Gabriella Wirasakti

Gabriella Wirasakti
Class of 2023
Union, KY

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

They were all very surprised when I told them I was going to law school, but they've been so supportive throughout my time at Brandeis. I love that they will listen to what I am learning in class, even though they don't know what I'm talking about.

What undergraduate and graduate degrees do you have? 

I have a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from UofL.

Why law school and why Brandeis?

I went to UofL for undergrad and participated in an ISLP trip to the Philippines my senior year. I met some law students from Brandeis on the trip that introduced me to the idea of going to law school. They were so welcoming, and I loved my time here during college, so it was an easy decision. 

How have you changed since your 1L year?

I was really nervous coming to law school since it was at the height of the pandemic, and I had zero legal experience or knowledge. Since then, I've become much more confident in myself and have become more involved in Brandeis and the Louisville community.

In addition to getting into Brandeis, what are you most proud of and why?

In 2016, I was a permanent resident, so I wasn't allowed to vote. I am proud that I decided to go through the citizenship process in 2017, even though it was intimidating and I was on my own. Now, I make an effort to vote in all the elections! It really is a privilege that people don't appreciate or utilize enough.

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

An inclusive person will be open-minded and accepting of new ideas, people, and experiences and strive to help others, especially underrepresented groups, reach excellence. Excellence is being the best at whatever you want to be.

What is your professional goal for five years from now?

I hope to be a successful patent attorney and mentoring other STEM majors through law school. 

What is your favorite piece of advice and who was it from?

One of my partner mentors this past summer said that, as minorities, we must "rise and lift". We must work hard to rise and be the best, but also remember to lift each other up while we do so.