Jessie Koci Future Entrepreneurs Scholarship

I am currently striving for a Juris Doctor (J.D) degree after achieving my bachelors. I currently look forward to studying International Relations or International and Global studies as my undergraduate degree because I have always had a passion for multicultural studies as well as multilingual careers. In addition, I'd like to use my JD to qualify for higher positions in the legal field, ideally involving Latin affiliated nations with the United States. Whether it is owning and operating an immigration law firm or establishing myself as a Latino-serving government official, I am very motivated to achieve this level of study. I often find myself looking forward to owning a female-led company such as a law firm or a legal counseling business. Although I am not opposed to working for large corporations, I have felt a little unsure about working in corporate-owned environments where my needs and stability as an employee may be overlooked. I would like to establish a better work-life balance and a safe environment, especially for women in the legal fields who often are seen as less credible or qualified. I am confident I can establish this for myself and others as well. Although I am aware of the difficulty that comes from owning a business and the risks it takes to gain success, I feel I am motivated and focused enough to make mistakes, learn from them, and keep moving forward even when the risk of failure is high. It is true that many attempt to establish themselves as entrepreneurs but are unsuccessful, however, I feel that in this day and age, there are so many tools and fields of study that can guide me in the right direction. I feel I am committed and excited enough that even the downsides of obstacles will only strengthen my reasons to stay. I also feel I have a lot of support from family and a community that makes me feel proud and strong enough to achieve this level of success. Along with my community, I am devoted enough to myself that I am not willing to give up easily knowing I could have kept going or kept trying. Although I have lots to learn and lots of growing to do, becoming an entrepreneur as a young woman has always been a goal of mine not only for myself but for my family and my Latin community. I am so lucky to have been given the opportunities I have, as well as lucky enough to know I can only reach farther if I find more opportunities to grow myself and for those reasons, I am here :).