Madeha Javed
In 2018, I moved from Azad Kashmir in Pakistan to the United States in the middle of my sophomore year of high school, feeling more confused than ever. While I couldn’t bring much with me from Kashmir, I made sure to carry my passion for helping others and providing a sense of relief. This passion ignited my interest in law, which was solidified during my senior year of high school. My AP Government teacher, Ms. Kellye Self, gave everyone a copy of the U.S. Constitution and encouraged us to read it, even if we found it boring.
Madeha Javed discusses her internship at the Judge Frank Johnson Institute.
Fast forward to my junior year at University of Alabama at Birmingham, I heard about The Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute from my Communications professor, Dr. Jackie Shaia. She mentioned how it’s a perfect match for me and how I could learn a lot. "A lot" won't be enough to describe the experience I have had at The Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute. This experience has been nothing short of transformative, allowing me to immerse myself in the world of law and public service in ways I had never imagined. One of the highlights of my time here has been participating in the Scholars Conference, where educators gather to learn about the Constitution so they can teach in their classrooms. Ms. Self, who ignited my passion, was part of the first Scholars Conference in 2022 and even helped to lead it, which made that moment unforgettable for me. Now, being part of similar discussions feels like a full-circle experience.
During my internship, I have had the privilege of meeting and interacting with federal judges, law clerks, and law students. Each encounter has enriched my understanding and appreciation for the legal field. These interactions have not only broadened my professional network but also solidified my aspiration to attend law school. Over the past two months, my internship at the Judge Johnson Institute has provided me with a platform to apply my degree in Political Science and Communication in a practical, impactful setting. The experience has been immensely rewarding, enabling me to network, build meaningful connections, and contribute to projects that have a real-world impact. I am grateful for the opportunities this internship has provided, and I am more inspired than ever to continue my journey in the legal field, aiming to bring stability, balance, and justice to the communities I serve.