Daniel J. Rosenthal is a third year law student and President of the Student Bar Association at the University of Virginia School of Law. Below is Dan's post about his recent trip to visit BRAC's programs in Uganda.
As a result of the weakening market, many of the largest law firms in the world have asked newly hired associates to defer their start date for upwards of one year. For many students who are looking to work at private law firms, the idea of a deferral year may be viewed as somewhat of a setback, but as White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel once said "never let a good crisis go to waste."
As president of the Student Bar Association, I have focused a great deal of energy exploring ways to encourage public service and public interest work at UVa. In particular, I have focused on a strategy to promote international legal work for current students as well as recent graduates. My goal is to show that a deferral is a golden opportunity to make a meaningful work as well as be exposed to thought provoking and challenging public service experiences that will make us more competent, empathetic, well-rounded lawyers regardless of the area of law that we choose to practice in.
It was with this in mind that I decided to travel to Uganda in August 2009 to research the myriad of opportunities available to UVa law students and share my experience with those who might be interested in working for one of the many international organizations engaged in development work within the country.
As a result of the weakening market, many of the largest law firms in the world have asked newly hired associates to defer their start date for upwards of one year. For many students who are looking to work at private law firms, the idea of a deferral year may be viewed as somewhat of a setback, but as White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel once said "never let a good crisis go to waste."
As president of the Student Bar Association, I have focused a great deal of energy exploring ways to encourage public service and public interest work at UVa. In particular, I have focused on a strategy to promote international legal work for current students as well as recent graduates. My goal is to show that a deferral is a golden opportunity to make a meaningful work as well as be exposed to thought provoking and challenging public service experiences that will make us more competent, empathetic, well-rounded lawyers regardless of the area of law that we choose to practice in.
It was with this in mind that I decided to travel to Uganda in August 2009 to research the myriad of opportunities available to UVa law students and share my experience with those who might be interested in working for one of the many international organizations engaged in development work within the country.
BRAC recognizes the value of skilled volunteers and also the impact such an experience can have on the lives of young professionals. To help me with my research, BRAC USA and BRAC Uganda offered to help coordinate my trip and provide access to their amazing programs and dedicated staff. During my stay I was able to visit numerous programs in the areas of microfinance, health, agriculture and adolescent development. While I was impressed by each of these programs and the individuals I met, I was most moved by the young woman I met at an adolescent girls club in Jinja. I really enjoyed spending the afternoon with the group of smart, confident young women and could see just how imperative this program is for empowerment and leadership development.
I have recently started work on a website, www.oneyearforchange.com to not only document my experiences but provide a place where my peers can post stories of the amazing things they are doing during their deferral year as well as provide a clearinghouse to list overseas opportunities that students might not be aware of.
Needless to say, what I saw when I ate, slept and worked in these communities was an eye opening experience for me. I saw both extreme poverty and incredible dedication and commitment to overcoming it. Most of all, I saw the power that comes with giving members of a community a sense of hope and personal worth. It was a truly amazing thing to see and experience. I want to thank everyone at BRAC and BRAC USA for their hospitality and openness in allowing me to observe the important work they are doing in Uganda and around the world. Thank you for all that you do.
Interested in learning more about BRAC in Uganda? Click here to learn how you can meet BRAC Uganda's Country Manager.
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