As I embark on my journey toward a career in criminal justice and forensic science, I am filled with an unwavering determination to make a positive impact on the world. These fields of study allow me to contribute to a safer society that is more just for all. There are still many injustices in our justice system and I want to make a difference. Underrepresented communities such as people of color, citizens from low-income communities and the LGBTQ+ communities, continue to be disadvantaged because they do not have the resources or support when they need legal assistance and representation. Pursuing a criminal justice major will allow me the flexibility to make an educated decision to attend law school or pursue employment in the public or private sector as a paralegal, Crime Scene Investigator, Fingerprint Technician or to work in the public defender’s office in some capacity. If I pursue a law degree, I want to eventually open my own law firm where I can provide pro bono services to the local community and advocate for criminal justice reform for the underrepresented. I plan to work to address issues such as racial disparities, mass incarceration, and inadequate rehabilitation programs. Regardless of what I decide to do, I am certain that I want to be engaged in the local community to inspire young girls. I want young ladies to know that coming from an underrepresented community does not mean that their voices should be silent. I want to expose them to the many opportunities available to them with a criminal justice major or whatever path they decide to pursue. I want to mentor young girls at all levels, whether it is going to school on career day or volunteering to speak to a youth group. I have experienced success in an underrepresented demographic. As a swimmer in an underrepresented demographic, I understand why representation and mentoring matter. When I joined the high school swim team my freshman year and also when I became a certified lifeguard and began employment with the US Marine Corps, I was the only female of my ethnicity. This year, I am happy to see three of us on the swim team. I was instrumental in another lifeguard in an underrepresented demographic joining the work team even though I am still the only female lifeguard in my demographic. My career will be dedicated to making a positive impact on the world by advocating for the underrepresented through reforming our current system, fostering trust among citizens, law enforcement and other community partners, and crime prevention/reduction through education, community/civic engagement and intervention programs. As a society, our goal should be to foster, create and maintain a justice system that is fair and equitable to all. This scholarship will help me promote the principle of commitment and help me to pursue a degree in a discipline that can have a direct impact on my community and the people around me.

As I embark on my journey toward a career in criminal justice and forensic science, I am filled with an unwavering determination to make a positive impact on the world. These fields of study allow me to contribute to a safer society that is more just for all. There are still many injustices in our justice system and I want to make a difference. Underrepresented communities such as people of color, citizens from low-income communities and the LGBTQ+ communities, continue to be disadvantaged because they do not have the resources or support when they need legal assistance and representation. Pursuing a criminal justice major will allow me the flexibility to make an educated decision to attend law school or pursue employment in the public or private sector as a paralegal, Crime Scene Investigator, Fingerprint Technician or to work in the public defender’s office in some capacity. If I pursue a law degree, I want to eventually open my own law firm where I can provide pro bono services to the local community and advocate for criminal justice reform for the underrepresented. I plan to work to address issues such as racial disparities, mass incarceration, and inadequate rehabilitation programs. Regardless of what I decide to do, I am certain that I want to be engaged in the local community to inspire young girls. I want young ladies to know that coming from an underrepresented community does not mean that their voices should be silent. I want to expose them to the many opportunities available to them with a criminal justice major or whatever path they decide to pursue. I want to mentor young girls at all levels, whether it is going to school on career day or volunteering to speak to a youth group. I have experienced success in an underrepresented demographic. As a swimmer in an underrepresented demographic, I understand why representation and mentoring matter. When I joined the high school swim team my freshman year and also when I became a certified lifeguard and began employment with the US Marine Corps, I was the only female of my ethnicity. This year, I am happy to see three of us on the swim team. I was instrumental in another lifeguard in an underrepresented demographic joining the work team even though I am still the only female lifeguard in my demographic. My career will be dedicated to making a positive impact on the world by advocating for the underrepresented through reforming our current system, fostering trust among citizens, law enforcement and other community partners, and crime prevention/reduction through education, community/civic engagement and intervention programs. As a society, our goal should be to foster, create and maintain a justice system that is fair and equitable to all. This scholarship will help me promote the principle of commitment and help me to pursue a degree in a discipline that can have a direct impact on my community and the people around me.

