Friendship and Purpose Converge at STU College of Law
By Belkis Mejia Perdomo
What began as a childhood friendship in Cuba has unexpectedly come full circle more than 20 years later at St. Thomas University College of Law. Camila Blanco, a third-year law student, and Shanaya Chamizo, a second-year law student, once shared classrooms, games, and even memories of shoes. They lost touch when Camila immigrated to the U.S. as a child. A decade later, Shanaya followed, yet neither expected that their paths would cross again in law school.
Their reunion was serendipitous. While preparing orientation materials as Academic Success Program (ASP) Fellows, they exchanged names and stories, only to realize they had known each other since the age of six. “I have chills thinking about that,” Camila recalled. Shanaya remembered, “As soon as she told me her name, I knew who she was. It was like time had not passed at all.”
For both, the rediscovery of their friendship has been deeply affirming. “Meeting Shanaya here has been a wink from God that this is what we are meant to do,” Camila shared. Shanaya echoed the sentiment: “It literally feels like 20 years never passed and we are just back to normal. It was just a stop in time for friendship.”
Their shared immigrant journeys also shaped their pursuit of law. Camila explained, “Law school became the vehicle not only to honor my family’s sacrifices but also to give me the tools to create change and live with purpose.” Shanaya reflected on her own path: “When I came to this country, I realized I could say anything, fight for anything, and have my own ideas, and they mattered. That sense of freedom led me here.”
Both are now exploring careers in criminal law, a discovery that, like much of their story, they stumbled upon together. As Camila put it, “We did not plan for it, but somehow we are walking the same path again.”
Their journey is more than coincidence. It is a testament to the bonds of memory, heritage, and faith. It is also a reflection of St. Thomas University’s mission to create community and open doors for students ready to fulfill their purpose. STU became the bridge that reunited Camila and Shanaya, proving that friendships, like dreams, can find their way home.
