Sofia Albini

--Liberal Arts Honors has been an important catalyst to my achievements thus far in my academic career. With the guidance of mentors that I have gained through the program, I have been able to develop a confidence within myself and a career path that I am excited for. Mark Levy, J.D. was the instructor for my LAH Legal Internships and Paperchase courses. As a second-year student, I was able to utilize his vast network of legal professionals in the Austin area to expand my knowledge of post-graduate careers and to meet Justice Chari Kelly on the 3rd Court of Criminal Appeals. Justice Kelly was fundamental to my intrigue about legal theory and becoming a Judge professionally. While my interest in judge hood has never ceased, when Professor Levy encountered me again in the Spring of my third year, my confidence had plummeted. I was continuously getting rejected from internships in every field from data analysis to political communications; the rejections combined with the tail-end of mononucleosis were two factors to my poor mental health of the time. When I shared my struggles with Professor Levy, he was reassuring and provided me with many local opportunities.

Most importantly, when I approached him with my application for the Harvard Law School, Future Leaders in Law Fellowship, he willingly and insistently offered his support as a letter of recommendation. The HLS FLL program—designed for first generation and underrepresented students—was fundamental to demystifying law school for me. As the only Texan in the cohort of 30, I learned that my unique experiences are vital to the future of the legal profession-- instilling a sense of gratitude within myself and for the communities I am a part of. I am proud to say that the ambition, perseverance, and ‘dynamo’ that he has always seen in me, I am finally able to see in myself.

Dr. Marc Musick is a well-known figure in the world of LAH. However, after taking his Social Inequity and Health in the US course, I am delighted to have him as my sociology thesis advisor and mentor. Professor Musick is truly inspirational-- there are many programs, systems, and initiatives that he spearheaded at UT that he may never get the credit for but make all our lives easier. His LAH class, that he advised me to take, and I now advise you to, taught me the necessary skills to produce a research proposal that secured me the Rapoport-King Thesis Scholarship this semester. I know that listening to his undeniable passion for making the university a more equitable place, discussing how our personal backgrounds continue to define our career paths, and his investment in my academic endeavors has made me feel far less alone at this university.

Professors Levy and Musick continue to support my academic achievements. For example, both were essential references for the Friar Society, an organization designed to acknowledge my unique impact and involvement at the University. Although I will be taking a few gap years to participate in humanitarian aid work, I am confident that when I am applying to graduate and law school, these two will be in my corner; even beyond that. So, it is apt that I say, thank you LAH. Thank you for facilitating opportunities for growth and career success with the help of staff and faculty that you have curated for the program.