My name is Amber James and as of June 12, 2023, I am a proud graduate of Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, NC. I am extremely proud to see the outcome of my hard work in academics and through volunteerism and community engagement. I graduated with six different academic honors including membership in two honor societies and recognition for maintaining a high GPA of at least 3.75. I am the ideal candidate for this scholarship because I exemplify the meaning of life outside the classroom. “Success is only meaningful and enjoyable if it feels like your own,” (Former first lady Michelle Obama during the Oregon State University commencement address in 2012). African American phenom Simone Manuel inspired me with her Olympic success in swimming and I wanted to break through the stereotypes of black people and swimming. My greatest challenge to overcome is being an introvert and having a voice loud enough to be heard and taken seriously. This personality trait requires a great deal of effort to become comfortable in unfamiliar spaces. One of my goals that I have achieved is to become a successful swimmer. I set goals and defined my success. Swimming has been my love and sport of choice and I have been swimming competitively since middle school. Success in swimming doesn’t mean that I am the fastest in the pool. It meant that I was a well-rounded swimmer. My swimming goals were to swim on the high school swim team, become a certified lifeguard and water safety instructor for the US government/United States Marine Corps and be an inspiration and representation for other black swimmers. I achieved all of these goals and more with hard work and determination. When I joined the high school swim team and when I became a certified lifeguard, I was the only female of my ethnicity. This year, I am happy to see three of us on the swim team. I was instrumental in another lifeguard in an underrepresented demographic joining the team. I am still the only black female lifeguard at my job. I found my confidence and passion in swimming. Being shy, an introvert and a military child were obstacles to achieving my goals and being successful in swimming. Sports taught me the importance of being able to work with others. Swimming is generally considered to be an individual effort. To grow and become more successful, interaction with others is necessary. It requires communication and collaboration with coaches and trainers for optimal results. As an introvert, I have been intentional in ensuring there is proper communication and collaboration. I have had to step outside my comfort zone and actively interact with and mentor junior swimmers and welcome the team spirit. As a lifeguard, I have voluntarily pursued instructor certification so that I can help service members maintain and enhance their water safety skills, a requirement for them to be mission ready. Being a military child has taught me to be resilient and resourceful and to always seek out opportunities that are challenging, rewarding and enhancing. The skills I’ve learned along the way, coupled with this scholarship, will play an important role in what impact I will have on my community.

I have participated in many sports including different genres of dance, gymnastics, swimming, judo, baseball, softball, basketball, and soccer. My favorite sport is swimming. I have been swimming competitively since I was in the fourth grade. Even though swimming is my favorite, all the sports I have participated in have positively impacted me. I found my confidence and passion in swimming. This confidence made it possible to inspire and be a role model to other female swimmers in underrepresented communities. Being shy, an introvert and a military child were challenges in achieving my goals and being successful in swimming. I was able to overcome my shyness because I knew our team would benefit from having a more diverse squad. Swimming gives me the freedom of expression that I rarely find in other activities. Playing sports has given me a sense of community and provided opportunities for me to form bonds with people who I may not normally have had the pleasure of meeting. Sports can create a real sense of comradery and family, even in sports that would be considered an individual sport. I found this to be true in swimming. At formal swim meets, spectators and competitors alike cheer for everyone, including the athlete who is in last place and may have just learned how to swim when he/she joined the swim team just a few short weeks earlier. In other sports, it's the mutual respect that individuals have for one another over a shared passion that unites them as a community. Sports have the power to unite people of different backgrounds. All of my immediate family has played sports of some kind. My mother played basketball; my father played basketball, baseball and ran track; my older brother played basketball, and soccer, swam and participated in rock climbing and my little brother competes in cross country and plays basketball, baseball and soccer. Sports give us another connection that brings us closer together because we watch and participate in sports together. Sports contribute to some healthy debate sometimes, because where would the fun be if we all agreed that the same team or player was the best? Even with all the debate, we can all agree to disagree and it just is something we can look forward to as a sense of bonding with one another. Sports teach life lessons and build character and discipline. Players experience the highs of winning, the disappointment of losing and the respect for the competitor who was just a little bit faster than them. As a swimmer in an underrepresented demographic, I understand why representation matters. When I joined the high school swim team freshman year and when I became a certified lifeguard and began employment with the US Marine Corps, I was the only female of my ethnicity. This year, I am happy to see three of us on the swim team. I was instrumental in another lifeguard in an underrepresented demographic joining the team. I am still the only female lifeguard in my demographic. Sports have had a positive impact on me my entire life. Participation has given me a sense of purpose, an extended family, and a positive outlook on life. I hope that I can continue to indulge in sports and all the opportunities it has to offer me.

