Maldonado transferred to Hamilton as a sophomore. He remembers feeling anxious about his English-language skills, as he had predominantly spoken Spanish growing up in Puerto Rico. But he quickly found a mentor in Professor of English Literature Austin Briggs, who happened to proctor the swimming test required of all students. Briggs inspired Maldonado not only to major in English, but also to take up swimming recreationally.
Graduation brought more uncertainty. A few days before Commencement, Maldonado received a call from a cousin conducting marine ecology research in Panama. A few days after walking across the stage to receive his diploma, he flew to Panama City and spent the next six months without a phone connection or reliable electricity. Maldonado joked, “It was an auspicious start to a motley career. But not having a plan in your senior year is not a handicap; it can be a blessing. It leaves you open to opportunities that may end up defining your life.”
“ ... Not having a plan in your senior year is not a handicap; it can be a blessing. It leaves you open to opportunities that may end up defining your life.”
Back in the U.S., Maldonado worked for an environmental advisor to the governor of Puerto Rico and continued his studies at Tufts University and the Vermont Law School. Along the way, he moonlighted as a Spanish interpreter and began frequenting immigration court proceedings. “I was hooked,” he said. After he passed the Maryland Bar Exam, a judge suggested he take a caseload. The rest is history.
Swimming remained Maldonado’s outlet. He trained multiple times to swim the English Channel, but life kept getting in the way. This year, he finally completed the challenge in 12 hours and 11 minutes, raising funds for Swim Across America and honoring his longtime partner who died of cancer in 2022.
“It was something I had wanted to do for many, many years, and now it’s done,” he said. Next, Maldonado aims to finish the 20 Bridges Swim around Manhattan Island and the Catalina Channel by September 2026.
Posted April 2, 2026
