Florence Otaigbe ’20 is a Law Graduate at Catholic Charities, where she provides immigration services.
On her typical morning
Exercise! I try to get a workout in before I get ready for the day and head out to work.
On graduating during the pandemic — the good, the bad, the enlightening
The good is that I graduated! Even though it wasn’t your typical graduation, it felt so good to accomplish being done with law school. I would say the bad part about it was not being able to celebrate with friends and family. That being said, I found my own ways to celebrate and mark the occasion of being done. I would say that an enlightening part of graduating during a pandemic came from the time that I had to really reflect on what I did and all I have been through.
On her most memorable moment during your time at CUNY Law
I would say that my most memorable moments involve coming together with my peers and pushing the CUNY community to be at its best.
On her time as part of CUNY Law’s Immigration and Non-Citizens Rights Clinic
I was in INRC during its first evening clinic, so I would suggest that any evening student interested in immigration participate in this clinic. You may hear that it is a lot of work and quite demanding, but it is so worth it. Your professors will work with you to make sure you are able to do all you can within your means. Don’t let the gravity of the work intimidate you!
On her time at the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR)
I did a spring semester internship at CCR, so my experience was different than what would occur during a summer internship. That being said, I remember a meeting that was organized between us and their advocacy director. It was so great to hear from someone using their law degree to push for systemic change and work with organizers. It made me feel like being a movement lawyer was really possible.
Why she wanted to intern with The Door
I loved their model and approach to working with youth. I valued their work as an organization, so I wanted to be a part of it.
What she learned on the job hunt after graduating in 2020
I learned that you have to stay the course. I only got one interview, but the interview I got led me to my current position. Job hunting is already a frustrating process (even more so in this pandemic), but I had to keep going. I also saw the value in using as many resources as possible to look for jobs and checking them regularly. I know this sounds so simple, but it really does make all the difference.
On what interests her most about immigration law and services
I am most interested in helping people obtain the right to what they deserve. I believe that no one is unworthy of being in the United States, and I want to do what I can to make sure people are able to live where they want to live.
How she recharges and resets
Naps are my go-to! But a good workout always helps me too.
Florence joined Therese McNulty of Career Planning for a Career Conversation on IG Live in November
Be sure to check out Florence’s Instagram Live with Therese McNulty, Associate Director of Career Planning during this month’s #CareerConversations. Reach out to Florence on her LinkedIn or via email.