One of my first community service projects was to assist the survivors of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and devastating tsunami of March 2011 in northeastern Japan. Even at 5 years old, I knew something serious had happened and that children and families were gravely impacted by the event. To celebrate my sixth birthday, I asked my birthday party invitees to consider providing a donation to help the victims instead of giving me the “obligatory” birthday gift. My guests indulged me and I was able to make a sizable donation to the American Red Cross to directly assist those impacted by the earthquake and tsunami. I've continued to volunteer through various organizations including the Special Olympics, United Way of Onslow County, civic engagements to promote voter registration as well as offering free babysitting services. Participating in sports has given me a sense of community and provided opportunities for me to form bonds with people who I may not normally have had the pleasure of meeting. Sports teaches life lessons, builds character and discipline. As a swimmer in an underrepresented demographic, I understand why representation matters. When I joined the high school swim team and when I became a certified lifeguard, I was the only female of my ethnicity. This year, I am happy to see three of us on the swim team. I was instrumental in another lifeguard in an underrepresented demographic joining the team. I am still the only female lifeguard in my demographic.

I plan to pursue a degree in criminal justice or forensics science because there are still many injustices in our justice system and I want to make a difference. Underrepresented communities such as people of color, citizens from low-income communities and the LGBTQ+ communities, continue to be disadvantaged because they do not have the resources or support when they need legal assistance and representation. I am undecided about going to law school after I complete my undergraduate studies. Pursuing a criminal justice major will allow me the flexibility to make an educated decision to attend law school or pursue employment in the public or private sector as a paralegal, Crime Scene Investigator, Fingerprint Technician or to work in the public defender’s office in some capacity. If I pursue a law degree, I want to eventually open my own law firm where I can provide pro bono services to the local community. Regardless of what I decide to do, I am certain that I want to be engaged in the local community to inspire young girls. I want young ladies to know that coming from an underrepresented community does not mean that their voices should be silent. I want to expose them to the many opportunities available to them with a criminal justice major or whatever path they decide to pursue. I want to mentor young girls at all levels, whether it is going to school on career day or volunteering to speak to a youth group. I have experienced success in an underrepresented demographic. As a swimmer in an underrepresented demographic, I understand why representation and mentoring matter. When I joined the high school swim team my freshman year and also when I became a certified lifeguard and began employment with the US Marine Corps, I was the only female of my ethnicity. This year, I am happy to see three of us on the swim team. I was instrumental in another lifeguard in an underrepresented demographic joining the work team even though I am still the only female lifeguard in my demographic. This scholarship will help me promote the principle of commitment and help me to pursue a degree in a discipline that can have a direct impact on my community and the people around me. This scholarship will also take some pressure off me and ease the financial burden on my parents because they will still have another dependent child to financially support. I will be able to focus on continuing my academic pursuits and having a productive college experience.

I plan to pursue a degree in criminal justice or forensics science because there are still many injustices in our justice system and I want to make a difference. Underrepresented communities such as people of color, citizens from low income communities and the LGBTQ+ communities, continue to be disadvantaged because they do not have the resources or support when they are in need of legal assistance and representation. I am undecided on going to law school after I complete my undergraduate studies. Pursuing a criminal justice major will allow me the flexibility to make an educated decision to attend law school or pursue employment in the public or private sector as a paralegal, Crime Scene Investigator, Fingerprint Technician or to work in the public defender’s office in some capacity. If I pursue a law degree, I want to eventually open my own law firm where I can provide pro bono services to the local community. Regardless of what I decide to do, I am certain that I want to be engaged in the local community to provide inspiration to young girls. I want young ladies to know that coming from an underrepresented community does not mean that their voices should be silent. I want to expose them to the many opportunities available to them with a criminal justice major or whatever path they decide to pursue. I want to mentor young girls at all levels, whether it is going to school on career day or volunteering to speak to a youth group. I have experienced success in an underrepresented demographic. As a swimmer in an underrepresented demographic, I understand why representation and mentoring matter. When I joined the high school swim team my freshman year and also when I became a certified lifeguard and began employment with the US Marine Corps, I was the only female of my ethnicity. This year, I am happy to see three of us on the swim team. I was instrumental in another lifeguard in an underrepresented demographic joining the work team even though I am still the only female lifeguard in my demographic. This scholarship will help me promote the principle of commitment and help me to pursue a degree in a discipline that can have a direct impact on my community and the people around me. This scholarship will also take some pressure off me and ease the financial burden on my parents because they will still have another dependent child to financially support. I will be able to focus on continuing my academic pursuits and having a productive college experience.

