When Camila Lopez first stepped on campus, she was about an hour from home, but it felt like an entirely new world. A first-generation college student from Birmingham, Alabama, Camila arrived at UA with big dreams, a few nerves, and a desire to create change, not just for herself, but for her community.
Now a junior majoring in political science and legal history on the pre-law track, Camila has quickly become a force within campus life. From her leadership as president of the Hispanic Latino Association (HLA) to her involvement with Vote Everywhere UA, she stays very busy. However, it felt like something was missing. Camila wanted to do something that would extend beyond the Capstone, so she applied to the Blackburn Institute.
“I originally chose to apply to the Blackburn Institute because I saw what they really wanted to do was develop the future leaders of tomorrow. I felt that I wanted to impact a lot of my community in Alabama. I wanted to stay within the South and make sure that my representation was properly heard within the Hispanic community.”
Becoming a member of the Blackburn Institute is an extensive and competitive process. Only fifty students are selected to join this prestigious group each year. For Camila, finding out she was accepted was a moment filled with excitement, and one she will never forget.
“I felt the desire to make the most out of it. When you finish the long process, you get the feeling of wanting to make sure you do your best,” she said. “I really love being able to experience all of it and try to make the most out of it.”
Through Blackburn, Camila has participated in programming events, leadership workshops and statewide trips that bring students face to face with the social, economic and political landscapes of Alabama. One of these experiences includes the annual symposium, where current Blackburn students get to meet with alumni who showcase the work they are doing to help the state and the nation.
“I was able to sit down and listen to a couple of panels that really resonated with me and what I want to do for the future. Having an attorney who works in immigration and seeing how she navigates through that field was so inspiring for me. To see that proper representation — and seeing how, as a student, being able to, in the future, make that impact — was so monumental.”
It was not just professional inspiration that made the symposium memorable. Camila also formed deep friendships with peers like former HLA president Julia, whose journey through higher education and law school gave Camila both a mentor and a glimpse into what might lie ahead for her.
“It gave me not only an enriching experience when it comes to my future but also gave me lifelong friends who I would have never met.”
Camila’s passion for law is not theoretical— it’s deeply personal. Her mother immigrated to the United States 28 years ago, and growing up, Camila witnessed firsthand the complexity of the citizenship process. She knew she wanted to help others going through a similar situation and saw her future in immigration law. By joining the HLA, she realized that her work should be made in the South.
“Seeing how many people were so inspiring within my community and seeing that kind of love that thrived in Alabama, I really wanted to have an opportunity to do that and give back to my community in the future,” she said. “Being an advocate for the people of the state of Alabama is something that is personally tied to me.”
The Blackburn Institute has further fueled Camila’s passion. Through Blackburn, she’s connected with alumni working in immigration law, who’ve shared advice on navigating the field—and even tips for studying for the LSAT. It’s also been a space where Camila has grown in confidence, learning to advocate not just for others, but for herself.
“[What] I’ve gained through the year is really being able to be true to who you are, to be confident in where you are in your position and being able to have conversations with others.”
These organizations have allowed Camila to feel she has a home away from home at the University, specifically HLA. When Camila came to college, finding a supportive community was important to her, and HLA has played a key role in her personal and academic journey.
“Having that connection is so essential because it’s able to build bonds and lasting friendships with a variety of people to make it feel special.”
For Camila, Alabama isn’t just where she’s from— it’s where she’s meant to make a difference. Through Blackburn, HLA, and her advocacy across campus, she’s not just preparing for law school; she’s already laying the groundwork for a career dedicated to serving others, and she looks forward to continuing to do so the next two years at the Capstone.
“I’ve been able to have so many incredible experiences and being able to use those experiences to give to other people, that’s really what I’m most excited for and hope to reach more people and to be able to see that I’ve left my time here at UA bigger and greater than what has been given to me.”