. I had the opportunity to work closely with organizers, attorneys, and community members across Orange County to do pro-bono work representing unfairly targeted individuals in gang injunctions. Through this, I was able to gain first-hand experience in the legal field.
One of the most meaningful parts of this experience was using my Spanish-speaking abilities to help bridge communication gaps and make information more accessible to impacted communities. Whether I was helping with outreach materials or speaking directly with clients, I realized how important language and trust are in advocacy work. People are far more willing to engage when they feel seen, heard, and understood.
Beyond the professional experience, this internship deeply shaped me on a personal level. It strengthened my passion for public interest law and reminded me why I care so deeply about social justice work. I also gained confidence in my ability to navigate professional spaces, collaborate with others, and contribute meaningfully to causes larger than myself. It has become my first step into building the foundation for a contributive life as a global citizen.
One big lesson that especially stayed with me was the importance of networking and building genuine relationships. To obtain this internship, I took the initiative to reach out and connect with a professor who helped recommend me for this internship. I learned through this that networking is not simply about career advancement, but about building community with people who inspire you, challenge you, and believe in your growth. This huge internship opportunity I had the privilege of experiencing came from one conversation, one connection, and one person willing to open a door for me!
I am incredibly grateful for everyone who mentored and supported me throughout this experience, including InternX, which served as a tremendous source of support in internship preparation and career readiness. My experience with InternX not only strengthened my professional skills, but also gave me the confidence to put myself out there, advocate for my goals, and understand the lasting value of networking.
I encourage every student to put themselves out there, build connections, and embrace new conversations, because some of the most meaningful opportunities begin with simply taking the initiative!!
Author: Alejandrina Gutierrez, Class of 2028
