Loyola Law School- 10/19/05 Disabled Mentoring Day Loyola Law School October 19, 2005 When I first heard about Mentoring Day, it was past the deadline to register; yet- I still submitted all of my forms and had the privilege of attending the day back in 2000. The organizers had to scramble to find me a mentor, and I was so fortunate to be paired up with Dean Burcham. I was a little nervous at first being partnered with the Dean of Loyola Law School. What would he think of me? What if I can’t perform my duties? Looking back, how silly I was to think like that. Dean Burcham never looked once at my disability, he looked at what made me, me…and I am forever indebted to him for looking beyond the chair. I sat through one of his meetings with all the Chairs of the different departments, and he introduced me as a ‘future student.’ I sat through one law class, where the students were baffled over a problem-and I interjected with my 2 bits, and the professor asked me if I ever had any aspirations of becoming a lawyer. I just smiled at the professor and told him that I’ll be back someday. And here I am, today…that encouraged me to continue my education at Loyola Marymount University, where I graduated w/ a degree in Political Science in 2004. I am currently enrolled in the Graduate program at Loyola studying Theology with an emphasis on Bioethics. I am also the newest Commissioner to sit on the Los Angeles Mayor’s Commission on Disability. All of this stems from never giving up on a dream. Today, you have the opportunity to gain first hand experience about what your future may hold. If you just take just one thing out of my talk, please remember this- NEVER ALLOW YOUR DISABILITY TO BECOME YOUR INABILITY. Today will open many doors and opportunities for you; it is a day that I still hold very dear to my heart. You are the leaders of tomorrow- and no obstacle, wheelchair, impairment, etc. should stop you from dreaming or to reach your highest goal. Dare to dream and follow that dream, today is the beginning of many promising tomorrows. ~Theresa May de Vera