1.
I plan to apply to law school in Fall 2025 and begin my legal education in Fall 2026. I am finalizing my list of prospective schools, with UCLA, Boston University, and the University of Southern California among my top choices due to their strong intellectual property law programs and commitment to creating diverse student communities. I have not yet submitted any applications or seat deposits, as I will enter the admissions cycle this fall.
2.
My short-term goal is to enroll in a law school where I can build a strong foundation in Intellectual Property (IP) Law, supported by my background in civil engineering and architecture. I plan to engage in clinics, internships, and student organizations that focus on IP, technology, and creative industries. In the long term, I aspire to become a patent attorney advocating for underrepresented inventors, particularly those from marginalized communities, ensuring their ideas are protected and their voices heard. Eventually, I would like to start a firm or organization that works directly with minority-owned startups, HBCUs, and community colleges to provide accessible legal support for innovation and entrepreneurship.
3.
I pursue learning and intellectual growth outside of the classroom by seeking opportunities that blend my interests in law, design, and social impact. I regularly attend talks, explore legal podcasts like IPRally and Strict Scrutiny, and read about ongoing developments in patent law and creative licensing. During my internship with WSP USA in my hometown of Chicago, I was exposed to the legal and regulatory components of large-scale infrastructure projects, which helped me recognize how much legal work happens behind the scenes of engineering. Also, while working at a ceramics painting boutique, I became fascinated with how small business owners protect their artwork and branding. These experiences have shaped my understanding of the law as not just a system of rules but as a tool for empowerment, protection, and visibility.
4.
During the last presidential election, I found myself repeatedly standing up for the importance of civic engagement, especially voting. Many of my peers believed their vote didn’t matter or that politics wouldn’t affect them personally, which was very eye-opening. I understood the frustration and apathy, but I also knew how dangerous that mindset could be. I started conversations, sometimes uncomfortable ones, where I challenged those beliefs and explained how laws and policies directly impact our lives, particularly for people of color and low-income communities. I reminded my friends that choosing not to vote is a privilege, and ignoring elections doesn’t protect you from their consequences. Although I faced resistance and even ridicule at times, I kept pushing. Several of my friends eventually registered to vote and thanked me afterwards. That experience taught me that standing up for what’s right isn’t about immediate wins, it’s about consistency, patience, and believing in the bigger picture.
5.
If I had the resources to create a philanthropic initiative, I would launch a mentorship and legal literacy program for Black and Brown youth interested in invention, fashion, design, and engineering. This initiative would offer hands-on creative workshops paired with accessible education on intellectual property rights, including how to file patents, protect artwork, and navigate licensing. Growing up, I often created things, altering my clothes, sketching new designs, and building with my hands, but I never imagined I could legally own those ideas. I want to help change that narrative. By combining creative exploration with legal knowledge, this initiative would give young people the tools to not only dream big but also protect and profit from their ideas in a world that often overlooks their brilliance.