Where are they now? Ana Maria Burgos-Solis ’10
Alumna reflects on how tuition assistance made a difference in her life as she runs her own office in Guam as defense counsel for the U.S. Navy.
When I was in eighth grade, my father passed away from cancer, leaving my mom, an immigrant and single mother, to raise my sister and me. Pursuing the best possible education in San Diego on one income suddenly felt like a fleeting aspiration.
However, I was fortunate to receive tuition assistance and immediately felt right at home at La Jolla Country Day School. Without that gift, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
With its diverse and enriching opportunities, LJCDS provides a well-rounded education geared toward developing passionate young adults. Participating in Community Service Board, TRACE and the Walk for Water planning committee cemented my love for service and philanthropy. Traveling to Nicaragua with LJCDS and Project Concern to dedicate a water system serving 700 families remains the most eye-opening, impactful experience of my life.
My smooth transition to Santa Clara University was the direct result of the high-caliber education offered at LJCDS. I studied abroad at La Sorbonne and was captain of the women’s rowing team. I graduated cum laude from the honors program with two Bachelor of Arts degrees in French and Spanish Literature and an International Studies and Philosophy minor.
I continued at La Sorbonne for a year before attending the University of San Diego Law School. I interned for a military judge on the Navy’s Western Judicial Circuit and knew I wanted to serve my country. I was the executive editor for the International Law Journal and after passing the bar exam, was commissioned in the United States Navy, JAG Corps.
I served a temporary assignment as the deputy staff judge advocate for Strike Group ELEVEN onboard the USS NIMITZ. I am currently defense counsel at DSO West and have orders to DSO Pacific where I will run my own defense office in Guam.
All of these achievements are, in large part, a result of the education I received at La Jolla Country Day School. Our caring faculty and generous donors who invested in tuition assistance made all the difference. I will always be a grateful Torrey!
