Matthew Thompson, Intern Interview
At the first glance of Matthew Thompson, you'd think he is a funny, unassuming, yet shy teenager, but there is more to Matthew than meets the eye.
Matthew Thompson has been a resident at Wilmington Place Apartments for 15 years. His favorite artist is Ludicrus, his favorite food is pizza and his favorite movie is Home Alone 3. You probably wouldn't know that he scored above average on his SAT's and will attend the University of Texas at Austin in order to begin his journey to become one of the nation's most powerful criminal attorneys. He's seventeen years-old and a senior at Barbara Jordan High School. It's ironic that Matthew attends the school named after one of Houston's most noteworthy attorney, who overcame numerous challenges to accomplish her goals and became an influential member of Congress.
"You can be successful in life with a positive attitude, support from family, friends, as well as the community," says Thompson.
No stranger to hard work, Matthew spent his last two summers participating in the Student Internship Program at The Houston Housing Authority. This past year, he interned in the Real Estate Investments & Development Department, where he was mentored by Kathryn Van Nostrand, the Housing Authority's 504/ ADA Administrator.
It wasn't long before others in the Housing Authority could see the positive influence that his internship was having on Matthew. Marilyn Allen, Director of Human Resources, remarks, "Ms. Van Nostrand was instrumental in providing the resources for Matthew to believe that his dream could become a reality. Matthew is a bright, intelligent young man who hasn't even realized his own capabilities. The Student Internship Program has been able to foster the talents that will put him in the position to really make a positive impact in society." Matthew also received direction from the Agency's former legal counsel, Shelby Boseman. Boseman was instrumental is securing a fall internship for Matthew with one of Houston's most prestigious law firms, Fulbright & Jaworski, L.L.P.
Matthew dreams of following in the footsteps of Thurgood Marshall and Judge Greg Mathis because he can relate to the backgrounds of these great attorneys. "Young people should never feel limited by their environment. If I persevere, the sky is the limit. If I can do it, then anyone can do it," says Thompson.
As a result of his SAT scores, Thompson was also selected by the College Review Board to visit Washington D.C. in November, where he would be awarded the opportunity to mingle with federal judges, partake in criminal court procedures, network with attorneys and judges and attend workshops conducted by the nation's top law schools. With dreams of taking the legal world by storm, Matthew aspires to practice federal or criminal law by attending Howard University School of Law in Washington D.C. The Houston Housing Authority made a financial contribution to assist Matthew in attending the seminar. Giving back to his community is a major priority in his life. He plans on volunteering and constructing a community center in his neighborhood to guide youth towards positive resources. He also wants to generate funds to establish measurable and effective programs and initiatives for the youth.
"The best advice I've ever received is from my pastor," Bishop R.S. Rose, of The Life Church. He told me, "No matter what life throws at you, persevere through it, keep the faith and you can do anything."