No path, no problem: How this student is building a bridge for others to follow

By Sydney Janssen

As a first-generation college student, my path to higher education has been marked by resilience and determination. My father attended college for one semester before financial circumstances forced him to leave. My mother began working straight out of high school, focusing on financial security over education.

Going to college was a big deal in my family. It meant I broke the generational barriers, but I had to do so alone. As the oldest sibling, I bore the dual responsibility of setting an example, while navigating uncertain territory with no room for mistakes.

I was told I had to stay focused on academics from a young age. My parents emphasized that working too young would tempt me away from my studies, yet ironically, I needed to work to afford school. This dichotomy shaped my understanding of sacrifice and perseverance.

The college admissions process was daunting. My parents sacrificed so much for me to be in the position to apply--taking extra shifts at work, picking me up late from volleyball practices, and making sure we always had food and shelter--but we had little understanding of how to proceed from there. We did not know the implications of taking on student debt. We did not know how to construct a personal statement. Getting into college was only the first challenge of the course.

When I began my undergraduate journey at the University of San Diego, I was in a cohort designed for first-generation and underrepresented students. This group became my safe haven in an environment where many peers came from educated, affluent families. We supported one another through bouts of imposter syndrome and fostered a sense of belonging.

Despite this support, I faced significant challenges. What were internships? What do you mean you're supposed to apply months in advance? How should I choose a major? What is networking? I embraced these hurdles, learning through trial and error. I became the lead resident assistant of a first-year student dorm, completed an honors thesis, served as vice president of membership for Mortar Board, volunteered at the local juvenile detention center, and worked at a public health non-profit.

After graduating, my route to law school was anything but straightforward. I worked multiple jobs, studied for the LSAT, and spent months researching the application process. The cost and complexity of this journey often felt like yet another barrier. I taught myself about application timelines, the law school experience, and what an outline is--knowledge I now eagerly share with others.

As a proud California Western School of Law (CWSL) student, I have found a community that values diversity and supports first-generation students. My class profile contains forty-two percent first-generation law students; it's remarkable and encouraging. I have met judges, alumni, and peers who share my struggles and inspire me to persevere. My struggles and doubts are still present, especially when I meet students who are not first-generation college students or are children of prominent attorneys.

When I began my undergraduate studies, I felt embarrassed that I was a first-generation student. Now, I view it as a strength when advocating for accessibility within law and higher education. Although I have only completed my first semester of 1L, I have embraced several opportunities to lead and give back. I am my section's representative for the Student Bar Association, work at the library, and volunteer with admissions. My experiences have allowed me to have courage, pursue leadership opportunities, and persevere even if something doesn't work as expected.

My drive to create change extends beyond law school. Without my mentors, I would not be where I am, and I want to pay it forward to the San Diego legal community.

More generally, I aspire to take my experiences as a confused incoming undergrad and law student and help people who could not attend college or afford an attorney. In my professional and personal life, I have witnessed individuals forgo their right to sue--even in the face of horrific harm--because of a lack of knowledge or resources. I have known friends who have attempted to represent themselves, only to be unsuccessful because they were unaware of the court's procedure. I aspire to work pro bono and develop resources to assist individuals in representing themselves.

In a world of uncertainty, I believe it is vital to educate people about their rights and foster an inclusive community for future lawyers. One semester into law school, I am more determined than ever to make a difference--for my community, peers, and the next generation.

Sydney is a recipient of the Lawyers' Mutual 2025 Essay Scholarship. First-generation California law students were asked to submit an essay between 750 and 1,000 words addressing the following topic: "How do you think being a first-generation college student has shaped your perspective/outlook, and how will that perspective contribute to the California community and the broader legal profession?"