UC Davis job-shadow student learns about King Hall

Last week UC Davis undergraduate student, Stella Tran, shadowed me for the day as part of Chancellor Gary May’s UC Davis Leadership Job Shadow Program. 

We were happy to have Stella visit King Hall and I thought you might enjoy reading this essay about her experience:

By Stella Tran

Nervous without knowing what to expect, I traversed into Dean Kevin Johnson's office. Law school has been a top priority for me since I realized my passions for words, legal writing, and healthcare. I seized every possible opportunity I could as I want to be more prepared for the rigors of my future career pathway. What better way than to ask the person who headed King Hall, just a couple of steps away on the UC Davis campus?

Luckily, I was given the eye-opening opportunity to be a part of Chancellor Gary May's UC Davis Leadership Job Shadow Program. With my foot in the door of the law school, I climbed up the stairs to stand right before the Dean's office. I was surprised at the welcoming ambiance. Greeting me with a kind smile, the Dean presented a bag with more information about UC Davis' law school as well as a mug for my safekeeping. I was honored with the gesture—the mood felt a lot lighter and I relaxed my shoulders. Dean Johnson's staff were also so welcoming with beaming smiles, and I felt like I belonged without intruding in on anyone's workday.

While I had tons of questions and answers prepared about the law and the law school process, I felt more connected to Dean Johnson as he did not sugarcoat his own law school experience. Rather than glorifying the experience and throwing law jargon at me, he talked about factors I should consider about law school, such as the social atmosphere. His experience growing up was tough, and he joked about eating ramen during law school while his peers could possibly afford a trip to Jamaica the following weekend. The conversation felt real. I could relate to him, and I was in awe that his humble experience leads him to his position today as the Dean of a law school.

Afterward, I accompanied Dean Johnson to an alumni meeting, where I met incredible lawyers, judges, and those involved with the law who were once law students at UC Davis. It's amazing to think that they were all once in my shoes at one point, considering a grand, future endeavor to pursue law school. I remembered sitting right next to a judge from Southern California, and we connected since I told her that my hometown is right by Disneyland. I assumed that she did not know where Garden Grove was located as others in Northern California needed distinct landmarks to understand my geography; however, she understood right away that I was from the area. I was over the moon when she told me that I could contact her at any moment to ask about her experiences. As none of my family members are lawyers, I really appreciated everyone's time, galvanizing me to reach my vocational goals.

I want to thank Chancellor Gary May, Dean Kevin Johnson, Dean Johnson's staff, and the coordinators of the shadow program for allowing me the opportunity to shadow such a renowned leader within the UC Davis community.