Erica Laros is welcomed to Hope High by members of the Life Skills class. In the photo above, Walter Jimenez welcomes Erica to today’s class.

Today’s guest was Erica Laros, an attorney

who is the Founder and President of her own Law Firm, Laros Law, Trusts and Estates Attorney.

Our Life Skills class host today was Eveline Silva, aspiring lawyer

who will represent the Hope Life Skills class at the National Youth Leadership Forum on Law and CSI in Washington, D.C. beginning on July 22nd.

Eveline greets Erica to Hope High prior to the start of today’s class.

Eveline introduces Erica to her classmates at the start of today’s class.

Tatiana Brito introduces herself and welcomes Erica with a firm handshake, good eye contact and smile, and a friendly greeting following Eveline’s introduction.

Erica begins to share her story of becoming an attorney and then starting her own law firm.

 ” I really didn’t know what I wanted to be.  I was a history major in college.  I eventually figured things out after pushing out of my comfort zone, trying paid and unpaid internships and jobs,

constantly networking,

before ultimately figuring out what I wanted to do professionally”  Erica explained.  “I’ve found that

self confidence has a lot to do with figuring out what you’d like to do in your life. 

This may sound illogical but part of the process for becoming more confident is continually

pushing out of your comfort zone, making mistakes, and then realizing the lesson each mistake teaches you to get better, smarter, and soon, more confident! 

A good part of pushing out of your comfort zone is networking.  I constantly network.  Yes, often times I’m nervous going up to introduce myself to people or asking for a meeting.  But, like anything else,

the more you do it, the better you get.  And, the more people you meet who become part of your network, the more opportunities you’ll have

for jobs, internships, college scholarships, and career choices.”

Erica spoke about the importance and value of ‘asking questions’.  “The interviewer will expect you to ask questions.  This shows you’ve done your research on the company and that you’re actually interested in working there!“

Erica went on to speak about her experience in law, first as a criminal and defense attorney before eventually starting her own firm specializing in estates and wills.  She also shared her insights about dressing appropriately for interviews and work.

“Do your homework when you’re applying and interviewing for a job. 

Check out the company’s web site.  Google the company name to see what’s being written and posted about the company.  And, be prepared to ask questions.  During the interview, your interviewer will expect you to ask questions.  Your

questions show you’ve done research on the company and job and prove you’re really interested in the job.”

Nayely, Walter, Rosa and Walter exchange business cards with Erica after class.

Today’s class ended with a networking session

for students wanting to exchange business cards with Erica and possibly continue the conversation.