Vedagna Sarabu: Cal State LA’s Youngest Graduate Heads To Law School
India-West Staff Reporter
POMONA, CA – Vedagna Sarabu, 15, is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in law and society, making her the youngest graduating senior in Cal State LA’s Class of 2024. Sarabu, who aspires to become a lawyer, aims to use her legal knowledge to assist individuals and families in her community who are in need of legal support.
Enrolled in Cal State LA’s Early Entrance Program at the age of 11, Sarabu initially considered pursuing a career as a fiction author before deciding to focus on law. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she conducted research on former residents of MacLaren Hall, a group home with a history of abuse, to shed light on their experiences and advocate for systemic improvements in the child welfare system.
Under the guidance of Professor Akhila Ananth, Sarabu meticulously analyzed first-person accounts to understand the challenges faced by young people in abusive group homes. Her dedication to this research earned praise from her faculty advisor and exemplified her commitment to social justice.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Sarabu volunteered as a tutor for gifted children and middle schoolers and gained practical experience as a law clerk at a workers’ compensation firm. Despite her young age, she has excelled academically, earning recognition on the Dean’s List and receiving accolades from the Honors College and Early Entrance Program’s Honors Academy.
Reflecting on her time at Cal State LA, Sarabu emphasized the importance of utilizing campus resources and seizing opportunities for personal and academic growth. She praised the university for providing a supportive environment where she could thrive as a student and explore her interests in criminal justice.
Looking ahead, Sarabu has been awarded a full scholarship to Chapman University’s Dale E. Fowler School of Law, where she will pursue a juris doctor degree. Her acceptance into multiple law schools underscores her academic achievements and her readiness to embark on the next phase of her educational journey.
