Monique Arambula
Staff Writer
Michele Assael-Shafia, assistant professor of law at the University of La Verne, spoke April 17 in the Ludwick Center Sacred Space, closing out the University’s “What Matters to Me and Why” speaker series for semester with a powerful message about the value of time: How we spend it, who we spend it with and how quickly it passes.
Addressing a room filled with students, staff and faculty, Assael-Shafia opened her talk by reflecting on the everyday moments that have shaped her life. While she mentioned things like family and friends, the main message centered around time and how it shapes our priorities.
“Time doesn’t discriminate,” Assael-Shafia said. “It doesn’t care who you are, your background, your gender, your bank account, your age. We all get the same amount of time every single day.”
Her story was personal but resonated with many in attendance. She spoke about the challenges of balancing motherhood while pursuing a demanding career, about showing up for all sport games, every performance and about the work ethic her father instilled in her.
“I didn’t have a choice but to keep it steady,” Assael-Shafia said. “My dad made us understand the weight on our shoulders. He never had the opportunity to go to college, so he made sure we knew how important hard work was.”
After the COVID-19 pandemic hit, her story shifted. She opened up about how the pandemic altered her life. At first, it seemed like a gift because it allowed her time with her family and a rare chance for them all to be under the same roof again. Then it took a turn and became a thief that took away the time she had left with her father.
“It was like an uninvited guest,” Assael-Shafia said. “Disruptive and unsettling, but in a strange way, generous with time.”
Talking about the loss of her father was difficult, and her vulnerability deeply moved the audience. A few people wiped away tears and nodded in understanding, creating a space that felt safe, supportive and open to emotions.
“COVID gave us the time to say what needed to be said,” Assael-Shafia said. “That time was a gift, but it was also fleeting. There is nothing romantic about death.”
Throughout her talk, Assael-Shafia returned to a theme of presence over perfection. Whether in the classroom or at home, she encouraged the audience to spend their time intentionally and choose connection over constant pressure. She reminded everyone that even when life feels rushed, the smallest moments can be the most meaningful.
“My biggest takeaway was how invested she is in us as students, it’s real,” senior law student Erika Zuniga said. “You can kind of feel jaded in law school, wondering if people really care about you. But seeing her so vulnerable, it just gave me a whole other side of her.”
“What we’re seeking to do is have a diversity of speakers with faculty, staff, and administrators from different backgrounds and parts of campus,” University Chaplain Zandra Wagoner said. “Michelle’s story brought all of that together.”
After her talk, Assael-Safia participated in rapid-fire questions from Alesha Knox and spoke with attendees. Everyone shared Assael-Shafia’s favorite snack, which was popcorn, as part of a tradition where the speakers choose the snack served at the event.
Monique Arambula can be reached at monique.arambula@laverne.edu.
Monique Arambula is a staff writer for the Campus Times. She is also a freshman communications major with a concentration in public relations and a minor in film production.
Thatiana Gibbs is a senior journalism major with a concentration in print-online journalism. She is a photographer for the Campus Times and La Verne Magazine. Her enthusiasm lies in research, writing, and effectively delivering captivating information to the public eye. She has previously been an assistant editor and staff writer for the Campus Times, and a staff writer for La Verne Magazine.
