Firstly, I wanted to introduce myself and thank you for the opportunity and consideration for this scholarship. My name is Ava Olivo, and I am a first-year student at UCONN, who is majoring in Political Science on the Pre-Law track. I am a first-generation college student from a low-income family which fortunately qualifies me for financial aid assistance. Unfortunately, this aid only applies to my first semester, leaving me with an almost $10,000 bill yearly. This is almost impossible for me as an employee in the bipolar atmosphere of the restaurant industry. I required a profession that allows for a flexible schedule so I can continue to study and achieve higher education, as well as continue to volunteer, and attend law-related events. I have decided to pursue a career in criminal defense because I’ve personally seen, through my volunteer work as well as personal experiences just how corrupt our justice system can be. I want to be a voice for those who have faced discrimination and don't have the financial resources or education to defend themselves. I've had the opportunity to observe several criminal trials and have witnessed the significant disadvantages faced by the defense. It's as if they have to fight with their hands tied behind their backs, while the prosecution can attack from any angle. This becomes a critical issue, especially when the prosecution is representing the actual perpetrator. Additionally, Its heartbreaking to witness so many innocent, low-income individuals take plea bargains simply because they can't afford adequate legal representation. I have also observed several attorneys employ a no-defense strategy, which I find ill-advised when the defendant is asserting their innocence. In my experience, this approach has never benefited the defendant; instead, it often makes the attorney appear unconcerned with the defendant's best interests. This strategy fails to provide the vigorous defense that every defendant deserves, undermining the pursuit of justice. In my free time I read informational law books that assist with providing a basis before attending law school, I additionally attend UCONN law events to keep myself current in the updated regulations. Recently, I attended the Pre-Trial Justice Symposium at the UCONN law school on November 21, 2024 where highly respectable and influential figures, not just from Connecticut but additionally from all around the US came to speak on this highly controversial subject. From Professors who have publications at Yale, Harvard and Oxford, to attorneys, state representatives, jurors, and senators. I was honored to attend such a prestigious event where we heard from numerous panels. I gained immense insightful knowledge from the best of the best, along with making valuable connections with advocacy program representatives as well as with professors and attorneys. I seemed to be the only undergraduate student in attendance which was frightening at first but I cant be more thankful for the amazing experience. I can assure you that if I am awarded this scholarship, it will be put to excellent use. I am committed to my education and have a personal connection to my future profession. This scholarship would alleviate the financial pressures that hinder my academic performance and extracurricular involvement. My dedication to my chosen field is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. This scholarship would not only support my educational journey but also enable me to contribute more effectively to my future profession. It would provide me with the stability needed to excel academically and prepare for a career where I can make a significant difference. Your investment in my education would be an investment in a future professional committed to excellence and service.

Firstly, I wanted to introduce myself and thank you for the opportunity and consideration for this scholarship. My name is Ava Olivo, and I am a first-year student at UCONN, who is majoring in Political Science on the Pre-Law track. I am a first-generation college student from a low-income family which fortunately qualifies me for financial aid assistance. Unfortunately, this aid only applies to my first semester, leaving me with an almost $10,000 bill yearly. This is almost impossible for me as an employee in the atmosphere of the restaurant industry. I required a profession that allows for a flexible schedule so I can continue to study and achieve higher education, as well as continue to volunteer, and attend law-related events. I have decided to pursue a career in criminal defense because I’ve personally seen, through my volunteer work as well as personal experiences just how corrupt our justice system can be. I want to be a voice for those who dont have one. I've had the opportunity to observe several criminal trials and have witnessed the significant disadvantages faced by the defense. Additionally, its heartbreaking to witness so many innocent, low-income individuals take plea bargains simply because they can't afford adequate legal representation. My ultimate goal is to become one of the best in the field so that these individuals won't have to sacrifice their lives due to a lack of finances. In my free time I read informational law books that assist with providing a basis before attending law school, I additionally attend UCONN law events to keep myself current in the updated regulations. For instance, I attended the Pre-Trial Justice Symposium at the UCONN law school on November 21, 2024 where highly respectable and influential figures, not just from Connecticut but