“Having a voice” means more than simply being heard. Having a voice is having the ability to voice concerns, be heard, and enact meaningful change within your community. Ensuring that everyone has a voice means giving everyone the ability to make change. I incorporate this value in my daily life by actively participating in groups that enable betterment within my community and school. As an inaugural board member for my school’s Principal Advisory Board, I would act as a delegate for my class. This means gathering the grievances of my classmates such as inadequate restrooms, lack of security around campus, and a shortage of focus on mental health support. When the board members, me included, gather for a meeting we are allowed to voice these concerns to our principal and the support staff present. Through acting as a delegate I am able to ensure that everyone's voice is heard. As of last year, we were able to gather funds to renovate the restrooms, double the number of security staff, implement mental health days, and increase accessibility to resources that support students mental health. By using my voice and speaking for those who may not feel comfortable with bringing these concerns to admin, I was able to foster a safe environment within the institution where we are supposed to grow our minds. Then, as an active member of my school’s Speech and Debate team I argue for the rights of people across the world. I have competed in two events thus far. The first being Congressional Debate where we model Senators and argue pieces of Legislation; some that are currently on the floor for debate right now. Recently, I have gotten to advocate for changes in our infrastructure to support cleaner energy and minimize climate change. But I have been able to speak on topics regarding Human Rights Violations in Myanmar and the issue of regulating AI within our own borders. Through Congressional Debate, I am placed as a representative of the constituents in America. I am tasked with arguing for what is most beneficial for our country. Secondly, I've competed in Public Forum. This event is more concerned with arguing on what action the government should take when faced with an issue. For example, we were given a resolution asking if the United States should substantially increase the military weapons we send to Ukraine. Competing on this topic, it was important to analyze the views of all parties and how it would affect the American and Ukrainian people. Through my research, when arguing resolutions like that one, I am able to argue in a way that voices and advocates for the best method of resolving the issue at hand. Through both of these activities, I have guaranteed that everyone’s voice is heard. Not only by me, but by people who can help me to make change in our society. These seeds that I plant will soon bear fruit. And I will not stop advocating for those until I see the day that change is done.

Growing up, music has always been a key part of who I was as a person. From jazz to R&B to reggaeton, music has always been my outlet. During high school, students like me undergo the most life defining changes where they truly find who they are. We are in need of a support system, a way to deal with the growing pains of life. Music became my therapy, a way to get me through the rough days but also a way to celebrate my best ones. Music has allowed me to grow as a person both academically and emotionally. High school was the first time I challenged myself academically in a way I didn't before. I immediately enrolled in college classes to begin gathering as many credits as possible. Between classes, extracurriculars, and home life I felt like I was being pulled from every direction. But throughout the late homework study sessions and early morning classes I always had a song playing. Whether it was Salsa from my country or Ariana's newest single, music was the backbone of my routine. In fact, it became so fundamental to me that as a senior I cannot focus unless I have music playing in the background. Truly, there is something so elemental in listening to a classical ballad while solving a physics problem. This is because music has become weaved into every thread of my life. Even personally, music has helped me to overcome the challenges of identity, relationships, and emotions. Through discovering a multitude of varieties of music, I assembled a puzzle that embodied who I am as a person. Each piece is a different genre or song. I can recall listening to Autumn Leaves by Nat King Cole to start my morning. Or wiping my tears as Eternal Sunshine by Ariana Grande blasted on the speakers of my car. These songs carried not only the weight of my emotions but also served as a reminder of every challenge I have been able to overcome. As a teenager we are expected to navigate through relationships, balance between social lives and jobs; the only way we get through this universal experience is by clinging onto something that we can identify with, for me that’s music. Music has lit a path for me to experience my emotions, connect with others, and grow from the mistakes I've made. Without music, I don't think I would've been able to survive high school the way that I did. For that I am forever grateful to the ballads that make up who I am.

