Feb. 8, 2021
'Just go for it,' says Black Law Students' Association volunteer
David Isilebo knows he has lived a blessed life. Born in Oman to Nigerian parents, and a father who worked in the energy industry, Isilebo has had the opportunity to travel the world.
鈥淲e tended to move every three or four years,鈥 explains the second-year law student at the University of Calgary. 鈥淚鈥檝e lived in Brunei, Australia, Singapore, Nigeria, Scotland and New York. I see myself as fortunate for having moved around so much, to be able to experience so many things while growing up.鈥
Isilebo鈥檚 family eventually settled down in Calgary in 2010. While he calls the city home, he decided to pursue his undergrad at the University of Alberta because he 鈥渨anted to leave the house, but not go too far.鈥
After completing a degree in environmental science, he worked as a research assistant for an archaeology professor, despite no background in the field. With such a broad background, it may be hard to understand how a career in law came into play.
Second-year law student David Isilebo, right, speaks with a classmate at the annual Blakes 1L Mixer, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interest sparked in high school
鈥淚 first became interested in a legal career in high school, when a classmate鈥檚 mother, a lawyer, gave a talk to our class. She explained what the practice was like, the freedom she experienced being her own boss, and the different people she was able to work with.鈥
Isilebo remembered that experience and realized that law school was the next step for him. He applied, and was accepted, to law school, and decided to give it a shot.
鈥淎s it turns out I really like law school, so I decided to stick it out. I was shocked when I first met real lawyers and realized how normal they actually are,鈥 he says with a chuckle.
Volunteering to make changes
Isilebo will be the first lawyer in his family, and he hopes to practise criminal law when he graduates after good experiences volunteering with . He secured a job with for the summer, and hopes to complete his articles there.
Additionally, he serves as vice-president for the Calgary chapter of the , and is proud of the success the group has seen so far in its short existence. The group meets with law school leadership monthly, and managed to initiate an important change in the for Black applicants.
We鈥檙e just getting started. The group started with three members, this year we have six, and maybe we will have 12 next year. Given enough time, the group can continue to grow and have a real impact in the law school.
鈥楯ust go for it鈥
Isilebo has advice for any Black students who may be considering law school: just go for it.
鈥淚t鈥檚 possible. I did not think I could get in, and I did not think I would fit in. And I am here. Do not be scared, and do not be scared of lawyers. They want to help you and to see you succeed.鈥
Find more from 抖阴APP导航.
Black History Month is a time to learn more about the Canadian stories and the many other important contributions of Black Canadians to the settlement, growth and development of Canada, and about the diversity of Black communities.
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