Frederick Serrano-Jimenez always wanted to go to law school but it was during a gap year after obtaining his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro when he decided he should enroll sooner rather than later.
However, he was nervous after hearing about the potential difficulties of the fast-paced nature that he may face in pursuit of his legal degree.
Yet despite his doubts, in 2018, Serrano-Jimenez enrolled into NCCU’s dual Juris Doctor and Master of Public Policy Program (JD/MPP), which is offered in conjunction with Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy. He set his sights on plans to one-day work to solve immigration and social justice issues.
“As a first-generation college student with Mexican-immigrant parents, I aspire to run for a political office, where I can enact fair policies that support immigrant families,” said Serrano-Jimenez.
It was also important that he find a mentor with a similar background during his academic journey, citing that “having guidance from someone with a similar interests helped him stay on the right path.”
Among Serrano-Jimenez’s favorite moments in the JD/MPP program includes his involvement with the Hispanic Law Student Association, and he served as president.
“There are few Hispanic students within the law school and I noticed that the Hispanic Law Student Association, while listed as an active group, was not really hosting any programs,” said Serrano-Jimenez. “It was important to me that a space for Hispanic students to fellowship and celebrate our culture existed. During my first year, I took initiative in getting the organization back on its feet.”
He is also an active member of the Moot Court Board, and NCCU Law Review journal.
Serrano-Jimenez also praises his law school professors for their passion and commitment to student success, who include Donald Corbett, Phyllis Craig-Taylor, Irving-Joyner and Lydia Lavelle.
Following graduation, he will relocate to Washington, D.C., for his new position in government and public service.
He advises future Legal Eagles to seek mentorship of people with similar life experiences who know what it takes to succeed.