The case of the Menéndez brothers, Lyle and Erik, is one that has been in the public eye for decades. Before learning about their story, I had never thought about male sexual abuse survivors and the unique challenges that they face. Society often associates sexual abuse with female victims, leaving male survivors in a position where they aren't heard or believed. During the Menéndez brothers' trial, they revealed the years of alleged sexual and physical abuse they endured at the hands of their father, José Menéndez. It challenged my mindset and deepened my awareness of the struggles male survivors face. Their story made me realize how much stigma surrounds men who come forward about abuse and how the justice system often fails to recognize their trauma. Before I learned about the case, I had unconsciously internalized the belief that men are less likely to be victims of sexual abuse. For as long as I can remember the media and society tend to portray men as strong, dominant figures, reinforcing the false idea that they cannot be vulnerable. This mindset made it difficult for me to fully grasp the reality that male victims of abuse not only exist but also suffer in silence due to shame and societal pressure to meet the expectations set for them. When I heard about the Menéndez brothers’ confessions of sexual abuse during their trial, I was initially skeptical but it made sense. I dived deeper into the case, watching their testimonies and hearing experts discuss the psychological effects of long-term abuse, I began to understand the weight of their experiences. One of the most eye-opening aspects of the case was the reaction to their claims. Instead of being treated as potential victims of severe trauma, they were largely dismissed by the prosecution and the public. Many people mocked their emotional testimonies, implying that they were exaggerating or fabricating their abuse. This response highlighted a painful reality: male victims are often not taken seriously. It hurt me that the brothers had to relive those moments when testifying just for juries not to take their stories with any undefined weight. Watching this double standard continually being held in the courts made me realize how deep-rooted the biases against male survivors are. Another major takeaway from the Menéndez case was how abuse can lead to psychological distress and, in extreme cases, to violent responses. While nothing can justify the murder of their parents, understanding the context of their actions forced me to reconsider how I view criminal cases involving abuse survivors. The concept of "battered woman syndrome" is widely accepted in legal defenses for female victims who kill their abusers, yet the same defense didn't work for the Menéndez brothers. This made me question how often male survivors are denied justice because of their gender. The Menéndez brothers’ case has changed the way I see male sexual abuse survivors. It made me more aware of the biases and systemic failures that prevent men from coming forward and receiving justice. Their story serves as a reminder that abuse does not discriminate by gender and that all survivors deserve to be heard and believed. Moving forward, I hope to continue challenging these misconceptions and advocating for a more inclusive and understanding society—one that recognizes and supports all survivors, regardless of their gender. I am proud, however of the efforts made by Lyle and Erik in prison. Both the brothers have started small groups and programs to help other inmates who have dealt with the trauma of sexual abuse.

Throughout my academic career I have strived for excellence and desired to learn. I have consistently demonstrated a strong passion for law and making a positive impact through that field. One of the key reasons I believe I am an ideal candidate for this scholarship is because I am a bright student with big goals. For years I have worked hard within the Speech and Debate community allowing me to mentor young debaters and compete in national tournaments. I have been a part of this activity for 7 years. I have been able to qualify for the Varsity State Championship tournament, Semi Final at the Sunvitational, and Champion Novice Congressional Debate for Broward County. These accomplishments reflect not only my commitment to helping others but my ability to lead. For the past two years, I have worked in the most popular water park in Broward County, Paradise Cove at C.B. Smith park. I have had the privilege of meeting and working with people from all backgrounds and ethnicities. It can be difficult at times having to speak to so many people at once however, practicing communication skills got me to become more social and outgoing. One particular day, I spoke to a group of middle schoolers. They shared with me that they were having trouble with their friends at the camp. As an older teenager who has lost friends before, I saw younger versions of me that needed direction. I was able to encourage them and give some advice. I smiled and went on with my day. Before I knew it I was surrounded with more kids from their camp who wanted advice. I was filled with joy to listen and help in any way I could. This experience taught me that people just need to be heard and understood. Taking initiative to lead the youth can happen by simply being someone who will listen and give advice in any way I can . This allowed me to be a beacon of hope. I carry this lesson with me everywhere that I go; everyone has a story, you just need to be willing to listen. I plan to make an impactful difference by listening and uplifting others. It’s important to me that I can make my peers on campus feel understood and seen. With this scholarship I plan to use my Political Science degree to make effective, meaningful change. Whether it is reforming the judicial system or actively taking part in it, I believe that my work can contribute to solving the most pressing challenges that we face in this society. All my life, I have dreamed of making a career out of law, allowing me to advocate for those who don’t have a voice. I am eager to grow within my prospective university as I believe it will equip me with the knowledge and expertise that I need to make a difference within the community. I am confident that my determination and hard work will lead to remarkable outcomes. Through this scholarship, I promise to gain an exceptional education. I vow to always help others with everything that I have. Thank you for considering my application. I am excited to hear back from you.