There are many factors that motivate me to become successful. Pursuing an education is especially important to me because I will be the first child of my parents to attend and complete college. One of my biggest motivations comes from my parents, who have always encouraged me to become a better person, not just for myself, but to go farther than they have in life. They have been unwavering in their support of my decision to pursue a degree in criminal justice and have become a strong source of encouragement as I navigate my educational journey. I am motivated to succeed because I have witnessed the struggles my mother endured due to not earning a college degree. These challenges affected both her life and mine, especially during my education and extracurricular activities. A higher education, such as a college degree, will provide me with the tools to build a successful career and achieve financial stability, something I have not experienced often. This motivation is further fueled by my leadership qualities and determination. I am diligent in my work and any task I undertake, which I believe will be essential in achieving my goals, fulfilling my education, and finding more motivation in the things I do. Many of my family members did not have the opportunity to attend college, and I want to break that cycle by not only achieving this milestone but also paving the way for my younger family members. In Hispanic culture, there is often a strong emphasis on starting work at a young age to provide financial stability for the family. Traditionally, college has not been seen as a priority, and the women in my family (grandma, great-grandma) were often expected to stay home to care for the children, manage the household, and take on many other responsibilities. However, I am determined to change that narrative for myself and the future generations to come. To be honest, pursuing my education is intimidating, not because I feel pressured, but because no one around me has ever had a college experience to share or offered advice. This makes my journey feel like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which I do not take for granted. Being able to break the cycle of Hispanics not having the opportunity to pursue their education is important for me to achieve so I can be a role model to my younger family members and encourage other Hispanics to follow their goals. I am grateful for the chance to achieve what once seemed impossible to my family, but to also be able to build a better future for myself and my family.

Growing up, I never fully appreciated the importance of family until I experienced the devastating loss of my brother, Alex. Alex wasn’t just my brother; he was a loving son, uncle, and grandson. He was passionate about fast cars, road trips to the coast, and spending time with family and friends. Alex was the kind of person who left a mark on everyone he met. He had the biggest heart, a “heart of gold,” as everyone would say. Alex was 15 years older than me, and our bond was one-of-a-kind. Our bedrooms were right across from each other, and I still treasure the memories we shared. We went on car rides, played video games, had wrestling matches, and talked almost every day. He loved to joke around, always finding a way to make me laugh, even at my expense. One prank he loved was sneaking into my room while I was sleeping, rolling up a piece of napkin, and putting it near my nose to film my reaction. I would wake up furious and kick him out, but he’d leave with the biggest grin on his face. Now, I can laugh at those moments and cherish how they reflected the loving, playful relationship we had. One thing that stands out is the nickname Alex gave me: “Stinkybutt.” It started as a joke, and every time he saw me, he’d call out, “What’s up, Stinkybutt?” Back then, I would roll my eyes, but now that name carries so much sentiment. It’s a reminder of the unbreakable bond we shared. At the end of summer, right before my freshman year of high school, Alex contracted Covid-19. At the time, he was working for our family business, which he helped make successful through his hard work. At first, Alex seemed fine. He would Facetime us from the hospital, telling us he was okay and excited to come home to enjoy barbacoa and Big Red. But as the weeks passed, his condition worsened. The doctors put him on a ventilator, and he could no longer speak to us. I refused to visit him in the hospital, convincing myself that I would wait until he was better. Looking back, I constantly debate with that decision. Should I have visited him, or was it better to hold onto the memories of who he was before he became ill? On September 16, 2021, Alex passed away at 29 years old. Losing him shattered my world. My freshman year became a blur; it felt like life was on pause, and my grief consumed every part of me. His death affected my academics, social life, and extracurriculars. The funeral and burial are still a blurred memory, as I couldn’t fully process that he was gone. Alex wasn’t just my brother, he was my protector, my best friend, and a piece of my heart. Grieving his loss has been the hardest thing I’ve ever faced, but it has also taught me profound lessons. Alex’s life, though far too short, was lived to the fullest. He loved deeply, gave generously, and made every moment count. His passing has shown me the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Now, as I prepare to graduate high school and pursue my dreams, I carry Alex’s legacy with me. I know he would be proud of the person I’m becoming. Though he is no longer physically here, his memory lives on in our family and his friends. I am forever grateful for the time I had with Alex and for the lessons he taught me, both in life and in loss.