additionally from all around the US came to speak on this highly controversial subject. From Professors who have publications at Yale, Harvard and Oxford, to attorneys, state representatives, jurors, and senators. I was honored to attend such a prestigious event where we heard from numerous panels. I gained immense insightful knowledge from the best of the best, along with making valuable connections with advocacy program representatives as well as with professors and attorneys. I seemed to be the only undergraduate student in attendance which was frightening at first but I can't be more thankful for the amazing experience. The financial burden of college significantly affects my ability to excel academically, as I am compelled to take on additional shifts at work. This necessity takes away from the time and energy I can devote to my studies and extracurricular activities. While I aspire to achieve a balanced school-work-life dynamic, this goal seems increasingly unattainable. The inability to work full-time increases the challenge of affording tuition, particularly when coupled with other essential personal expenses. This financial strain not only affects my academic performance but also limits my opportunities for personal and professional growth, making it difficult to fully engage in the college experience. I can assure you that if I am awarded this scholarship, it will be put to excellent use. This scholarship would alleviate the financial pressures that hinder my academic performance and extracurricular involvement. My dedication to my chosen field is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. This scholarship would provide me with the stability needed to excel academically and prepare for a career where I can make a significant difference. Your investment in my education would be an investment in a future professional committed to excellence and service. Thank you once again for your consideration, Ava Olivo

My name is Ava Olivo, and I am of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent. I am a first-generation college student as my mother never attended while my father graduated from trade school. My Puerto Rican heritage has embedded the importance of Roman Catholicism in me, as the traditions have shaped my morality. In memory of my abuela, I wear her cross every day. This not only represents my beliefs but additionally honors her legacy and the values she instilled in me. My experiences and volunteer work have directed me towards a career in criminal defense law. Observing and listening to the discrimination faced by marginalized communities has fueled my aspiration to provide a voice for those who don't have one. My ultimate goal is to advocate for justice and equity, ensuring that everyone has access to adequate legal representation. My Puerto Rican identity is a fundament of who I am. In essence, my PR heritage has shaped my religious values, driven my aspirations, and strengthened my cultural identity. My Puerto Rican heritage faced me with challenges during my high school years. Thankfully I now attend a college that promotes inclusivity and diversity. In a school with very few students who shared my heritage, my family and I became the targets of a harmful rumor. Without any grounds, students speculated that we were a part of the Latin Kings, because of our PR background. I never knew who started it, what caused it or how this hateful accusation began. This was the first time I experienced discrimination. Despite the severity of these false allegations, my school took no action to address or stop them, leaving me to navigate this prejudice by myself. This experience opened my eyes to the stereotypes that exist. It is a powerful reminder of the work that still needs to be done to fight against discrimination and promote inclusivity. I have decided to pursue a career in criminal defense law. Through my volunteer work and personal experiences, I've witnessed how corrupt our justice system can be. I want to be a voice for those who don't have a voice. It's heartbreaking to witness so many innocent, low-income individuals take plea bargains simply because they can't afford adequate legal representation. My goal is to become one of the best so that these individuals won't have to sacrifice their lives due to a lack of finances. I enjoy reading informational law books and attending law events to stay updated in the regulations. I attended the Pre-Trial Justice Symposium at the UCONN law school on November 21, 2024, where highly respectable figures from all around the US came to speak on this controversial subject. From Professors who have publications at ivy leagues, to state senators. I was honored to attend such a prestigious event, as I gained insightful knowledge, along with making valuable connections with advocacy program representatives and attorneys. To contribute to the PR community and honor the legacy of Jesus Perez through my legal career, I plan to advocate for better representation of Puerto Ricans within the legal field by promoting diverse policies, which will assist PR students who aspire to pursue a career in law. I will offer pro bono services to the community members who lack access to adequate legal representation within my specialized field of work. I will also promote PR culture within the legal field by ensuring that our needs are accurately represented in future legal policies. I will work on policy reforms to address the widespread systemic issues affecting our community by collaborating with lawmakers and utilizing my legal expertise to influence change.