Maria-Theresa Servillon Sigua
Austin, TX USA
"Be that woman who you—in your boldest moments—thought you could be. Be that woman."
Career Roadmap
Maria-Theresa's work combines: Law, Education, and Accomplishing Goals
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
If you're taking on a large goal like graduate school, it's important to build a support system first and let them know that you'll be calling on them for help, support, advice, encouragement, etc. A strong support system is key for accomplishing goals like this.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Business Administration and Management, General
St. Edwards University
Doctorate
Law
St. Mary's School of Law
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
I had my first son when I was 16 years old—I would take him with me to school during my junior and senior years when I struggled to find childcare.
2.
My family is Catholic and urged my child’s father and I to get married before the baby was born—however, at 18 years old, we realized we really didn’t want to be married, so we got a divorce.
3.
I went to community college to start on the path to become an attorney and studied sporadically at various colleges from age 18 to age 30 as I juggled school, work, and motherhood.
4.
When I was 30, I moved from California's Bay Area to Austin, Texas, and got a job with the Texas Charter Schools Association as an executive assistant.
5.
I was able to learn and grow at my job, and was eventually promoted up to director of administrative operations.
6.
After receiving two letters of recommendation from vice presidents at the company, I was able to transfer to St. Edward's University in Austin—I was taking night classes and still working full time.
7.
After graduating, I studied for the LSAT and was accepted into law school.
8.
Now, I’ve graduated from law school, my kids are all grown, and I am currently trying to figure out who I am in this next phase of my life.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
It's not okay to ask for help.
How I responded:
As a young, single parent, I had to come to terms with asking for help. It was a struggle because I was proud and I didn't want to put anyone else out. However, one of my college teachers once told me that asking someone for help is one of the highest forms of flattery you can show them. They're allowed to say no if they can't help, but most people will be more than happy to help and support you.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
It took me a long time to get through school and earn my degree. I was working with people who had advanced degrees, so I would often feel insecure and inadequate. I didn't know if it was worth it to go to graduate school so late in life.
The day before I started law school, my husband decided that he just wasn't in it anymore and left. It was difficult, but I appreciate that he was honest about where we were at.
I've been divorced twice while raising children. Being a single mother has been very hard sometimes, but I also feel gratified by the family I've raised.