Michelle Cafarelli – PreProBono Fellow 2012

Hunter College 2013, English Language Arts

What's your favorite whale?
Fudgie the Whale

Tell me something you did that you're proud of.
I am proud of having done a lot of things outside of my comfort zone this past year.

What cause or issue are you passionate about?
Housing in New York City. I was lucky enough to have been able live here my whole life. But, the city is changing so rapidly that I want to do what I can to keep it affordable.

Who or what motivates you? Where do you get it from?
My parents strong faith in me is what motivates me. When I was younger my parents didn't put a lot of pressure on me to do well in school, but the fact that they always knew I had the ability for success pushed me to work hard for it.

What was the hardest thing you've ever done?
Realizing that some things are just out of my control.

What song are you embarrassed to have on your iPod?
It's a toss up between Bawitdaba by Kid Rock and Mandy Moore's entire first album.

Who do you want to help with your law degree?
Those who fall within the cracks of the sometimes rigid legal system.

If you were a Jedi, which one would you be?
Yoda I'd pick. Come in small packages good things.

What's your talent?
I have extensive movie trivia knowledge and I enjoy writing.

What were you in your past life?
A cat.

Journal Entry, July 12, 2012
A description of PreProBono's weekend program was just one of many emails I received that uneventful April afternoon. I would sift through it all and find various pre-law opportunities, but never truly considered them as viable options. For some reason, they seemed out of my reach. I was too busy with class and with work. Nothing seemed compelling enough for me to break my comfortable and safe routine.

But, something was different about that email. Something inspired me to click the link. The optimist in me searched for the steps to apply to the program. The cynic in me looked for the catch. There wasn't one. After reading about PreProBono's goal of helping underrepresented minorities, my doubts began to disappear and I decided to give it a shot.

The weekend program was rigorous and exhaustive. Sixteen hours of intensive LSAT instruction made me realize how much I didn’t know, but it encouraged me to learn. Everyone was enthusiastic and friendly. By the second day I already felt that I'd develop a bond with some of my classmates and the instructors. Preparing for the LSAT didn't seem as hopeless, and the steps I’d need to take to become a lawyer cleared into focus. This clarification furthered when I found out about the Fellowship Program. Not only would I prepare for the LSAT, but I would also have the chance to cultivate my desire to enter public interest law. This was something I couldn't pass up, even if I had to quit my job.

After the application and interview process, I was one of ten lucky Fellows chosen from over a hundred. A month has passed now and I know I made the right choice. PreProBono doesn't just offer extensive LSAT prep, but also a network of support, made up of likeminded individuals. I am so impressed with each and every one of the Fellows, and I am glad we get to learn from each other every class. J.Y. Ping, the PreProBono staff, and the public interest speakers that come in every Saturday, remind me of what I'm working towards. Conquering the LSAT is extremely important, but it's just the first step in what I hope to be a long rewarding legal career. I feel lucky to have people as invested in my success as I am.