Student Spotlight: Ku'Ikaika Calderon on interning in D.C.
by Shelby Downey-Kriegh |
Legal Studies and Criminology double major Ku'Ikaika Calderon just returned to Anchorage after his summer internship in Washington, D.C., with Senator Dan Sullivan. He speaks on his experience over the last two months in the nation's capital and shares what motivates him toward success and his aspirations for the future.
Name: Ku'Ikaika Calderon
Major: Legal Studies/Criminology
Anticipated graduation date: 2028
Unit: Justice and Human Services
Hometown: Anchorage
What brought you to the UAA College of Health?:
I came to the UAA College of Health because I was born and raised in Anchorage, Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ, and was fortunate enough to be on a full ride to UAA.
Why did you choose the degree you are pursuing? What would your dream job be?:
I chose the degree I'm pursuing because it most closely leads into law school, which will be the next step in my educational path. My dream job is practicing corporate law in New York to start off my career, then switching to having my own practice.
Have you been involved with internships? Please tell us how these experiences have shaped you personally, academically, and professionally.:
I completed a two-month internship with Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ's Senator Dan Sullivan. This was definitely a life-changing experience and shaped my outlook on both our government and my future goals. I was originally planning to attend whatever law school could accept me, but after being on this internship, I've seen how realistic it is to get into a T14 law school and have now set my sights on that. On top of this, I learned professionalism at the highest level as well as how to network.
What words of wisdom do you have for underclassmen or youth who are still considering their options after high school?:
The best advice I could give anyone is the importance of never giving up and working hard. No matter what you do, strive for greatness and continue to persevere without giving up. If you simply refuse to give up on whatever you set your sights on, you can achieve anything you want.
What did you want to do when you were 10? Why?:
When I was 10, the only thing I wanted to do was make a lot of money to take care of my family. I'm the second oldest of seven siblings raised by my grandma, so from a young age I knew that if I wanted to change all our lives. The goal was to make enough money to take care of us all.
What was your favorite class while here at UAA, and why?:
My favorite class here at UAA would definitely be Criminal Law. I'm a criminology double major, so while I'm not necessarily wanting to be a lawyer in the criminal justice field, it's definitely an interest of mine.
What is a cause you care about?:
A cause that I care about is the development and equal opportunity of the youth. This is the area during my internship in D.C. that I got to work on more closely, and I'm definitely passionate about it. The kids from the area I grew up in simply don't have the same opportunities and resources as kids from other areas. So giving kids who start with more of a disadvantage a more equal opportunity is definitely a cause I care about.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?:
My favorite spot on campus is definitely the AVIS Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Sports Complex because my friends and I can go play basketball there for free between classes and during our downtime.
Who is your favorite professor or staff member and why?:
My favorite professor is Professor Andrea Walker. I've had her every semester I've been attending UAA, and she is both incredibly passionate and good about explaining the content of her classes. She also cares to a great degree about all the students.
What is your favorite memory from your time here at UAA?:
My favorite memory from my time here at UAA is definitely the Q & A I did with the Society of Law and Justice Club. This experience was awesome, and I got to learn a lot.
What is your plan after graduation?:
My plan after graduation is to attend a T14 Law school. After graduating, I want to then go on to practice corporate law, just grinding out to make as much money as possible. After propping myself up financially, I'll move where I can and open up my own practice.
What is your favorite quote? Why?:
"No one can win every battle, but no man should fail without struggle"- Spider-Man. This is my favorite quote because my greatest strength is my ability to work as hard as I can. Though I work as hard as I can and it doesn't always work out, I won't fail without struggling as hard as I can.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?:
I work two jobs as well as being full-time in college, so free time is scarce. However, when I do get a rare moment of spare time, my hobbies are being a part of an intramural basketball team at UAA as well as going to the gym.
Tell us about an obstacle you overcame.:
I've overcome so many obstacles, but one of the biggest was growing up without parents. Needless to say, parents are a critical part in the development of someone's life, and I was really mad for a really long time at the fact that I didn't have them. Nonetheless, I pushed past this challenge and continue to thrive.
What is your secret to college success?:
My secret to college success is having my little siblings. Any time I don't feel motivated or feel like a task in college is insurmountable, I think about my little siblings, and I have to pave a path for them. Having this motivator makes success in college easy.
What has been your happiest/proudest moment?:
My happiest/proudest moment was graduating high school. While this may seem like an easy accomplishment, and for some it is, I was the first person in my family to do so. Both my parents and their parents didn't graduate high school, so it felt amazing.
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