A woman with Down syndrome defied all expectations by successfully completing law school and is now aiming even higher with her next goal.
Becoming a lawyer is no easy feat, but the challenge is even greater when you have learning difficulties. Studying law and passing the rigorous exams require incredible perseverance and determination.
Difficult? Yes. Impossible? No. Newly qualified lawyer Ana Victoria Espino De Santiago is living proof of that.
The 25-year-old from Mexico, Ana Victoria Espino De Santiago, is believed to be the first lawyer with Down syndrome in her city of Zacatecas—and possibly the first in all of Latin America.
Born in Guadalupe, Zacatecas, Ana Victoria Espino De Santiago earned her law degree in July from Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas and has ambitious plans for the future.
In an interview with NTR TV, Ana shared, “I really like law because it allows me to defend the rights of people with disabilities, as well as my own personal rights.”
“To help people with disabilities and those who don’t have a voice—that’s why I became a lawyer,” Ana added.
Espino’s ambitions go beyond practicing law; in addition to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, she hints at a possible future in politics.
She further shared, “I see myself as a local representative. I am passionate about the law, and I want to pave the way for people with disabilities to occupy decision-making spaces. Our condition does not silence our voice, will, or ability to contribute to improving our state.”
Despite the often harsh and brutal nature of the internet, many people on social media have been praising Ana for her remarkable achievement.
One user commented, “Before the trolls arrive, I just want to say this is impressive. My friends in law school are already struggling as it is.”
Another user remarked, “I can’t think of any law program that goes easy on anyone. Accomplishing this with a cognitive disability is incredibly impressive. Good for her— I hope she uses her degree to inspire others in similar situations to achieve great things.”
Another user wrote, “Congrats to her. She has more dedication and ambition than many. I wish her all the best.”
A third user commented, “I’m proud of her and her support system. This is quite an accomplishment. People with Down syndrome can have intellectual disabilities ranging from mild to severe.”