My primary ambition is to work hard, achieve success, and establish stability in my life. To achieve this, I aim to secure a position as a legal intern at a law firm specializing in criminal defense and personal injury cases. As a young adult building a foundation for my future, obtaining my bachelor's degree and passing the bar exam are critical milestones that will help me break free from the cycles of instability I've experienced. Success in my chosen field is a significant objective, and I look forward to embracing the challenges and opportunities it presents. I am particularly excited about studying our country, its government, judicial system, and human rights during law school. These areas fascinate me, and I am eager to deepen my understanding while preparing for a fulfilling career in law. I recognize that not everyone has the privilege of pursuing such opportunities, which motivates me to approach my education and career with gratitude and determination, and being able to help others struggling will help me feel that it was all worth it. My goal is not only to succeed professionally but also to enjoy my work and be mindful of the impact it has on me and those I serve. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to gain relationships with judges and attorneys who have guided me and enhanced my understanding of criminal justice and various areas of law. Their mentorship has been valuable in shaping my aspirations and helping me navigate the legal field. For instance, accompanying a friend to a courtroom provided me with a firsthand look at legal proceedings and helped me appreciate the difficulties of the legal system. This experience tried my desire to work in a courtroom setting, evaluate cases, and contribute meaningfully to the justice system. As I set goals for my early adult years, I remain confident in my ability to achieve them. I value the opportunity to work diligently toward a career that aligns with my passion for law and justice. I envision a future where I can look forward to going to work each day, driven by a sense of purpose and the knowledge that I am making a difference. This sense of fulfillment will not only bring personal satisfaction but will also allow me to give back to others through my work. Establishing a stable and successful career in law would be an incredible accomplishment and a vital step toward building the life I aspire to. By maintaining my focus, determination, and gratitude, I am confident in my ability to achieve my life goals and thrive in my profession.

Hi! My name is Adrianna Martinez & I am a senior at Incarnate Word High School! I am a Varsity captain cheerleader & have been passionate about cheerleading for over 10+ years! As I am getting ready to graduate, I would love to be able to get into Law School and become a lawyer. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through this career because I am passionate about helping others. My family has also had trouble in the past with the justice system, so being able to provide help and support to other people affected and going through the justice would make me feel helpful and also an advocator to those who do not have one. Growing up, I noticed my family and my friends had run-ins with the law and the justice system was not lenient on their charges. For example, the state of Texas wanted to have my father face over 99+ years in prison. As I say this, you wonder what he could have possibly done to have 99 years on his case. Murder? No. Domestic Violence? No. Robbery? No. The state of Texas wanted to have my father imprisoned for Drug Possession of Marijuana. I understand how this drug can negatively affect others and should not be encouraged to use, but 99 years was way over the usual imprisonment charge. The state of Texas tried to imprison my father for something that did not deserve life in prison. There are way bigger issues going on in America, even Texas! After my dad served 10 years, he changed his life around and encouraged his friends and others not to let something so small determine the rest of their lives. A person does not want to face a life sentence for a drug that they could have easily avoided. After telling this story, I hope to whom it may concern realize and understand that I have someone close to me who has dealt with something so small that can cause a big consequence. Being a lawyer for me means making a positive impact on my family, friends, and those who especially need it. Making a positive impact means to be an advocate for myself to help people battle the criminal justice system, and encourage them to change their lives around, like my father. Receiving this scholarship would help me get into a university that provides a good law school and also help me in paying my college tuition. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship, I appreciate the opportunity to talk about something I am passionate about.