WINTER STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
The Law Insider Student Spotlight tab is a way to showcase students whom the editors believe have talented writing skills and deserve to be recognized for their work as well as their interest in the topic they are writing about.
At the end of every season, a small handful of students will be chosen from the authors of the articles submitted and will be highlighted on this page so that their work can be recognized by not only other high school students but anyone who visits our website or social media page.
To be considered for a student spotlight, first, have a look at the different categories that we have editors for and write an article under the corresponding category. However, if you believe you have another interesting topic that others would enjoy reading about, write an article on that topic. After you have written your article, go to the “SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLE” tab on the menu above, and fill out the form. While filling out the form make sure to click the “yes” option to be considered for a student spotlight. After your article is submitted it will be reviewed by the corresponding editor (or anyone on the editing team if your article does not correspond with a category). We will write back to you via email if your article is published or you are considered for a student spotlight.
We hope to see your articles submitted to us soon as we would love to have as many articles on this website as possible and highlight as many inspiring students as we can.
Leon Leon
Leon is the author of our most recent article "Separation Of Powers In Singapore". He graduated from Temasek Polytechnic in Singapore where he currently resides with a degree in Psychology and is serving national service in the Singapore Armed Forces. He plans to study law after his service term later on.
What inspired you to write this article?
I am currently serving national service in the Singapore Armed Forces, and hope to study law at university when my service term ends. Writing this article was one of the activities I am doing to learn more about the field before I begin studying. I chose the topic of separation of powers because I personally believe it is important to have checks and balances in place in government.
What do you want people to learn/ get out of this article?
I wanted to inform people about the structure of government and how the separation of powers can prevent tyranny. In Singapore, many people do not question the overreach of government, so I hope this can help bring attention to it.
What are your main passions and why?
My hobbies are video games and collecting watches. I enjoy the analysis of game strategies - I think learning to be good at some games is analogous to solving a challenging situation or work project, and is similarly rewarding when you make progress. My love for watches and other artisanal items stems from an appreciation of the complex design and craftsmanship that goes into seemingly simple objects. I believe my interest in law is fueled by the same things as my hobbies - critical thinking, problem-solving, and an appreciation of a deftly crafted item, or in this case, argument.
In what ways have you/ do you impact your community around you?
During my diploma in psychology, I worked with a home for individuals with psychiatric conditions. I took on the task of interviewing the residents to find out how the environment or programmes run by the home could be improved. I have also done projects that analyse behaviours, such as jaywalking and obstructive parking, and came up with solutions to these common issues based on psychology research. In my first and second years of secondary school, I participated overseas programmes to refurbish orphanages and distribute supplies to rural villages. I have found all of these experiences to be meaningful as I can help others while also developing myself and learning new skills.
Why are you interested in pursuing law in the future and what do you believe is its impact on the world around us?
I feel that an education and career in law would be personally fulfilling as I challenge myself with ever-changing scenarios. I also have a love for debate, stemming from my time in my school debate club, which I find very engaging. Being able to work in a field that I enjoy while also helping others is what motivates my aspiration for law.
Riya Singhal
Riya is the author of our most recent article "LGBTQ Rights Under Sharia Law in the UAE"
Riya is a senior at Swiss International Scientific School, Dubai. She is an aspiring lawyer who runs a website called Domun which is home to immigrant narratives and mementos of "movement".
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What inspired you to write this article?
I was inspired to write this article because in grade 10 (MYP), to pass we all have to do a personal project I did mine on how social issues can be represented through fashion. During this project, I chose 5 issues to focus on; LGBTQ rights, the wage pay gap, racism, rape, and religion. During the final exhibition of my project, I was called into my principal's office and told that because my project covers LGBTQ rights I may have to cover my whole presentation if anyone chooses to object. After the meeting, I got really motivated to explore the topic myself and address the taboo around it, thus the article.
What do you want people to learn/ get out of this article?
It may sound familiar but I simply want to create awareness. This is because in UAE media is highly controlled and censored because of which nobody really gets to know about such cases.
What are your main passions and why?
My passion/ hobbies are basketball and dancing. This is because in both I feel free and focused as to what is happening in the class instead of whatever may be joining on in my life, it soothes me and calms me down. Expect of that my passion is to actually become a lawyer, I am applying to both UK and the US. I have several summer courses and internships, these have only developed my assured me towards my future passion.
In what ways have you/ do you impact your community around you?
For the community, I have been an active engager. I am in the Green Team at school which aims to help the environment, I traveled to Cambodia for 12 days where we personally dug wells for families in need of water, I have worked closely with Gulf for Goods, in grade 9 I was the vice-president of the Interact club in which we raised money for an unfortunate school, I have tutored kids in my community, I have been a student ambassador, I have been involved with animal shelters, and more. I am always looking for opportunities where I can impact society by simply volunteering or bigger projects where I can.
Why are you interested in pursuing law in the future and what do you believe is its impact on the world around us?
I am interested in pursuing law because I have had family members who have suffered injustices because of the law. I remember looking at them and being unable to help, I wish to change that in my future. It is also because I am always looking at ways in which I can help individuals, and with the law I believe is the most prominent way of doing so as it has a long-lasting impact. Moreover, I was also interested in law because of my talent for debating, love for history, and English.