Meet the Class: 1L Anthony Alas, Former Preschool Teacher and Child Safety Worker

A graduate of Arizona State University, 1L Anthony Alas is a former preschool teacher. He also worked for the the Arizona Department of Child Safety, where he investigated reports of abuse. His experiences working to educate and protect children sparked his desire to one day work assisting the vulnerable and the marginalized as a lawyer. 

"I believe that a legal education provides a large platform," Alas says. "I’d like to use mine to advocate for those who feel they don’t have one. Law school will give me more tools and flexibility to be whatever is needed to whoever needs it."

***

Please briefly describe your background.

During undergrad, I spent four memorable years singing, dancing (badly!), and exploring with my kiddos as a preschool teacher. Afterwards, I worked at the Arizona Department of Child Safety where I investigated reports of child abuse. Children are intelligent, strong, but vulnerable. Working with them really cemented my desire to defend the defenseless.

What's an interesting life experience that you have had?

After high school, I attended Bible college for two years. I studied abroad in Jerusalem, explored, questioned, and sharpened my convictions. My faith isn’t perfect. I am always wrestling and questioning, but growing. The experience taught me to keep an open mind while respecting and really trying to understand where other worldviews fall.

There are many law school choices. Why did you select Minnesota Law?

The more I looked into the school, the more I fell in love with it. The school, the students, the city—everything made me feel comfortable in a way that no other school did. Mix that in with an excellent legal education and the final decision was easy.

Minnesota Law strives for a diversity of perspectives in the classroom. What are you hoping to add to the mix?

As a preschool teacher, asking questions was everything. Children have diverse interpretations. I think law is the same. I hope to exemplify that some parts of life aren’t as objective as we are told. The world isn’t black and white. Life is more colorful when more voices speak up.

Minnesota Law as an institution emphasizes leadership. What does leadership mean to you?

Personally, having leadership means knowing when to step forward, take initiative, and knowing when to let others take the lead. A leader helps others excel in what they do best, but can also identify a weakness and fill that hole. A leader doesn’t have to be loud or in front.

What are you most looking forward to about being a law student?

I’m most looking forward to being surrounded by interesting, brilliant, and passionate classmates who will push me to be at my best. I think everyone has a story to tell that can inspire.

What are your hobbies/ interests?

I love being active. The gym is a place where I can unwind and overcome. I also love attending live music, writing, antiquing, and Lord of the Rings! Additionally, l think I might be the biggest Minnesota Vikings fan in the law school.

How do you like to spend your free time?

Catch me at your nearest coffee shop.

Do you have a favorite inspirational quote, book, or personal hero that you would like to mention?

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” - Gandalf the Grey - Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

What's something interesting about you that others might not know?

I love to write when I feel the need, whether it's journaling, poetry, or some short piece of fiction. I think it’s important to have some sort of creative outlet when we feel inspiration or the need to express ourselves.