Catchin' Up With a Cookie: Xavier Medina
Xavier Medina
2015 Transfer Scholar, Columbia University
Xavier currently works in the field of international and immigration law. Xavier will start law school in the fall of 2024. Prior to his current position, Xavier worked as a paralegal with a criminal law firm where he worked with individuals, attempting to navigate the criminal justice system during COVID, while trying to move on with their lives. Xavier is also interested in immigration and in advocating for undocumented students to have more opportunities for higher education. He also advises and mentors community college students so that they too can realize their educational potential. Xavier is a single dad to his 5 year old daughter and enjoys going on adventures with her into NYC. During his free time he loves to read and spend time with his dog Junior.
What does being a Cooke Scholar mean to you?
As a member of the Cooke Community, I am profoundly grateful and in awe of the extraordinary fellowship and support that define us. This unique community continually fuels my inspiration, thanks to the diverse talents and ambitions that both Cooke Scholars and Alumni consistently exhibit. What amplifies the honor of being a Cooke Scholar is the shared curiosity, intelligence, resilience, humbleness, and determination that scholars contribute to our Cooke community. I am eager to see how our collective brilliance shapes the future, and I feel honored to be on this transformative journey with such remarkable individuals.
Tell us about a memorable moment in undergrad.
Surprisingly, my most cherished memories from my undergraduate years at Columbia come from late-night study sessions in communal spaces like the libraries. Something about the atmosphere and the late hours fostered a unique sense of camaraderie among students. I vividly remember moments when caught between the relief of completing a project and the exhaustion accompanying it, spontaneous conversations would erupt with neighbors at nearby tables. What began as casual small talk about school often evolved into deeper discussions about life.
On a few occasions, these conversations would propel us beyond the quiet and meticulously groomed campus of Columbia and into the bustling streets of New York City in a quest for some much-needed food! During these impromptu adventures, enduring friendships were forged, bonds that have lasted well beyond my undergraduate years. I often feel nostalgic for those spontaneous moments and encourage current undergraduates to step out of their comfort zones. You would be amazed at the connections that can unfold simply by asking someone how they are doing.
Xavier with his daughter Elena exploring Williamsburg
What is ONE THING YOU DID TO HELP TRANSITION TO YOUR FIRST YEAR OUT OF COLLEGE?
Navigating life post-graduation is often challenging, but for those of us who graduated in 2020, the experience was uniquely daunting. As the first cohort to graduate amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the transition was brutal. I remember the abrupt shift: one moment, I eagerly anticipated graduation and its associated events, and the next, campus was deserted, friends scattered, and the world seemed to come to a standstill.
What carried me through this disorienting period was a resilient belief that things would improve. I utilized the additional time to explore career opportunities in law, the field I aspired to enter. Support from family and regular check-ins with friends became invaluable anchors. Eventually, the additional time for research resulted in finding a position at a boutique law firm specializing in criminal law. The role was uniquely fulfilling, as I had the opportunity to work with public defender clients who were themselves grappling with a legal system disrupted by the pandemic. In many ways, they helped me as much as I helped them navigate those turbulent times.
What saw me through was maintaining a positive outlook, staying open to new opportunities, and seizing the right ones when they presented themselves. It is a lesson I would recommend to anyone navigating significant life changes: remain optimistic, explore your options, and when something resonates, pursue it wholeheartedly.
What was the last book you read, movie/show you watched, or podcast you listened to that you really enjoyed and highly recommended?
The last movie I watched was "The Sound of Freedom." As a father, this was a difficult movie to watch. However, it is definitely a must-watch whether you are a parent or not. It is a powerful story about an impossibly difficult topic. The film was inspired by actual events that center on Tim Ballard, a former U.S. government agent who becomes involved in efforts to rescue children from human trafficking rings. The movie delves into the emotional and logistical complexities of combating child trafficking, including the risks and challenges involved. It aims to shed light on the harsh realities of child exploitation while highlighting the courage and dedication of those who work tirelessly to fight this grave injustice.
On a lighter tone, I recently binge-watched "Suits." The show has drama, comedy, and clever dialogue. The show aired a while ago, so I am late to the party! It revolves around a high-powered legal firm in New York City, focusing primarily on two characters: Harvey Specter, a talented and charismatic senior partner, and Mike Ross, a brilliant but unlicensed legal prodigy. The series delves into the complexities of law practice, including legal battles, ethical dilemmas, and office politics, all while exploring the characters' personal lives and moral challenges.
In terms of books, I recently picked up a copy of "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Looking forward to reading it.
If you were to create your own cookie, what would it consist of and what name would you give it?
Lately, I have been into cheesecakes! So can I have a cookie with cheesecake filling? 😄 I'm sure this cookie exists, and I would love to find the recipe.