Austin, TX – Delegate Leila Villarreal-Cantu from Veterans Memorial High School is in her first year as an attorney in the YMCA Youth and Government mock trial section. Villarreal stated, “I joined Youth and Government to pursue a career in the law world in the future. The opportunity to join the program arose. Therefore, I decided to take on the challenge as it could benefit me in the future.” Villarreal hopes to attend an Ivy League school and become a family attorney to help with custody cases. She is an up-and-coming attorney in high school and has been making waves within the youth and government world.
Along with her co-council, Malorey Zamora, the two of them have been working hand in hand to try and do their best here at the state conference. Besides her involvement with Youth and Government, Villarreal is also involved in the Color Guard and is a part of the debate team. She stated, “Being in both debate and Youth and Government has helped me sharpen my skills in my communication and awareness.” An average person would never be able to tell that this is her first time at the state conference, as she seems like a seasoned veteran. Villarreal states, “I have been having fun at the state conference, and it has all been very exciting.” She hopes to be a figure that younger aspiring delegates can admire. When asked what advice she would give to younger delegates, she would say, “Don’t stress the little things that are out of your control, come and have fun. Use this time as a learning experience and meet new people.” If you get the chance this weekend, be on the lookout for Ms. Villarreal in one of the courtrooms as she hopes to take home the win and persuade the judge in her favor.
Written By: Benjamin Cisneros