11th Grade ~ Sustained

In today’s post, I had the chance to interview the Juniors and gain insight into how their experience has been over the past two years. For many of them, their first introduction to law came from the people around them or through watching law-related shows on TV. Since then, they have accomplished a great deal of things like, participating in Youth and Government, competing in Mock Trial, and even serving as team captains.

Currently, the Juniors are learning how to write case briefs, an important skill for any future lawyer. They also shared their experience attending Youth and Government last year, offering valuable advice: speak up, be confident, come prepared, and make sure to memorize your material.

The Juniors also had helpful tips for witnesses preparing for the Mock Trial. Their advice was to be yourself, speak clearly, stay calm so you don’t get caught up in your words, and always know your witness statement.

Finally, they wanted to share encouragement with the younger grade levels. Their advice: don’t be afraid to speak out, stay confident in everything you do, and get involved in as many clubs and competitions as possible. Not only will this strengthen your resume for the future, but it will also give you the opportunity to make new friends and valuable connections along the way.

Inside the Legal Path: Juniors Reflect on Growth and Guidance

(September 2025) by Valeria Cortez

Working at Raising Cane’s is fast-paced, energetic, and at times demanding, but it’s also one of the most fun and friendly environments I’ve experienced. As a Crewmember, you’re constantly on the move—taking orders, cooking chicken fingers, preparing toast and fries, and keeping the restaurant clean and organized. During the lunch and dinner rushes, the pace can become hectic, and that’s when teamwork matters most. Music plays, conversations flow, and everyone works together to keep up with the stream of orders. Even in stressful moments, the upbeat atmosphere and supportive coworkers make the day fly by and keep the job genuinely enjoyable.

What makes this experience especially meaningful is how it parallels my role as a captain in mock trial and my pursuit of a legal career. Cane’s has sharpened many of the same skills I rely on in the courtroom. I’ve learned to stay composed under pressure, think quickly when situations escalate, and communicate clearly with teammates. Leading a crew through a busy rush requires organization, confidence, and the ability to inspire others while remaining calm—qualities that directly translate to leading a mock trial team through a complex case. My leadership, communication, and adaptability have all grown stronger because of this job, and those traits continue to fuel my success in both mock trial competitions and my broader legal journey.

Lessons in Teamwork: From Cane’s to the Courtroom

(October 2025) by Jonathan Ontiveros

Participating as a witness in Youth & Government offered me a strong opportunity for personal growth because it taught me how to think faster under pressure. As a witness, you must understand your character, recall important facts, and respond confidently to both friendly and hostile questions that might be hard to answer. I learned to anticipate what the opposing side might ask and prepare clear, reliable answers. The experience also sharpened my communication skills, since I had to speak clearly, stay calm, and present information that helped my team’s case. These skills helped me become more confident, especially at school and in everyday life.

Being a witness also helped me build teamwork, discipline, and confidence. I learned how my part fits into the whole case, which taught me how to work with others, follow instructions, and trust the practice I put in. During the competition, I did get feedback on how to speak, act, and present myself better. I did take a moment to reflect, know how to do better, and will improve as a witness. I also learned how the legal system works, which further inspired me to pursue this as a future career. Youth & Government is a competition I would recommend to people who want to get experience, especially since you get to compete with different schools, and it challenges you. I loved my experience in this competition, especially now that my team has made it to the State. Overall, the experience helped me grow into a more confident person and witness.

Growth as a Witness: My Experience in Youth & Government

(November 2025) by Ashley Castillo

My leadership role in Skyline’s Folklórico Club and Team has significantly strengthened the confidence I bring into the courtroom. As Co-Captain and President, I am responsible for coordinating practices, supporting performers, and maintaining composure during high-pressure events. Performing on stage in front of large audiences has taught me how to manage nerves, maintain professional posture, and project confidence even in uncertain situations. These experiences translate directly to mock trials, where poise and self-control are essential. When I rise to deliver an opening statement or conduct a witness examination, I draw on the same discipline and presence that my leadership in Folklórico has helped me develop.

Additionally, leading a team has strengthened my ability to communicate with clarity and purpose. Organizing practices, addressing team concerns, and resolving issues in real time require a steady, confident voice and clear direction. This leadership experience has directly influenced the way I conduct myself in the courtroom. I am better prepared to speak assertively, maintain eye contact, and guide the flow of my questions. Through Folklórico, I have developed a strong sense of confidence and professionalism that supports my growth as a Legal Studies student and enhances my effectiveness in mock trial settings.