After many years working for a large computer/technology company, my being laid off led to the exciting decision to attend college for the first time in my life. I had always had interest in being a paralegal, especially in the areas of helping families and immigrants. So, in the spring of 2021, I began paralegal courses at West Valley College. This led me to SLS, where I began my internship in February 2022, and ended up being offered to stay on as a legal advocate. I have really enjoyed my time here assisting some of the most vulnerable people in our society, the elderly. We often hear the saying that the ‘children are the future’, and that is so true. Yet, where would we be without the accomplishments of the elderly, many of whom came before me. I am grateful for organizations like SLS that provide legal services to the elderly. When not working I enjoy spending time with my cats, Chuco and Lil Vato, and my nieces and nephews (I have at least 54, not counting those I that I have not met yet). I also like to watch sports and used to play lots of basketball. (Favorite teams: Raiders, A’s, Sharks, Warriors and Celtics, and whatever team Messi plays for). I recently began camping again, as I had done a lot when I was younger, and found that I really enjoyed it, along with fishing. It is lots of work. But keeping it simple and just enjoying nature is awesome.