Student Spotlight: Disabled Law Student Dedicates Himself to the Service of Others

Antonio Dowels

Over the course of his life, St. Thomas Law student Antonio "Tony" Dowels has had to face adversity straight in the eye.  Nine years ago, as a high-school senior,  a life-changing, near-death experience left him confined to a wheelchair, but also gave him renewed determination to continue his selfless focus on service to others that had been a part of his upbringing ever since he was only five years old  attending church with his mother and grandmother.

After graduating from high school, Tony attended the University of Florida where he earned his degree in sports management. Upon earning that degree,  he made the decision to not only pursue his law degree, but to simultaneously pursue his Masters degree in Sports Administration in one of St. Thomas Law's joint-degree programs.

His initial career goal was to be a sports agent but, as his studies progressed, he rediscovered his passion for service. With that in mind, he met with his law school career counselor, Robert Jack, in pursuit of internships and pro bono opportunities in public service. As a law student, time is at a premium, yet Tony made the decision to add 'avid volunteer' to his list of titles.

"Antonio is a law student who serves others without expecting recognition or anything in return," noted Jack. "He plans, coordinates and often brings other students in carpools to volunteering events throughout the year. His enthusiasm for pro bono service is contagious and he is a notable example of St. Thomas Law’s commitment to pro bono and public service."

Antonio shown in packing session at Feed My Staving Children
(Photo Courtesy of fmsc.com)

For two weeks just prior to the end of last semester, Tony joined the team of volunteers at Feed My Starving Children - an organization that sends hand-pack meals, specially formulated for malnourished children, to partners around the world where they are used to operate orphanages, schools, clinics and feeding programs.

Additionally, two afternoons per week, he can be found at His House Children's Home. His House offers a home to abused, abandoned and neglected children in South Florida. For two hours, he tutors the children in math, reading and science. Through this service, he has now discovered a new affinity for teaching.  Tony described the interactions with these children as "real" and "honest."

"My wheelchair became an icebreaker," stated Tony.  "The children are fascinated with all the lights on the wheels."

Tony was so moved by the experience at His House that he went one step further and began to assist in the organization's fundraising efforts with support from the St. Thomas law family. All the funds raised went towards the operation of the home.

This past summer, while completing courses for the MBA portion of his joint degree, Tony began interning with a non-profit start up in Miami. The project, simply named Miami Funding Corporation, is being developed to aid students who are struggling with the burden of student loans. The project is allowing Tony to further develop his fundraising and grant-writing skills for the important, and often overlooked, issue of student debt.

We proudly highlight these selfless efforts by Antonio and other students who continue to embody the spirit and mission of St. Thomas Law.