Aakriti Bista

What is your hometown and state? Louisville, KY

What do you love most about your family and/or friends?

I love that my family and friends are always there to remind me that I am capable of anything. I am grateful to have such a great supportive system who lend a hand or an ear whenever I need it.

What undergraduate and graduate degrees do you have? What majors/minors?

 I have a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. I also graduated with a double minor in Communications and Political Science.

Why law school and why Brandeis?

I chose to go to law school because I want to advocate and amplify the voices of those who are oppressed. I wanted to study law because the law shapes our everyday lives, and it defines and limits the power of our government. I believe that studying the law will help me become a better advocate for justice and it will allow me to be a part of influential groups in places where I can fight for systemic changes. There are many reasons why I chose to go to Brandeis. Louisville has been home to me ever since I was eight years old. I know I want to practice here and serve the marginalized communities in Louisville. I chose to go to Brandeis because I wanted to network and get familiar with the legal community in Louisville. I also had the opportunity to meet many successful attorneys that graduated from Brandeis. Brandeis also offers many externships and opportunities that I find intriguing and want to take advantage of.

How is your 1L year?

The transition from undergraduate school to law school is far from seamless. I knew that law school was not going to be easy, but I don’t think I was mentally prepared to face the obstacles or challenges of my 1L year. Throughout my 1L year, there were many times when I was disappointed in myself and moments that  felt like setbacks. Those moments were discouraging, and it made me doubt myself. However, law school requires so much energy and focus that you cannot go down that rabbit hole. 1L year taught me not to wallow in self-pity. Instead, it taught me that to persevere in the face of adversity. It taught me to get up and push through no matter what. 1L year taught me to become more resilient.

In addition to getting into the UofL Brandeis School of Law, what are you most proud of and why?   OR What is the greatest challenge you have overcome and why?

I moved here from Nepal when I was eight years old. This move was the greatest challenge that I had to overcome. I did not speak, nor did I understand English. For so long, I felt voiceless. Even when I started to learn English, I was afraid to speak up and I was self-conscious about not fitting in. I struggled acclimating to this new culture, language, and a country that was polar opposite of Nepal. As I got older, I forced myself to get out of my shell and put myself out there. I started to become more confident in myself and get comfortable taking up space. At one point, I did not speak or understand a single word of English. Now, in addition to getting into law school, I have graduated with honors from high school and college and held multiple leadership positions. I went from feeling voiceless to finding my own voice, and that’s something that I am proud of.

How do you define Inclusive? How do you define Excellence? 

Inclusive means ensuring marginalized groups are heard and seen, and creating as well as maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for them. Inclusive also means providing equal access to opportunities and resources for individuals that are not privileged. It means to actively working to level the playing field.  Excellence means putting forth your best effort in everything you do and achieving the goals you have set for yourself. It does not mean competing with others, rather constantly competing with yourself to become a better you.

 What is your professional goal for five years from now?

My professional goal for five years from now is to either become a criminal defense attorney or a judicial staff attorney.

Favorite quote and author or favorite piece of advice and who was it from?

My favorite quote is "For me, becoming isn't about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously towards a better self. The journey doesn't end" by Michelle Obama, Becoming.