Workplace Rights Scholarship

Christen Smith

Driven by her own experiences while working in the hospitality industry, Christen is eager to make a difference in employees’ rights. Congratulations, Christen – we look forward to all of the amazing things you will accomplish!

Read Christen's Essay:

From the time I was five years old, I was convinced that my destiny was hospitality management. I started learning to cook as soon as I was tall enough to reach the counter. I meticulously planned menus for family meals and took on the role of the household chef. What began as a childhood fascination grew into a profound passion for creating memorable and joyful experiences for others. Over time, this passion developed into a genuine love for the hospitality industry, leading me to apply to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to pursue a major in Hospitality Management.

My journey in the hospitality industry has not been without its hurdles. At the age of eighteen, I earned my first job as a busser at a chef-owned bakery and restaurant. One particularly troubling incident occurred when I was finishing my eight-hour shift and preparing to attend a church service, a tradition I cherished with my family. The chef, visibly frustrated by the lack of staff to close down the restaurant, dismissively told me, “God can wait.” This callous remark not only disregarded my values but also underscored the toxic environment I was enduring. On another occasion, after a grueling shift, the chef taunted me with, “Oh, I didn’t get to harass you today,” as though belittling me was enjoyable for her. She dismissed my feelings by insisting that I was too sensitive and that her harsh treatment was meant to prepare me for the challenges of the service industry. Despite my dedication and passion for serving others, my experience was marred by poor leadership. I worked at the restaurant for nine months before it permanently closed in September 2021. It wasn’t until I took Hospitality Law at UNLV that I fully grasped the severity of the poor treatment I had endured. I realized that the issues I faced in hospitality stemmed from a deeper systemic need for better workplace policies. I saw firsthand how crucial it is for businesses to have a legal framework that ensures fairness and protects valued employees.

Through my jobs and education over the last four years, I recognized that many hospitality companies need consistent legal guidance to foster positive work environments. From gaining experience in food and beverage, housekeeping, concierge, and hotel marketing, I have learned to navigate difficult situations gracefully and approach problems with a solution-oriented mindset. My past work experiences and my natural ability to excel in my hospitality law classes at UNLV have ignited my aspiration to become a lawyer to advocate for better working conditions and treatment from management. I plan to use my education and job experience to drive positive change within the hospitality industry by advocating for fair and respectful treatment of employees. Confident that my passion and determination will guide my future success, I am now ready to embrace the opportunity to study law at the William S. Boyd School of Law in Fall 2025.