This student Angela Yepes is a Junior at Marshall and recently played the role of a judge in District competition ‘24. This has affected Angela in many ways, one being who she has surrounded herself with school wise. She says that her friend group comes from Mock Trial, she says they are close because of Mock Trial and it is something that helps them grow and learn together as close friends.
“I just feel like I’m more like, I’m more prepared for professional situations, so for my future, whenever I get a job etc.”
Angela says that Mock Trial has taught her to speak more professionally, become more comfortable in professional/serious settings, and just how to be more proper in general. She also says that Mock Trial has helped her feel more connected with other people in her classes, especially in the teamwork and collaboration part of it.
“Because when you’re an attorney for the past two years, you’re depending on other people to do their work, and they are depending on you, in turn, to do your own work. So it really taught me that I have to be responsible with my time, not only just for myself, but for others.”-Angela Yepes
While law is not a main focus in her future, Mock Trial has been something she says she feels interested to go into in the future, whether her senior year or in college.
“It definitely taught me that law might be something I’m interested in. It showed me that although I do feel a lot of pressure in that area, it is exciting to be in the courtroom, and I would actually really like to be in the courtroom in the future.”- Anegla Yepes
In conclusion, being in Mock Trial can help students by tapping into their skills, building confidence, and fostering a more complex understanding of the legal process. It also equips them with valuable life lessons and skills that they may even use in the courtroom 25 years from now. To end off the essay let me include the impactful words of advice from Anegla Yepes.
“Even though we’re all striving to get better scores than each other, we all have to remember to respect each other, and that in the end, we’re probably going to be working with each other so we should learn right now. We should learn and grow together, and should just focus on having fun too.”- Angela Yepes