I plan to pursue a degree in criminal justice or forensics science because there are still many injustices in our justice system and I want to make a difference. I am passionate about serving the underserved and underrepresented. Underrepresented communities such as people of color, citizens from low-income communities and the LGBTQ+ communities, continue to be disadvantaged because they do not have the resources or support when they need legal assistance and representation. I am undecided about going to law school after I complete my undergraduate studies. Pursuing a criminal justice major will allow me the flexibility to make an educated decision to attend law school or pursue employment in the public or private sector as a paralegal, Crime Scene Investigator, Fingerprint Technician or to work in the public defender’s office in some capacity. If I pursue a law degree, I want to eventually open my own law firm where I can provide pro bono services to the local community. Regardless of what I decide to do, I am certain that I want to be engaged in the local community to inspire young girls. I want young ladies to know that coming from an underrepresented community does not mean that their voices should be silent. I want to expose them to the many opportunities available to them with a criminal justice major or whatever path they decide to pursue. I want to mentor young girls at all levels, whether it is going to school on career day or volunteering to speak to a youth group. I have experienced success in an underrepresented demographic. As a swimmer in an underrepresented demographic, I understand why representation and mentoring matter. When I joined the high school swim team my freshman year and also when I became a certified lifeguard and began employment with the US Marine Corps, I was the only female of my ethnicity. This year, I am happy to see three of us on the swim team. I was instrumental in another lifeguard in an underrepresented demographic joining the work team even though I am still the only female lifeguard in my demographic. This scholarship will help me promote the principle of commitment and help me to pursue a degree in a discipline that can have a direct impact on my community and the people around me. This scholarship will also take some pressure off me and ease the financial burden on my parents because they will still have another dependent child to financially support. I will be able to focus on continuing my academic pursuits and having a productive college experience.

I plan to pursue a degree in criminal justice or forensics science because there are still many injustices in our justice system and I want to make a difference. Underrepresented communities such as people of color, citizens from low income communities and the LGBTQ+ communities, continue to be disadvantaged because they do not have the resources or support when they are in need of legal assistance and representation. I am undecided about going to law school after I complete my undergraduate studies. Pursuing a criminal justice major will allow me the flexibility to make an educated decision to attend law school or pursue employment in the public or private sector as a paralegal, Crime Scene Investigator, Fingerprint Technician or work in the public defender’s office in some capacity. If I pursue a law degree, I want to eventually open my own law firm where I can provide pro bono services to the local community. Regardless of what I decide to do, I am certain that I want to be engaged in the local community to inspire young girls. I want young ladies to know that coming from an underrepresented community does not mean that their voices should be silent. I want to expose them to the many opportunities available to them with a criminal justice major or whatever path they decide to pursue. I want to mentor young girls at all levels, whether it is going to school on career day or volunteering to speak to a youth group. I have experienced success in an underrepresented demographic. As a swimmer in an underrepresented demographic, I understand why representation and mentoring matter. When I joined the high school swim team my freshman year and also when I became a certified lifeguard and began employment with the US Marine Corps, I was the only female of my ethnicity. This year, I am happy to see three of us on the swim team. I was instrumental in another lifeguard in an underrepresented demographic joining the work team even though I am still the only female lifeguard in my demographic. This scholarship will help me promote the principle of commitment and help me to pursue a degree in a discipline that can have a direct impact on my community and the people around me. This scholarship will also take some pressure off me and ease the financial burden on my parents because they will still have another dependent child to financially support. I will be able to focus on continuing my academic pursuits and having a productive college experience.

