LawyHer Loading Chronicles: The Power Of Collective Community & Resistance
- staff5077
- Sep 16
- 3 min read
We ask each of our LawyHer Loading Fellows to reflect on their LawyHer experience and to offer any advice or share what they have learned throughout their law school application journey. Below is a reflective essay from Naiset Perez, one of our inaugural LawyHer Loading Fellows.
Dear LawyHer,
My name is Naiset Perez, and I am currently a senior at Dartmouth College, majoring in Geography with a concentration in Latin American, Latino, and Caribbean Studies. Through my studies, I’ve come to deeply understand how borders—both physical and imagined—have been used as tools to divide, displace, and “other” communities.
For me, my studies and interests aren’t just theoretical—they are rooted in lived experience. I am a first-generation daughter of immigrants, and a descendant of the Maya Mam. I come from a Central American lineage marked by displacement, survival, resistance and histories shaped by U.S. imperial intervention, militarization, and economic exploitation. My family’s migration story is not separate from these forces, rather it is a direct response to them. My academic journey has reminded me that advocacy is not individual, rather it's collective and ongoing.
Pursuing law feels like a natural extension of that commitment. It represents more than a career—it’s the embodiment of the dreams, resistance, and strength of the women who raised me. My aspirations took root in their teachings: to seek truth, confront injustice, and never lose sight of who I am or where I come from.
That sense of purpose has kept me going through moments of self-doubt and exhaustion. Studying for the LSAT hasn’t been easy, and there have been days where burnout made me question if I could keep going. But I return to my why—the women who came before me. I think of my great-grandmother and grandmother, whose lives were shaped by sacrifice. I think of my mother, whose love and labor created the conditions for me to chase dreams she never had the chance to imagine. I carry their strength with me.
I’m lucky to be surrounded by a cohort of brilliant, driven women—as well as mentors, fellows, friends, sisters—who are all on their own journey, but we ’re all united in some sense.
To anyone else navigating this journey, this is for you:
Be patient with yourself. Not every day will be productive. Not every study session will feel good. And that’ s okay. Consistency is not perfection—it’s presence. It’ s choosing to show up for yourself in small, steady ways, even when it's hard, even when you're tired, but especially when you’re tired.
Your pace is valid. Your doubts are normal. Your dreams are worthy. Lean on your people. Ask for help.But most importantly, make space for joy amidst our current state of events.
Thank you to LawyHer for creating a space where our voices, visions, and truths can coexist and succeed. I am honored to be in community with all of you.
Chjonte, and in deep solidarity,
Naiset Perez
My Law School Prep Checklist:
Reflect on Your Why:
Write down why you want to pursue law? Revisit it often for motivation.
Take Breaks (Guilt-Free!):
Schedule time to step away from studying. Whether it’ s a walk, a favorite show, or chatting with loved ones, rest is crucial–rest is resistance!
Set Mini Goals:
Break down big tasks into smaller, achievable steps.
Create Your Study Sanctuary:
Find a study environment that helps you focus, whether it’ s quiet, cozy, or with music that keeps you energized!!
Connect with Your Community:
Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Whether that’s through study groups, mentors, or friends who share your journey.
Practice Self-Compassion:
On tough days, remind yourself you're doing your best, and that’s enough. No need for perfection—just progress (also, remembering that progress is not linear)
Celebrate Your Wins
Whether big or small, take a moment to celebrate your progress
