As a first-generation college student, UF helped me pave the way to leadership in law

I was born and raised in Parkland, Florida, the daughter of parents who moved to the state from New York in their early 20s. While my parents were not able to earn college degrees themselves — my father entering law enforcement at 18 and serving for 35 years, and my mother working as a preschool assistant teacher — they always instilled in me and my two younger sisters the importance of education. They emphasized that education was both a pathway to opportunity and a foundation for independence, confidence and personal growth.

My parents encouraged curiosity, discipline and a strong work ethic, reminding us that knowledge is something no one can take away from us. This guidance shaped who I grew up to become, and studying at the University of Florida for both my undergraduate and legal education shaped me into the professional I am today. 

My leadership experiences at UF in Florida Blue Key and Levin College of Law have taught me how to lead with humility, passion and purpose. The Gator Nation is often talked about as a vague concept, but I have seen it firsthand through the strength of our alumni connections, which are some of the strongest in the country. By working with alumni in judicial roles and service experiences, I’ve learned that Gators truly care about paying forward the same mentorship and advice to the students who come after them.

That culture of care is palpable at UF Law. In my first year as a 1L, it was evident that my professors, advisors, deans and faculty members cared about my success as a law student. Here, office hours are not just a formality; they reflect a true open-door policy where mentorship is intentional and guidance is personalized. I have been supported not only in my academic endeavors but also in navigating career decisions with confidence. This support fosters a collaborative, rather than competitive, environment where students are encouraged to uplift one another. 

This Gator spirit has influenced how I approach my own work ethic. I strive to lead with the same openness and integrity that has been modeled for me, approaching my work with discipline while remaining grounded in a commitment to helping others succeed.

My judicial internships have been instrumental in refining the impact I hope to make in the legal field after I graduate in May. Interning for the Honorable Alicia O. Valle in the Southern District of Florida, the Honorable John L. Badalamenti in the Middle District of Florida and the Honorable Susanne Wilson Bullard in the Eighth Judicial Circuit allowed me to see firsthand the weight of judicial decision making and the real-world consequences that legal reasoning has on individuals and communities.  

At the same time, working across both federal and state courts expanded my perspective on the different ways attorneys can serve the public. I saw how the legal system operates at multiple levels and how each plays a critical role in ensuring justice. As a result, I have not only narrowed my interest toward pursuing a path that emphasizes strong research, writing and advocacy, but I have also broadened my understanding of where I can make a meaningful impact — whether through litigation, public service, or roles that support the fair and efficient administration of justice.

Throughout my time at UF, one of my core missions has been to pave the way for first-generation and Latino students like me. Having served as the director of the First-Generation Affairs Cabinet in undergrad and as president of the Latino Law Student Association in law school, I want to make the path feel less uncertain, less intimidating and far more possible. I want to be part of building spaces where students not only have access to opportunities but also feel a true sense of belonging. 

I have seen how powerful mentorship, representation and intentional advocacy can be. Those experiences have shaped my commitment to showing up for others the way mentors once showed up for me, by offering guidance and opening doors that might otherwise feel out of reach.

I have worked to build a culture rooted in accessibility and intentional inclusion, where upperclassmen actively guide younger students and where resources are shared openly. I want to leave behind systems and traditions that make navigating law school feel less isolating and more collaborative, especially for students who may be the first in their families to pursue a legal education.

Being a law student is a hard and tedious road, but as I prepare to begin my career in litigation in Miami, my goal is to leave behind a legacy of kindness, joy and intention. I hope future Gators remember to enjoy the journey, to find light in the small moments, and to always treat people with respect and kindness.

Angelina Del Toro is a 3L student at the UF Levin College of Law. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and sociology at UF in 2023 and, after she graduates from law school in May, she will be practicing litigation in Miami.