My name is De’Ja Alston. I was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. I graduated from Coppin State University in 2017 with a BA in English. I currently attend the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law, but I am transferring to a law school in NC to finish my law school journey here. I taught in Chapel Hill Carrboro City schools as a licensed k-12 Exceptional Children Resource Teacher for about 4 years, where I spent most of my time at Guy B. Phillips Middle School. I have also taught Montessori and Lindamood-Bell, having over 6 years of teaching experience altogether, which has significantly shaped my passion for housing, education, and family law. I taught through the pandemic and saw all of the legal challenges that children and their families faced outside of the classroom. My main hobby is coaching basketball. I own and operate a youth basketball organization “Team Jump Start” originally out of Durham, NC. Last year we had over 60 athletes participating.
MLK Intern, Carrboro Office
What inspired you to pursue a career in law or social justice?
I decided to pursue a career in law to be an advocate and a resource for underserved communities.
Why did you choose to intern with Legal Aid of North Carolina?
Growing up in Baltimore City, Md. I experienced a lot of the issues that Legal Aid clients are experiencing and it has always been important for me to give back to the community. Also, after being a teacher in Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools it is a privilege to return to Carrboro as an intern for Legal Aid of North Carolina.
What do you hope to gain from your experience at LANC?
I hope to gain knowledge in the field that I am most interested in, housing, and gain experience and exposure to other areas of the law.
What are your long-term career goals, and how do you envision your experience at LANC contributing to them?
My long-term career goal is to be a practicing attorney doing meaningful work that will positively impact the community. LANC is the perfect place to start working towards that goal.