“I’m originally from El Paso, Texas. It’s right on the U.S.-Mexico border, and the melding of those two cultures made me want to pursue a career in international relations or international law.

As an undergrad, I went to D.C. to do more policy-oriented work, and then I did my master’s in France in international security, diplomacy and European affairs. I knew the end goal was to apply to law school. I think the best way to enact positive change in a Western liberal democracy is through law.

While I was in France, I was stuck in the Alps for several months during the height of the pandemic and discovered a love of skiing. I kind of only applied to the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah because of its proximity to the ski resorts. I didn’t fully expect to attend, though, since the U doesn’t have a large international law program. I was also considering schools in the Midwest and on the East Coast. I made the ‘mistake’ of visiting Utah first—I fell in love with the facilities and the skiing immediately.

During my interview, I connected with Reyes Aguilar, the dean of admissions at the time. We bonded over our similar backgrounds, and he helped me secure a full tuition scholarship. But I was still undecided. So, I asked him, ‘Where do you think I should go?’ He was frank and said, ‘You should go to one of those other schools because they have the programs you’re trying to pursue.’ That honesty made me want to come to Utah.

It’s been an incredible experience. I was very fortunate to meet Jackie Morrison and Tony Anghie, two professors who have completely changed the trajectory of my life. Professor Morrison and Jean Oh of the Hinckley Institute worked with me to develop a dual-track global internship program where I could pursue research overseas and engage in negotiations at the United Nations on a treaty for lethal autonomous weapons systems. Professor Morrison, with some assistance from Professor Anghie, coaches the team for the Jessup International Law Moot Court, the largest moot court competition in the world. Without a doubt, this was the most influential course I’ve taken at the law school. Learning international law directly from these professors and applying it in real-world contexts has been an extraordinary opportunity.

I want to make the world a better place however I can. Growing up along the border, I saw the dramatic disparity between the two places, despite our cultures being so interconnected. This experience made me want to work toward greater understanding and collaboration between countries. There are plans to open a law school in El Paso eventually, and I hope to one day teach there and give back to the community that made me the person I am today.”

—Austin Edens, Class of 2025, J.D. in International Law, S.J. Quinney College of Law, from El Paso, Texas