My Journey in Law and the Ángel Herrera Award

Alfonso Maldonado is a student in his final year at CEU Cardenal Herrera University. He was awarded the CEU Ángel Herrera Award for Excellence as the best student in the Faculty of Law, Economics and Political Science, which recognises both the student's academic record and their commitment to university life and society. Upon receiving the award, he would like to share some reflections with our educational community.

As has happened to many students – and as will continue to happen – I did not choose to study Law out of vocation, but rather by process of elimination and family tradition. However, it only took a few weeks at the start of my first year to realise that, fortunately, I had made the right choice.

In today's society, Law regulates practically every aspect of human life: the economy, politics, technology (yes, artificial intelligence too) and even international relations between countries, meaning it provides a broad and deep overview of many subjects. Due to the diversity of its branches of study and its wide range of career prospects (as many as you can imagine), it is a very useful and practical degree. Having found a course that genuinely motivated me quickly translated into a sincere interest in the subjects and hours of study, as well as participating in other complementary activities, such as the debate team or the CEU International Student Congress.

In this context, receiving the CEU Ángel Herrera Award for Excellence has been a source of great satisfaction and recognition. Of course, none of this would have been possible were it not for the solid academic and personal foundation I received at Caxton College. The education received at the school was absolutely essential and an advantage in the university environment. Critical thinking, teamwork, the value of hard work, recognition of excellence and the core values of Caxton College have proven to be exceptional preparation for university life. I cannot think of a better starting point for the working world, nor better roots upon which to build a professional future.

To the students who are currently still at the school, I would advise you to make the most of this stage as well as university, both socially and academically. University is a forum of knowledge where students have an enormous amount of freedom, which is why personal responsibility is fundamental. You will have to be organised and study independently. If you want to excel, you must research and delve deeper into what you are studying; always go a little beyond what is required or expected, making it not a limit, but a goal to be surpassed. The academic culture fostered at Caxton College makes a huge difference when the time comes to take the step into university life.

As for what the future holds for me, I want to continue studying and learning, so my idea right now is to prepare for competitive public examinations. It is a new stage in my professional career, but I have not the slightest doubt that the pillars on which I stand are an infallible formula for achieving any goal.