Tyre Gray is among UNLV's newest crop of graduates. The San Diego, Calif., native will be awarded his law degree during the 2014 winter commencement. We asked him a few questions about his experience here.
Why did you choose UNLV?
UNLV has been very active in becoming involved in the community and establishing a top-tier legal writing program. From my first interaction, I was impressed with the faculty, staff and student body. There were other options available but I knew Boyd was the right choice.
You've had significant health issues during your studies. Did that influence the direction you wanted to take with your degree?
I suffered from focal segmental glumerulosclerosis, which is a chronic kidney disease. On Sept. 11, 2012, while sitting in Professor (Francine) Lipman's federal income tax course, I received the call I had been waiting to get for about three years: A kidney was available and I needed to rush to the hospital. At 4 a.m. on the next day, I received a kidney transplant.
Unfortunately, I had to leave school for the semester but upon my return I continued my strong academic performance and was awarded dean's list honors. I will definitely use my degree to help people. My long-term goals include establishing a nonprofit that will provide legal advice to people who are candidates for transplant and major medical procedures. I believe that I can and will be able to raise awareness about kidney disease and organ donation. I am here today because of the selfless act of another. If through my efforts, I can do the same for one other person, my time on this earth will have been well spent.
What advice do you have for other students facing obstacles during their studies?
My health complications inspired me to be my best and have no regrets. When you face mortality, especially at a young age, you are concerned about your legacy and what people will say about you. I wanted my legacy to be one of a hard worker and for my colleagues to say that I was a good person.
So, I'd tell my fellow students, "Just keep going! I know it gets hard. Symptoms, fatigue, and doctor's appointments may cause you to get frustrated and want to quit. But you can do it! I am proof of that!"
What class was your toughest?
I can't really say there was one class that was the toughest. Law school can be a tough and lonely process. You spend a lot of time in the middle of the night reading, thinking, and trying to figure out what is going on. However, when you embrace the challenge you can almost enjoy the process.
Is there a faculty or staff member at UNLV who particularly helped or inspired you?
Honestly, there were so many people that I would feel bad trying to name just one. Thus, I will just say that the entire Boyd law school family has really been there for me: faculty, staff and student alike.
I also would like to personally thank my wife, Ashanti Gray; my parents; the Farries family; my kidney donor and family; and the doctors and staff at the UMC Transplant Center.
During your time as a law student, you became very involved in a number of programs outside the classroom, including a number of community service projects. Any particular experience stand out?
I have had the opportunity to do so much good that it is hard to narrow it down to a single experience. In Boyd Law School's community service program, I have been able to assist people in their most vulnerable time by helping them navigate the law. As a member of Black Law Students Association, I was able to tutor children and keep them on the right path. As a teacher's assistant, I was able to help my fellow classmates. So, I guess what stands out are the opportunities that I have been provided to make a positive impression on the lives of my fellow students and the Las Vegas community.
What's next for you?
First and foremost, I am looking forward to moving into the next phase of life without the challenges kidney disease. I will be joining the firm Fennemore Craig Jones Vargas. Later on, who knows? Maybe one day UNLV will invite me back to teach.
Why do you think you'll be a great lawyer?
Because I went to Boyd, of course. Additionally, I think that I have a unique perspective. Having been chronically ill, I know that there are things greater than the whatever the current dispute is. Thus, I will likely approach conflict resolution, which is what a lot of law is, with the objective of crafting resolution that allows for relationship preservation. Professionally, I have been a corporate manager and a small business owner, therefore, I will be able to relate quickly with my client's interest because I have been there. Academically, I have been trained by some of the best in the industry. Therefore, my legal skill level will only be matched by other Boyd alums.
