Meet Point Scholar Alan Cruz

What college/university are you attending and what made you choose it?

University of Nevada Las Vegas - due to COVID and safety, instead of transferring to a school out of state, I decided to attend my local university. I am happy with my decision and it has helped me save money which I can save when I apply to law school.

Which program are you pursuing and what about the subject intrigues you most?

I'm currently a criminal justice major. What interests me about this major is the aspects of law and the constitution.

What are your career aspirations?

My plan is to become an attorney and practice law. I'm between being a public defender, working in immigration, becoming a civil rights attorney or engaging in international law. I'm a mess and have so many interests, but law is the route I'll be taking! I may even run for public office down the line, but first I need to get my life together.

What is a fun fact about you that few people know?

A ‘fun fact’ is that I’ve gone through 6 surgeries in my lifetime due to a genetic disability I was born with, and I’m still here. Alive and thriving. Before my 6th and final surgery which took place in June 2019, I helped host and organize a youth summit at Facebook HQ. It took place a week before my surgery!

What is your current favorite streaming binge?

Scandal and Grey's Anatomy.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

We recently adopted a puppy and so in my spare time I enjoy playing with him and showering him with LOVE. He's a pit bull terrier and his name is Chico. He is 6-months-old.

How are you practicing self-care during this difficult time?

I am practicing self-care by surrounding myself with people who hold me accountable and make sure that I take breaks and take care of myself. In turn, I do the same for them. Instead of practicing self-care, we are practicing community care because we can't do it alone. Also, I've been watching a lot of Netflix to unwind and chill.

How are you adjusting to remote life and what are your tips to stay motivated?

It's been hard adjusting. I'm still not used to it. But some ways I'm staying motivated is reminding myself why I'm doing everything that I'm doing. I'm doing it for myself so that I can succeed and create a better life for my family and community. I'm doing this to move forward to help create a world free from violence, where we are all cared for. I'm doing this for so many reasons - and these reasons are what's keeping me going. Write down the reasons why you're doing the work you're doing or what your end goal is, and let it help you keep going.

As a Point Scholar, what is your message to other LGBTQ+ students?

It's tough out here. Make sure you are giving yourself permission to feel. We are living in a pandemic and for many of us, we are facing so many issues and struggling. It is okay to feel sad, hopeless, happy, angry, frustrated, or whatever other emotion you're bottling up - let it out and allow yourself to feel. This is something that I've been doing for myself. Allowing myself to cry when I've denied myself this emotion when I feel sad. Allowing myself to feel happy over the small things, because I'm doing a great job. My existence is enough. I am doing great. I'm going to keep on going.

This post’s responses were submitted by Point Scholar Alan Cruz.

Cruz is currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Read more about Alan here.