I greatly admire the lens in which Margot Bogner viewed the practice of law. Her three core values: diligent communication, empathetic decision making and earning others trust, are practices I strive to emulate through my personal talents and experiences both as an aspiring attorney and in my daily life. I have learned through my experience with people, that the more vulnerable and open I am in communicating, the more others will open up and increase their trust in me. The fruit of an open interaction is an increase in understanding and in turn empathy. I admire that Margot upheld the same attributes in her practice of law. These are guiding qualities in the foundation for authentic relationships. I desire to become an attorney because I am passionate about advocating for others, especially those whose voices often go unheard. As a psychology and Spanish major, I continue to develop a deeper understanding of mental health and the importance of effective communication in my studies. I chose both majors because I believe this part of my background will bring a unique perspective to law school and my future practice. I look forward to using my bilingual skills and psychology background to serve diverse client populations. Developing a deep understanding and framework for how people feel is essential to being a trusted attorney. Being bilingual builds rapport and an increased understanding from the start of the relationship. I am particularly interested in serving underserved populations and desire to act with both skill and compassion in my future practice of law because everyone deserves integrity and care. In my household growing up, my family provided respite care for children in the foster care system. My interactions and experiences with the children that we cared for broadened my understanding of the difficulties these children face in ways I could have never otherwise understood. Empathy isn’t taught, it’s experienced. I remember the small bags the children would bring to our house, a handful of clothes, mismatched and looking worn. I remember the looks of utter disbelief when they would step into our pantry upon arrival. I remember my parents explaining to me that their parents weren’t in a spot to see their own kids. I remember crying in the car when the first girl who got to stay with us, just about my age, went back to another foster home. These are the kinds of moments that put it all into perspective. Custody, parental rights, and court decisions produce real impacts on children— impacts I have seen firsthand. Children deserve advocates who can communicate with them effectively, seek to understand them and are above all, trustworthy because every decision impacts a life. I want to be that advocate for these kids. I want to serve with both skill and compassion because this is what draws me to law. Using my bilingual skills and psychology background enables me to best serve my future clients. Like Margot, I believe that communication, empathy, and trust are not just admirable traits, but essential tools for meaningful and impactful work through law I am committed to pursuing.

I feel particularly in awe of Margot in her relentless pursuit of selfless service. This service attracted me to her story— her philanthropic work with her sorority, passion-driven contribution to events, and her commitment to serving the less fortunate as an attorney. It is clear Margot’s heart was truly that of a servant. These acts of dying to self and putting others before yourself is a mindset. It is one that I aspire to implement every day. Like Margot, I am a pre-law student at Kansas State involved in Greek life and volunteerism. Balancing multiple commitments inevitably brings stress, but when fueled by passion has purpose, making it all worthwhile. I find my purpose in serving those who serve. As the daughter of a veteran, I have an immense respect for the servicemen and women of our country. I have had the incredible opportunity to pursue my passion of serving through weekly volunteering at the USO on Fort Riley. Attending K-State provided me with a unique opportunity to give back to the military community— proximity. Only 25 minutes from Manhattan to Fort Riley, I was so excited to have the opportunity to serve those whom I respect and admire the most. Volunteering weekly at the USO is one of my biggest joys. I love directly giving back to the very military community that my dad was in, an opportunity I wouldn’t have at many other colleges. At the USO, every day brings about something new— new soldiers, new opportunities to make a difference. Sometimes it’s helping a young nervous soldier, not much older than me, by offering a kind smile as they print their deployment forms. Other times I’m hosting bingo for military families on Saturday, calling bingos and seeing the joy on the children’s faces, when I just so happen to call their winning ball. Other days I get to provide meals. When describing what I did at the USO that day I usually joke with my friends saying “it’s like I run the bar in Top Gun!” The lunch rush chaos of about 45 orders keeps me on my toes but no matter the task or challenge I love serving those that serve me and my country. I realize the special opportunity I have making the choice to serve others. At my church I was selected as a service liaison for the student leadership team where I pick and lead the service for my team weekly. This position has allowed me many opportunities to better myself as a leader and serve the Manhattan community in diverse places like BeAble, ReStore, and Ascension hospital. One of my favorite opportunities was Wednesday afternoons where I visited hospital patients. Seeing the joy on patients' faces, many of them elderly, when students entered their hospital room was heartwarming. I found myself leaving happier for the time I had spent with them and the new friends I’d made. I’ve realized something important this first year of college—I could feel overwhelmed with stress and homesickness or I could put myself out there and help others. I found that I do my best keeping a balance of studies, sorority involvement, church and service. This is why I’m drawn to Margot’s legacy. Her story stands out to me through her unique way of pushing herself for the better while looking for ways for her gifts to shine through service. Thank you for your openness in sharing her story. In doing so, Margot’s life continues to have a lasting impact on women like me. It would be an honor to receive the scholarship dedicated to her legacy.