“Providing education through the Domestic Violence Alliance helps to improve the coordinated community response required to effectively address domestic violence. I believe training helps strengthen our community and improve survivor services and offender accountability efforts.”

“I always believed that the [Student Law Academy] was a great program, but I never participated as a Mentor because I thought I would not really to be considered a Mentor. However, after going through the program with my Mentee, I realized how much I have to offer my Mentee. I truly enjoyed my time being a Mentor, knowing that I helped guide the life of my Mentee while learning more about myself and reminding myself why I became a lawyer.”

“While volunteering, I have enjoyed listening to and learning from other professionals, as I have gained knowledge from my fellow committee members and speakers that has helped me in my work.”

“I volunteer with Military Matters because I am in a unique position to help clients with their municipal court matters. My clients put their life on the line for our country - serving them is a no-brainer. The State of Missouri requires pro-bono service of most of its attorneys (Prosecutors, Judges, and Public Defenders are excluded). Serving with Military Matters fulfills that requirement.”

“It was very inspiring to see individuals succeed in the profession. I felt like if other people can do it and are willing to help us young people to succeed as well, then there’s no reason for why I shouldn’t be able to become an attorney.”

“I have found volunteering with Student Law Academy to be very rewarding. I think it’s important to do what we can to support each other and the next generation of lawyers in Kansas City. ”

“Showing students that it IS possible to achieve your dreams is part of what made me volunteer with [Student Law Academy]. I was the first person in my family to get a bachelor’s degree and the only person in my family to have completed a post-graduate education – at times it seemed daunting and unobtainable, especially due to lack of financial support. I think it is so important to encourage the next generation to strive to have any career they want to have.”

“[Student Law Academy] truly gave me a boost of confidence to not be afraid to believe in myself. I also truly enjoyed speaking with my mentors, they are truly strong women that I now look up to. Knowing more about them helped me believe that I can do anything no matter what others may think or say. As well as, how my economic status won’t affect my education, if I try hard enough.”

“[Student Law Academy] is such a great opportunity for students and the volunteers. It is important for attorneys to continue to be involved in the communities that we practice in and give back.”

“As a graduate of Ruskin High School, I value giving my time to young people who face comparable challenges that I faced. I want them to know that they have me in their corner no matter what. Every time I get the opportunity to work with young people I am reminded about the best in humanity.”

“Listening to the stories and circumstances of each person we help makes me a more understanding and compassionate lawyer. It also puts what we do as lawyers in a different perspective after witnessing the serious issues others and their families face. One of my law school professors would say the practice of law is a profession, not a job. As a professional, you owe your community your time, talents, and abilities to make the community a better place to live for everyone.”

“I absolutely love this program and the opportunity for learning that it provides to mentees and mentors. I think the program is incredibly well organized with a broad spectrum of information and practice areas.“

“[Student Law Academy] is a wonderful program that will cultivate Kansas City's legal community for years to come.”