Margot Pickering Aspiring Attorney Scholarship

$2,500
1 winner$2,500
Awarded
Next Application Deadline
Jun 15, 2024
Next Winners Announced
Jul 15, 2024
Education Level
Undergraduate, Graduate
Eligibility Requirements
GPA:
3.0 or higher
Education Level:
Undergraduate, graduate
Major:
Law
School Name:
KSU for undergraduate, open for Graduate students

Margot Pickering Bogner was a beloved and passionate attorney licensed in the state of Kansas and Missouri.

She believed that success in practicing law was attributed to three factors: the ability to communicate diligently, making empathetic decisions, and gaining the trust of those around you. She vigorously pursued these skills as a student, as an apprentice, and as a practicing attorney. To honor her legacy and continue her tradition of placing people over profit, the Margot Pickering Aspiring Attorney Scholarship will support a pre- law student at Kansas State University, or current law students studying at any university across the US. 

Students are eligible to apply if they have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. To apply, submit your law school admissions essay if you are currently in law school, and if you are an undergraduate at KSU planning to go to law school, tell us why attending law school is important to you and how you plan to make an impact on society with your degree.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published January 5, 2024
Essay Topic

For current law school students:

Please submit your law school admissions essay.


Undergraduates at KSU planning to attend law school:

Please tell us why attending law school is important to you and how you plan to make an impact on society with your degree, or if it is prepared, submit your law school admissions essay.

400–1000 words

Winning Application

Gabriel Roberts
Kansas State UniversitySAINT GEORGE, KS
Megan Splichal
University of Nebraska-LincolnOlathe, KS
Hustling from one activity to another is how I am hard-wired – until I couldn’t do it. During my sophomore year of college, my need for sleep and all-around lack of energy continued to increase. I lost interest in learning and social events, stressed about losing my job if I fell asleep, and found a host of bizarre places to catch some ZZZs. Eventually, it became a safety hazard when I could not drive for more than 15 minutes before dozing off, so it was time to look for answers. After multiple unsuccessful doctors’ appointments, at-home sleep studies, and a hospital stay back home in Kansas City, all of which required me to miss school and work, I was diagnosed with narcolepsy. I learned that narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to control sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy may feel rested after waking, but then feel very sleepy throughout much of the day. While I was relieved at the diagnosis, I was embarrassed at the same time. It was great to know that my struggles were believable and real. I also was able to finally get meds and receive counseling about how to live my life normally. However, I don’t like using it as an excuse. I want to be a normal 21-year-old person who has energy for days and “can sleep when you’re dead,” but that’s not possible for me. It’s not something that is curable...it is a lifelong issue. Yes, my medication helps, but it doesn’t fully “fix” the condition. It’s not in my control, and this is not something I could have prevented. For someone who likes structure and routine, it has been tough to battle with, physically and mentally. Children are commonly misdiagnosed with a learning disability because of their low-functioning nature, meaning that my high-functioning efforts as a student covered up my narcolepsy for years. I continued the same level of service I had been pursuing since the age of 11. In the fifth grade, I could be found hanging campaign posters for my elementary school’s presidential election. Although staying focused in class was tricky during my undergraduate career, I ensured my grades did not suffer. While my parents and brothers who reveled in taking pictures of me sleeping in wacky positions were shamed, I now have a cool fun fact to share in every new social setting when I’m asked, “What’s a fun fact about you?” Unbeknownst to me until I was diagnosed, narcolepsy is a recognized and protected disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. I have been able to get assistance from my university related to my learning, and I no longer fear termination from work. The mental and physical relief of knowing that I have protection is something I do not take for granted. Having worked in human resources where policies and procedures are used for employees’ and the company’s protection, I understand how difficult it can be to know every law and caveat for any situation that comes up. Having an internship in Human Resources the summer after I was diagnosed helped me gain a deeper understanding of how policies and procedures are used for employees’ and companies’ protection. I also appreciate how laws help people who have conditions out of their control have rights that protect them. Given what I have learned about this complex issue and my personal connection to this topic, I want to be an advocate for those who do not have a voice or understand what can be done on their behalf. Now, and in the future, I plan to use my passion and skills to assist others. To achieve this goal, I plan to attend law school and attain the additional knowledge needed to be successful in my pursuits of helping others.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jun 15, 2024. Winners will be announced on Jul 15, 2024.