As the oldest of six children, Carlos Lievano, 2L, grew up learning the organizational skills and perseverance needed to succeed at UF Levin College of Law. Many of his fellow classmates know him as the guy who often carries around delicious Cuban coffee, which, thankfully, he is always happy to share. While sharing coffee certainly makes him likeable, Lievano’s professional and academic success also makes him a inspiring law student.
At the start of his second year at UF Law, Lievano has already shown his star power by making the Dean’s list, serving as Assistant Articles Editor on the Journal of Technology Law and Policy, and sitting as the Attorney General of the National Latina/o Law Student Association. But these achievements haven’t simply fallen in Lievano’s path; they’re the result of a lifetime of building exemplary work ethic.
Growing up, Lievano and his brothers did everything they could to make a little money for themselves. Whether they were mowing lawns or fixing computers, Lievano and his brothers were, and continue to be, a team of entrepreneurial individuals who are not afraid of getting their hands dirty.
Today, Lievano embodies the well-rounded law student. He is both passionate about his job and about giving back to his community. Before starting law school, Lievano took on the mantle of educator and mentor with the Miami-Dade Elections department, where he taught the local community about their voting rights and took part in a project that established personalized voting precincts in elder care facilities.
While he rarely turns down an interesting debate on a controversial topic, Lievano lives by the mantra that “reasonable people disagree” and firmly believes they can still be inclusive and supportive of one another. Lievano maintains that it is this recognition of our differences—and our choice to embrace one another nonetheless—that lays the foundation for the celebration of diversity.
Even with all his success, Lievano has never lost sight of what is truly important in life: family.
“My fiancé and my family are my rocks; that is, my support system”, says Lievano. “Even at my weakest they have always pushed me forward.”
When he’s not studying or partaking in community outreach, you can find Lievano playing Mario-Kart or making one of his famous sandwiches. It is clear that UF Law has benefitted immensely from Lievano’s creativity, determination, and devotion to his community. We look forward to seeing the rest of his story unfold.
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