I plan to pursue a degree in criminal justice or forensics science because there are still many injustices in our justice system and I want to make a difference. Underrepresented communities such as people of color, citizens from low-income communities and the LGBTQ+ communities, continue to be disadvantaged because they do not have the resources or support when they require legal assistance and representation. I am undecided about going to law school after I complete my undergraduate studies. Pursuing a criminal justice major will allow me the flexibility to make an educated decision to attend law school or pursue employment in the public or private sector as a paralegal, Crime Scene Investigator, Fingerprint Technician or work in the public defender’s office in some capacity. If I pursue a law degree, I want to eventually open my own law firm where I can provide pro bono services to the local community. Regardless of what I decide to do, I am certain that I want to be engaged in the local community to inspire young girls. I want young ladies to know that coming from an underrepresented community does not mean that their voices should be silent. I want to expose them to the many opportunities available to them with a criminal justice major or whatever path they decide to pursue. I want to mentor young girls at all levels, whether it is going to school on career day or volunteering to speak to a youth group. An obstacle that I have overcome is being successful in an underrepresented demographic. As a swimmer in an underrepresented demographic, I understand why representation and mentoring matter. When I joined the high school swim team my freshman year and also when I became a certified lifeguard and began employment with the US Marine Corps, I was the only African American female. This year, I am happy to see three of us on the swim team. I was instrumental in another lifeguard in an underrepresented demographic joining the work team even though I am still the only female lifeguard in my demographic. This experience taught me the real meaning of "be the change you want to see". I wanted to see more African Americans in swimming. I was able to be a positive role model and attract others to the swim team. While it was lonely the first year, I didn't quit. My parents are Caribbean and they have always instilled in me that failure builds character and is acceptable. Use those failures to identify opportunities for improvement and make them into successes. This scholarship will help me promote the principle of commitment and help me to pursue a degree in a discipline that can have a direct impact on my community and the people around me. This scholarship will also take some pressure off me and ease the financial burden on my parents because they will still have another dependent child to financially support. I will be able to focus on continuing my academic pursuits and having a productive college experience.

I plan to pursue a degree in criminal justice or forensics science because there are still many injustices in our justice system and I want to make a difference. Underrepresented communities such as people of color, citizens from low-income communities and the LGBTQ+ communities, continue to be disadvantaged because they do not have the resources or support when they need legal assistance and representation. I am undecided about going to law school after I complete my undergraduate studies. Pursuing a criminal justice major will allow me the flexibility to make an educated decision to attend law school or pursue employment in the public or private sector as a paralegal, Crime Scene Investigator, Fingerprint Technician or work in the public defender’s office in some capacity. If I pursue a law degree, I want to eventually open my own law firm where I can provide pro bono services to the local community. Regardless of what I decide to do, I am certain that I want to be engaged in the local community to provide inspiration to young girls. I want young ladies to know that coming from an underrepresented community does not mean that their voices should be silent. I want to expose them to the many opportunities available to them with a criminal justice major or whatever path they decide to pursue. I want to mentor young girls at all levels, whether it is going to school on career day or volunteering to speak to a youth group. I have experienced success in an underrepresented demographic. As a swimmer in an underrepresented demographic, I understand why representation and mentoring matter. When I joined the high school swim team my freshman year and also when I became a certified lifeguard and began employment with the US Marine Corps, I was the only female of my ethnicity. This year, I am happy to see three of us on the swim team. I was instrumental in another lifeguard in an underrepresented demographic joining the work team even though I am still the only female lifeguard in my demographic. I have been surrounded by many positive role models and organizations who continue to support and pour into me and are passionate about community service and giving back. I have a sense of obligation to give back because I have received so much support. I have given back to the community through various service projects and service organizations. This scholarship will help me promote the principle of commitment and help me to pursue a degree in a discipline that can have a direct impact on my community and the people around me. It will also take some pressure off me and ease the financial burden on my parents because they will still have another dependent child to financially support. I will be able to focus on continuing my academic pursuits and having a productive college experience.

I plan to pursue a degree in criminal justice or forensics science because there are still many injustices in our justice system and I want to make a difference. Underrepresented communities such as people of color, citizens from low-income communities and the LGBTQ+ communities, continue to be disadvantaged because they do not have the resources or support when they need legal assistance and representation. I am undecided about going to law school after I complete my undergraduate studies. Pursuing a criminal justice major will allow me the flexibility to make an educated decision to attend law school or pursue employment in the public or private sector as a paralegal, Crime Scene Investigator, Fingerprint Technician or to work in the public defender’s office in some capacity. If I pursue a law degree, I want to eventually open my law firm where I can provide pro bono services to the local community. Regardless of what I decide to do, I am certain that I want to be engaged in the local community to inspire young girls. I want young ladies to know that coming from an underrepresented community does not mean that their voices should be silent. I want to expose them to the many opportunities available to them with a criminal justice major or whatever path they decide to pursue. I want to mentor young girls at all levels, whether it is going to school on career day or volunteering to speak to a youth group. I have experienced success in an underrepresented demographic. As a swimmer in an underrepresented demographic, I understand why representation and mentoring matter. When I joined the high school swim team my freshman year and also when I became a certified lifeguard and began employment with the US Marine Corps, I was the only female of my ethnicity. This year, I am happy to see three of us on the swim team. I was instrumental in another lifeguard in an underrepresented demographic joining the work team even though I am still the only female lifeguard in my demographic. College success is critical for me. I plan to be very well-rounded by joining a swimming club so that I can remain active so that I can focus on my studies. Swimming helps me relax. I plan to study to achieve and maintain a high scholarly average and explore opportunities outside my comfort zone. This scholarship will help me promote the principle of commitment and help me to pursue a degree in a discipline that can have a direct impact on my community and the people around me. It will also take some pressure off me and ease the financial burden on my parents because they will still have another dependent child to financially support. I will be able to focus on continuing my academic pursuits and having a productive college experience.

