"Shaped me into the civic-minded person that I am today" -Jackie W

Dear Professor Merton:

I still have the instructional binder you gave us at the start of clinic. As a young attorney I would pull it out when I did DACA submissions. Even though I had that application memorized it just made me feel good knowing I had your notes by my side.
Being with you in the clinic nearly every day, I could see the stresses you battled. It physically exhausted you. The cruelness of the world, the unending list of clients in need. Politics, family, us students! I interpreted your exhaustion as dedication. I admired you for it and it made me work harder to support our clinic and you.
Though the University may want to take credit for teaching civics, it is you that shaped me into the civic-minded person that I am today. Thank you for teaching me how to read policy, participate in my community, and advocate for what I believe in.

With warmest regards and deepest gratitude,
Jackie W