My journey in life has been anything but ordinary. At parent-teacher conferences, I stood out as the lone child accompanied by her grandmother and, at graduation, the only graduate without her mother cheering from the family aisle. When asked if I was okay, my response became automatic: "Yes, this is just my life." I coped with the realization that my circumstances were beyond my control. I can't change the fact that my mom battled addiction or that my dad was emotionally absent. Just as cycles of poverty trap countless Americans of color amid living in a world that weaponizes their skin color, I discovered the injustices that plague our world. These revelations are the catalyst for my determination to make a difference. I am committed to using my platform to advocate for equitable race policy and alleviate the circumstances of others that are out of their control. Viewing my teen parents' struggle to care for me and themselves, I learned at a young age to show empathy, dream big, and fight for a fulfilling, stable life. Today, that looks like interning with public service agencies, nonprofit organizations, and law firms, which has equipped me with the skills to satisfy my dreams of being a legal and policy professional and community changemaker. Throughout my career, I hope to create equitable policies that address environmental racism, poverty, racial discrimination, and inequitable access to education and healthcare and mobilize disadvantaged, underfunded, and historically excluded communities. I will use my legal expertise to create precedents and amend injustices, allowing me to leave a lasting impact that protects future generations. These issues have impacted my parents, my communities, and myself, and I am determined to serve communities to ensure that others can thrive without barriers. Escaping my small, low-income hometown, I've witnessed the transformative power of a robust support system. Luckily, many family members and educators have sacrificed and provided opportunities for me to grow beyond what felt unconquerable. I know that other children undergoing similar struggles are not always as unfortunate. My long-term goal is to extend that support to children of color impacted by substance abuse through a nonprofit that provides life essentials, therapy, and academic and career assistance. I know the challenges of navigating this system, especially for people of color, and I am determined to be part of the solution. I also wish to use my platform to raise awareness and advocate for a recovery policy that assists those impacted by substance abuse and their families at large. It is already challenging to find proper recovery and rehabilitative assistance for all people with an addiction, and even more so for those of color, which is why I want to both create the aid and advocate for it around the country. For these children specifically, I want to be the inspiration of what is possible and their gateway to earning all they deserve, similar to what this scholarship can provide for me. Together, we will turn hopelessness into a distant memory, replacing it with boundless opportunities and meaningful connections that will impact the world beyond ourselves.

My journey in life has been anything but ordinary. At parent-teacher conferences, I stood out as the lone child accompanied by her grandmother and, at graduation, the only graduate without her mother cheering from the family aisle. When asked if I was okay, my response became automatic: "Yes, this is just my life." I coped with the realization that my circumstances were beyond my control. I can't change the fact that my mom battled addiction or that my dad was emotionally absent. Just as cycles of poverty trap countless Americans of color amid living in a world that weaponizes their skin color, I discovered the injustices that plague our world. These revelations are the catalyst for my determination to make a difference. I am committed to using my platform to advocate for equitable race policy and alleviate the circumstances of others that are out of their control. Viewing my teen parents' struggle to care for me and themselves, I learned at a young age to show empathy, dream big, and fight for a fulfilling, stable life. Today, that looks like interning with public service agencies, nonprofit organizations, and law firms, which has equipped me with the skills to satisfy my dreams of being a legal and policy professional and community changemaker. Throughout my career, I hope to create equitable policies that address environmental racism, poverty, racial discrimination, and inequitable access to education and healthcare and mobilize disadvantaged, underfunded, and historically excluded communities. I will use my legal expertise to create precedents and amend injustices, allowing me to leave a lasting impact that protects future generations. These issues have impacted my parents, my communities, and myself, and I am determined to serve communities to ensure that others can thrive without barriers. Escaping my small, low-income hometown, I've witnessed the transformative power of a robust support system. Luckily, many family members and educators have sacrificed and provided opportunities for me to grow beyond what felt unconquerable. I know that other children undergoing similar struggles are not always as unfortunate. My long-term goal is to extend that support to children of color impacted by substance abuse through a nonprofit that provides life essentials, therapy, and academic and career assistance. I know the challenges of navigating this system, especially for people of color, and I am determined to be part of the solution. I also wish to use my platform to raise awareness and advocate for a recovery policy that assists those impacted by substance abuse and their families at large. It is already challenging to find proper recovery and rehabilitative assistance for all people with an addiction, and even more so for those of color, which is why I want to both create the aid and advocate for it around the country. For these children specifically, I want to be the inspiration of what is possible and their gateway to earning all they deserve, similar to what this scholarship can provide for me. Together, we will turn hopelessness into a distant memory, replacing it with boundless opportunities and meaningful connections that will impact the world beyond ourselves.