I have been involved in sports all my life. Swimming competitively in high school has taught me the importance of being able to work with others. Swimming is generally considered to be an individual effort. I’ve learned that it requires communication and collaboration with coaches and trainers for optimal results. Being an introvert can be challenging when dealing with team dynamics. As an introvert, I have been intentional in ensuring there is proper communication and collaboration. I have had to step outside my comfort zone and actively interact with and mentor junior swimmers and welcome the team spirit. As a part-time lifeguard for the US Department of Defense, I have voluntarily pursued instructor certification so that I can help service members maintain and enhance their water safety skills, a requirement for them to be mission ready. This role has given me a sense of appreciation and self-gratitude that in a small way, I am giving back and serving our country. Introverts tend to be observers and thinkers which can be advantageous in some group settings. I use this character trait as a strength because I can research and provide fact based, unbiased feedback that applies to the topic or project. While learning how to be more comfortable with communicating with others, I was put into leadership positions in various areas including my part-time employment, swim team and extracurricular activities. Being in leadership positions, instead of thinking of self, one must think of others first. Because I am an observer, I tend to always put forth more than is required. This is one of the dominant qualities that sets me apart from others. I can assess a situation and provide sound advice. This quality also makes me a dependable person. I hope this quality will open doors for me when it is time for me to seek employment. I want employers to know that hiring me will mean their organization will be more successful because of what I can bring to the table. As an observer, I am detail oriented and will manage an assignment from start to completion. The lessons I have learned from sports will always follow me and I will be able to transfer them and apply them to my education and career. Discipline to study, sacrificing personal gain for the benefit of the greater good and perseverance in the face of adversity are some tools I will undoubtedly tap into as I pursue higher education and beyond. I am eternally grateful for sports. Sports have had a positive impact on me my entire life. Participation has given me a sense of joy, purpose, an extended family, and a positive outlook on life. I hope that I can continue to indulge in sports and all the opportunities it has to offer me.

Being a military child has taught me to be resilient and resourceful and to always seek out opportunities that are challenging, rewarding and enhancing. The skills I’ve learned along the way, coupled with this scholarship, will play an important role in what impact I will have on my community. I plan to pursue a degree in criminal justice or forensics science because there are still many injustices in our justice system and I want to make a difference. Underrepresented communities such as people of color, citizens from low-income communities and the LGBTQ+ communities, continue to be disadvantaged because they do not have the resources or support when they are in need of legal assistance and representation. I have experienced success in an underrepresented demographic. As a swimmer in an underrepresented demographic, I understand why representation and mentoring matter. When I joined the high school swim team my freshman year and also when I became a certified lifeguard and began employment with the US Marine Corps, I was the only female of my ethnicity. I used this opportunity to recruit and inspire other female athletes in the underrepresented group to join the swim team. This year, I am happy to see three of us on the swim team. I was instrumental in another lifeguard in an underrepresented demographic joining the work team even though I am still the only female lifeguard in my demographic. I am undecided about going to law school after I complete my undergraduate studies. Pursuing a criminal justice major will allow me the flexibility to make an educated decision to attend law school or pursue employment in the public or private sector as a paralegal, Crime Scene Investigator, Fingerprint Technician or work in the public defender’s office in some capacity. If I pursue a law degree, I want to eventually open my own law firm where I can provide pro bono services to the local community. Regardless of what I decide to do, I am certain that I want to be engaged in the local community to inspire young girls. I want young ladies to know that coming from an underrepresented community does not mean that their voices should be silent. I want to expose them to the many opportunities available to them with a criminal justice major or whatever path they decide to pursue. I want to mentor young girls at all levels, whether it is going to school on career day or volunteering to speak to a youth group. This scholarship will help me promote the principle of commitment and help me to pursue a degree in a discipline that can have a direct impact on my community and the people around me. This scholarship will also take some pressure off me and ease the financial burden on my parents because they will still have another dependent child to financially support. I will be able to focus on continuing my academic pursuits and having a productive college experience.

