You've been involved in debate for some time.Are you still active in coaching high school debaters?

Yes, I am! I’ve coached for free at low-income schools for several years, but I’m currently coaching a new debate team at West Tech. We won first place in varsity Lincoln-Douglas in the last local tournament. Debate inspired me to pursue a career in advocacy, and I want to pass on the skills and academic rigor it taught me to students.

As you currently serve as editor-in-chief of the UNLV Gaming Law Journal, what are you learning from --and enjoying about --the experience?

The most important

Tell us about your experience as an educator prior to law school.

Before law school I taught seventh grade social studies and high school U.S. history at an online charter school. It was a unique experience teaching students from an office while they were learning from their homes all across Nevada. It allowed me to travel and stay in places I would normally never go, such as Hawthorne, Nevada. I still prefer teaching in the classroom, but I appreciated the unique experience. Bottom line: We all need to support civics education in our schools!

So who among Boyd faculty in particular has

You played collegiate softball at Weber State University. What was the highlight of your playing career?

Making school history by playing in the NCAA Division I Regional tournament back to back was unimaginable. Additionally, I am grateful for the mental toughness softball demanded. I apply it to my academic and legal career daily.

And what was the highlight of your first year of law school at Boyd?

Sitting on a panel with Senator Kamala Harris to discuss her plans for immigration policy was absolutely incredible. I credit opportunities like those to my involvement with the Black Law

Please tell our readers about the cool award you just earned!

The short documentary I directed, entitled "Lights, Camera, Representation," won the Youth Visions Gold Award from the Seattle Social Justice Film Festival. My producer is my best friend Joceline Waite, my director of photography was a wonderful film student named Taylor Amble, Atanacio Rodriguez did camera work, and Deric Bucher did sound and anything else that was needed. It was an amazing crew full of talent, and I can’t thank them enough for all their hard work with this film.

You were born in Las Vegas but left as a child

You're from the northwest, growing up in Idaho and studying as an undergraduate at Willamette University. What made you decide to depart for Las Vegas and Boyd?

When I visited Boyd, I was amazed at how welcoming and supportive the community was. I had heard horror stories about the hostile atmospheres of most law schools, and Boyd didn't feel like that at all. The scholarship offer wasn't bad either.

What is the number one lesson you learned last year as a 1L that you are applying now as a 2L?

Honestly, school isn't everything. Do your best, and focus on learning things that are valuable

You are a state senator and a law student. How does each role inform the other? 

When I was appointed in 2016, I didn't realize just how valuable a legal education would be for policy-making. I remember sitting in my first legal writing class and being introduced to the role statutes and statutory language play in our legal system. I recognized the relationship between the law and the legislature, but it was in that moment where it became salient. Since then, I consider Boyd to be my home base as a senator. I've worked with professors and students to develop legislation, honed my statutory

You attended United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School over the summer. What was that experience like?

I was humbled by my first real taste of the discipline and camaraderie that our service members rely upon on a daily basis to keep our country safe. I have never appreciated the luxury of private bathrooms, sleeping in, and leisurely eaten meals more. I now enthusiastically take on more challenges in my everyday life as opportunities for growth.

As president of the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association this year, what are your plans for the organization? 

Our

You are a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. How did you come to be so proficient at that particular martial art?

I began practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu at age six. What has made me so proficient is hard work. I would make small goals for myself, such as competing in an upcoming tournament, and do everything needed to be successful. I would study others registered for the tournament so that I would be prepared.

This may be a bit of a stretch, but...are there any principles underlying Brazilian jiu-jitsu that you have applied to your study of the law?

I would have to say that dedication

Tell us about your summer in our nation’s capital!

My summer was phenomenal! I interned for the Office of Management and Budget within the Executive Office of the President. My job entailed providing research and analysis on a broad range of issues involving Energy, Science, and Water policy. What I loved most about this position is that every day presents an opportunity to learn, meet new people, and – most importantly – to contribute to the federal policymaking process.

You were born and raised in Bulgaria. What brought you to Las Vegas?

My family had been living here since the early 2000

What's your fondest memory of your days as an undergraduate at Georgetown University? 

I had the privilege of being the coxswain for the men’s rowing team. One morning, our coach sent us out on the river to row for what seemed like hours. When everyone was absolutely beat, the team asked if I could sing to help pass the time. The blend of my voice, the cadence of the oars splashing into the Potomac, and the hum of nature surrounding us was magical.

You previously were a television news anchor and reporter in Idaho...and up north of here in Reno. How did you enjoy working in the media? 

Work