As the University of Miami School of Law prepares to celebrate its graduates, one student stands out for his academic achievements and inspiring story of resilience and commitment to advocacy. This year's student commencement speaker, a proud first-generation Dominican student, is Diego Troncoso Breton, who is set to graduate with his J.D. degree.
"Moving from the Dominican Republic as a 16-year-old fundamentally transformed my perspective on education and opportunity," said Miami Public Interest Scholar Troncoso Breton. “Arriving in a completely different culture and environment was initially overwhelming. What affected me most profoundly was how the American educational system initially underestimated me—my high school attempted to hold me back a year and prevented me from enrolling in AP and honors classes despite my capabilities."
This experience of feeling undervalued became a catalyst for Troncoso Breton’s journey, deepening his appreciation for his heritage. "Being in an environment where I was seen as 'different' made me embrace my cultural identity even more strongly. I realized that my background gave me unique perspectives and strengths—resilience, adaptability, and a rich cultural framework that informed how I approached challenges and built connections with others."
As an undergraduate, he attended the University of Central Florida, where he discovered a "blank canvas" where he could excel personally and advocate for others. "I immersed myself in advocacy work and pursued scholarship with intensity because I had experienced firsthand how access to education can transform lives." His experiences have imparted a crucial understanding - access to education is more than being present in a classroom. "It's about having systems that recognize your potential and provide pathways to achievement," he said.
Troncoso Breton became an advocate for student homelessness and food insecurity on the UCF campus. "It was heartbreaking to realize that on our bustling campus of thousands, students were sleeping in their cars and going hungry while trying to pursue their education. You cannot focus on learning when you're worried about where you'll sleep or when you'll eat next," said Troncoso Breton.
With his own experiences of financial hardship, Troncoso Breton empathizes deeply with those struggling to find a balance between educational aspirations and basic needs. "Creating meaningful access to education means addressing these underlying barriers. By focusing on homelessness and food insecurity, I was tackling foundational issues that prevent students from fully engaging with their education."
Choosing the University of Miami School of Law was a natural progression in his educational journey.
"It aligned perfectly with my personal and professional aspirations," said Troncoso Breton. "Being surrounded by Hispanic culture and community provided a sense of belonging essential for my success. Miami Law has honestly been about the people I've met and the friendships developed. There's a stereotype about law school being cutthroat, but I found amazing, driven classmates who made me better, both as an advocate and as a person."
As a mentor to first-year students as a Student Ambassador, Troncoso Breton found a sense of fulfillment. "Getting to help newer students who were in the same position I had been in was incredibly rewarding." He received the Director's Book Award for Excellence in Litigation Skills and was a member of several student organizations, including the Black Law Students Association, the Hispanic Law Student Association, OUTLaw, and the First-Generation Law Student Association.
His time as a judicial intern alongside Judge Darrin Gayles was particularly formative. "Witnessing real proceedings taught me how profoundly the law impacts people's lives and showed me what it truly means to be an advocate who honors both the letter and the spirit of the law."
When Troncoso Breton found out he had been chosen as the student speaker for commencement, he was filled with pride and excitement. "There are moments in life where you can pinpoint and say, 'Wow, I really made it'—and that's exactly how I felt," he said. "Being able to represent my country and culture in this role means everything to me."
Troncoso Breton looks forward to joining Holland & Knight as a litigation associate, hoping to excel while advocating for others.
"My story is proof that when barriers are removed and opportunities are created, potential flourishes," said Troncoso Breton. "I'll continue making an impact through pro bono work and helping students like me access the education that changed my life."
View photos and videos from commencement ceremonies from our multimedia coverage.
Read student profiles and find commencement ceremony info in our special report.
Read more about experiential learning opportunities at Miami Law.
