Hector Correa (TRIALS 2019)
May 2, 2022
The AT Foundation is excited to announce a new series of TRIALS Alumni Spotlight posts! Each part of this seasonal series will include a fun interview with one of our wonderful program alumni, who will discuss their current projects, greatest accomplishments, and many other tidbits of information that will allow you to learn more about the talented people who make up our TRIALS network.
This spring, TRIALS alumnus Hector Correa, Class of 2019, shares a bit about his life and his law school journey.
Name: Hector Correa
Undergraduate School and Major: University of Florida - B.A. in International Studies (Emphasis - Latin America & the Caribbean) and B.A. in Economics, with a double minor in Mathematics and Philosophy
Law School: NYU School of Law
Previous Jobs: Chess instructor for kids, waiter/barista, TRIALS TA (the best of all jobs), and intern at the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and Human Rights First
Current Job: Lawyer in training
Notable Honors: International Law and Human Rights Fellow at NYU School of Law
1. What is your favorite memory from TRIALS?
From the start of the program, a few of us became good friends with the custodial staff at Harvard Law School, some of whom were from the Dominican Republic. We saw them almost every day, and they always recommended that we try some of the Caribbean restaurants in Boston. But, as the program went on, we struggled to find time to go (we were too busy desperately trying to leave the 150s and never come back). And then one afternoon, out of the blue, one of the custodians texted us and asked that we meet her outside Wasserstein Hall. It was actually her day off so we were a bit confused about why she was on campus that day. When we finally met up with her, she was carrying what looked like two large restaurant take-out bags, which we quickly learned were filled with essentially a buffet of Caribbean dishes—enough for 4–5 people. My friend and I tried our best to express how much that incredibly kind gesture meant to us, and she replied (in Spanish) "You have been working very hard for the past few weeks. We need to make sure you eat properly." And eat properly we did.
2. What is your favorite thing about law school?
My classmates, without question. I think it's fair to say that I come from a very different background than the average NYU Law student. Coming into law school, I was afraid that I would not achieve a sense of community and belonging. However, in this past year, I have made amazing friendships with some of the kindest, most passionate, and most hard-working people I have ever met. I feel extremely lucky to be among such an incredible group of smart and driven individuals.
3. Who is your hero and how have they influenced you?
My mother. She is the bravest person I know. She grew up very poor and in a violent environment, where women were systematically excluded from accessing educational and professional opportunities. Yet she managed, against all odds and expectations, to go to college, start a career, raise two children, and become an all-around badass. She is my best friend and daily source of inspiration. All of my achievements are a testament to her tireless efforts to overcome any type of limitation and show me and my brother the value of honest and hard work.
4. If you could share a meal with any three individuals, living or dead, who would they be?
Justice Sonia Sotomayor (of course), Gabriel García Márquez, and Rubén Blades (fun fact: he has an LL.M. from Harvard Law School!).
5. What makes you feel at peace?
Dancing salsa; something which, going back to my favorite memory from TRIALS, the same friend from the story and I did in between classes and before our practice LSATs (shout out to Katherine). I very much recommend it!