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Laura
Khillawan is Making History |
Seventeen-year-old Laura Khillawan migrated to the United States only two years ago, but already she is making Caribbean-American history. Laura was one of 50 high school seniors recently selected from across the United States, to participate in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Law, an annual forum held to expose students who have excelled academically, to the workings of government. The forum was held from November 14th through 19th in Washington, D.C. Laura was the only Caribbean-American from New York State and the only student from her school. According to Donna Weldin, executive director of the NYLF, the program "is designed to provide exceptional high school students a first-hand glimpse of what a career in law is all about."
The Brooklyn resident and South Shore High School senior is still amazed, yet humbled by the achievement. She joined more than 350 outstanding high school juniors and seniors at the forum. There she had the unique opportunity to meet U.S. Supreme Court
Justice David Souter.
The students were also given the opportunity to debate the issue
of flag burning, and were assigned roles as prosecutors and defense
attorneys as they examined both the legal and political ramifications
surrounding the issue.The program culminated with a court case simulation, in which students assumed the roles of Supreme Court justices on either sides of an issue. They were presented with the case "Santa Fe v. Doe," a true court battle over prayer in the school. Students were also taken on tours of courthouses in the District of Columbia as well as prestigious law schools such as Georgetown University Law Center, Washington College of Law at American University and Howard University School of Law.
Laura attributes her recent feat to her School Guidance Counselor, Miriam Gouveia, and Irwine Clare, director of the Caribbean Immigrant Services. According to Laura, her counselor, observing her excellent 95 percent grade point average and her debating and public speaking skills, nominated her for the Forum. Imagine her glee when the nomination was accepted. But because of "personal family problems," Laura almost had to pass on the opportunity.
That's when Clare stepped in and helped the young Trinidadian immigrant and her parents, Salima and Madusudar Khillawan, cross the hurdles. And Laura did not disappoint. She grabbed the chance and took part in the Forum, which she acknowledged, "has now opened a lot of doors for me."
For one thing, Laura is more convinced than ever that law will be her final career choice. "It (the Forum) helped me realize that I want to get into this field," reflected Laura in a recent interview. "It also helped me realize that I could face whatever challenges are put before me and succeed." Laura will graduate high school this June, and hopes to go on to college and pursue her dream. Her advice to other young people: "Dream a dream and do your best, no matter what the obstacles."
Currently, she is on the debating team of her school; on a scholar's program; and serves as an intern at Assemblyman Frank Seddio's office. Laura also tutors at P.S. 251. Her hobbies, not surprisingly, includes public speaking, debating, and volunteering in community activities, as well as listening to music, watching television, shopping and painting. Her artwork is portrayed on the walls of her school and once was entered in a contest hosted by the South Shore YMCA.
As can be expected, her parents are thrilled at their daughter's achievements. "I'm so proud and elated," said mother Salima, a smile in her voice. But like Laura, Mrs. Khillawan recognizes that her daughter's achievements could not have been possible without the help of other people.
"Mr. Clare is a great man. He moved mountains to get Laura there; as well as Mrs. Gouveia."