I am passionate about sports, especially swimming. Playing sports has given me a sense of community and provided opportunities for me to form bonds with people who I may not normally have had the pleasure of meeting. I plan to pursue a degree in criminal justice or forensics science because there are still many injustices in our justice system and I want to make a difference. Underrepresented communities such as people of color, citizens from low income communities and the LGBTQ+ communities, continue to be disadvantaged because they do not have the resources or support when they are in need of legal assistance and representation. I am undecided about going to law school after I complete my undergraduate studies. Pursuing a criminal justice major will allow me the flexibility to make an educated decision to attend law school or pursue employment in the public or private sector as a paralegal, Crime Scene Investigator, Fingerprint Technician or work in the public defender’s office in some capacity. If I pursue a law degree, I want to eventually open my own law firm where I can provide pro bono services to the local community. Regardless of what I decide to do, I am certain that I want to be engaged in the local community to inspire young girls. I want young ladies to know that coming from an underrepresented community does not mean that their voices should be silent. I want to expose them to the many opportunities available to them with a criminal justice major or whatever path they decide to pursue. I want to mentor young girls at all levels, whether it is going to school on career day or volunteering to speak to a youth group. I have experienced success in an underrepresented demographic. As a swimmer in an underrepresented demographic, I understand why representation and mentoring matter. When I joined the high school swim team my freshman year and also when I became a certified lifeguard and began employment with the US Marine Corps, I was the only female of my ethnicity. This year, I am happy to see three of us on the swim team. I was instrumental in another lifeguard in an underrepresented demographic joining the work team even though I am still the only female lifeguard in my demographic. This scholarship will help me promote the principle of commitment and help me to pursue a degree in a discipline that can have a direct impact on my community and the people around me. This scholarship will also take some pressure off me and ease the financial burden on my parents because they will still have another dependent child to financially support. I will be able to focus on continuing my academic pursuits and having a productive college experience.

I have participated in many sports to include different genres of dance, gymnastics, swimming, judo, baseball, softball, basketball, and soccer. My favorite sport is swimming. I have been swimming competitively since I was in the fourth grade. Even though swimming is my favorite, all the sports I have participated in have impacted me in a positive way. Playing sports has given me a sense of community and provided opportunities for me to form bonds with people who I may not normally have had the pleasure of meeting. Sports can create a real sense of comradery and family, even in sports that would be considered an individual sport. I found this to be true in swimming. At formal swim meets, spectators and competitors alike cheer for everyone, including the athlete who is in last place who may have just learned how to swim when he/she joined the swim team just a few short weeks earlier. In other sports, it's the mutual respect that individuals have for one another over a shared passion that unites them as a community. Sports have the power to unite people of different backgrounds. All of my immediate family has played sports of some kind. My mother played basketball; my father played basketball, baseball and ran track; my older brother played basketball, soccer, swam and participated in rock climbing and my little brother competes in cross country and plays basketball, baseball and soccer. Sports gives us another connection that brings us closer together because we watch and participate in sports together. Sports contribute to some healthy debate sometimes, because where would the fun be if we all agreed that the same team or player was the best? Even with all the debate, we can all agree to disagree and it just is something we can look forward to as a sense of bonding with one another. Sports teaches life lessons, builds character and discipline. Players experience the highs of winning, the disappointment of losing and the respect for the competitor who was just a little bit faster than you. As a swimmer in an underrepresented demographic, I understand why representation matters. When I joined the high school swim team freshman year and when I became a certified lifeguard and began employment with the US Marine Corps, I was the only female of my ethnicity. This year, I am happy to see three of us on the swim team. I was instrumental in another lifeguard in an underrepresented demographic joining the team. I am still the only female lifeguard in my demographic. Sports have had a positive impact on me my entire life. Participation has given me a sense of purpose, an extended family, and a positive outlook on life. I hope that I am able to continue to indulge in sports and all the opportunities it has to offer to me.