At parent-teacher conferences, I stood out as the lone child accompanied by her grandmother and, at graduation, the only graduate without her mother cheering from the family aisle. I coped with the realization that my circumstances were beyond my control. I can't change the fact that my mom battled addiction or that my dad was emotionally absent. Just as cycles of poverty trap countless Americans of color amid living in a world that weaponizes their skin color, I discovered the injustices that plague our world. These revelations are the catalyst for my determination to alleviate the circumstances of others that are out of their control. Viewing my teen parents' struggle, I learned at a young age to show empathy, dream big, and fight for a fulfilling, stable life. Today, that looks like interning with public service agencies, nonprofit organizations, and law firms, which has equipped me with the skills to satisfy my dreams of being a legal and policy professional and community changemaker. Throughout my career, I hope to create equitable policies that address environmental racism, poverty, racial discrimination, and inequitable access to education and healthcare and mobilize disadvantaged, underfunded, and historically excluded communities. I will use my legal expertise to create precedents and amend injustices, allowing me to leave a lasting impact that protects future generations. My long-term goal is to extend support to children of color impacted by substance abuse through a nonprofit that provides life essentials, therapy, and academic and career assistance. I also wish to use my platform to raise awareness and advocate for a recovery policy that assists those impacted by substance abuse and their families at large. I want to be the inspiration of what is possible and a gateway to earning all they deserve, similar to what this scholarship can provide for me.

My journey in life has been anything but ordinary. At parent-teacher conferences, I stood out as the lone child accompanied by her grandmother and, at graduation, the only graduate without her mother cheering from the family aisle. When asked if I was okay, my response became automatic: "Yes, this is just my life." I coped with the realization that my circumstances were beyond my control. I can't change the fact that my mom battled addiction or that my dad was emotionally absent. Just as cycles of poverty trap countless Americans of color amid living in a world that weaponizes their skin color, I discovered the injustices that plague our world. These revelations are the catalyst for my determination to make a difference. I am committed to using my platform to advocate for equitable race policy and alleviate the circumstances of others that are out of their control. Viewing my teen parents' struggle to care for me and themselves, I learned at a young age to show empathy, dream big, and fight for a fulfilling, stable life. Today, that looks like interning with public service agencies, nonprofit organizations, and law firms, which has equipped me with the skills to satisfy my dreams of being a legal and policy professional and community changemaker. Throughout my career, I hope to create equitable policies that address environmental racism, poverty, racial discrimination, and inequitable access to education and healthcare and mobilize disadvantaged, underfunded, and historically excluded communities. I will use my legal expertise to create precedents and amend injustices, allowing me to leave a lasting impact that protects future generations. Escaping my small, low-income hometown, I've witnessed the transformative power of a robust support system. Luckily, many family members and educators have sacrificed and provided opportunities for me to grow beyond what felt unconquerable. I know that other children undergoing similar struggles are not always as unfortunate. My long-term goal is to extend that support to children of color impacted by substance abuse through a nonprofit that provides life essentials, therapy, and academic and career assistance. I know the challenges of navigating this system, especially for people of color, and I am determined to be part of the solution. I also wish to use my platform to raise awareness and advocate for a recovery policy that assists those impacted by substance abuse and their families at large. It is already challenging to find proper recovery and rehabilitative assistance for all people with an addiction, and even more so for those of color, which is why I want to both create the aid and advocate for it around the country. For these children specifically, I want to be the inspiration of what is possible and their gateway to earning all they deserve, similar to what this scholarship can provide for me. Together, we will turn hopelessness into a distant memory, replacing it with boundless opportunities and meaningful connections that will impact the world beyond ourselves.

My journey in life has been anything but ordinary. At parent-teacher conferences, I stood out as the lone child accompanied by her grandmother and, at graduation, the only graduate without her mother cheering from the family aisle. When asked if I was okay, my response became automatic: "Yes, this is just my life." I coped with the realization that my circumstances were beyond my control. I can't change the fact that my parents battle addiction and are emotionally absent. Just as cycles of poverty trap countless Americans of color amid living in a world that weaponizes their skin color, I discovered the injustices that plague our world. These revelations are the catalyst for my determination to make a difference. I am committed to using my platform to advocate for equitable race policy and alleviate the circumstances of others that are out of their control. Viewing my teen parents' struggle to care for me and themselves, I learned at a young age to show empathy, dream big, and fight for a fulfilling, stable life. Today, that looks like interning with public service agencies, nonprofit organizations, and law firms, which has equipped me with the skills to satisfy my dreams of being a legal and policy professional and community changemaker. Throughout my career, I hope to create equitable policies that address substance abuse recovery, environmental racism, poverty, racial discrimination, and inequitable access to education and healthcare and mobilize disadvantaged, underfunded, and historically excluded communities. I will use my legal expertise to create precedents and amend injustices, allowing me to leave a lasting impact that protects future generations. These issues have impacted my parents, my communities, and myself, and I am determined to serve communities to ensure that others can thrive without barriers. Escaping my small, low-income hometown, I've witnessed the transformative power of a robust support system. Luckily, many family members and educators have sacrificed and provided opportunities for me to grow beyond what felt unconquerable. I know that other children undergoing similar struggles are not always as unfortunate. My long-term goal is to extend that support to children of color impacted by substance abuse through a nonprofit that provides life essentials, therapy, and academic and career assistance. I know the challenges of navigating this system, especially for people of color, and I am determined to be part of the solution. I also wish to use my platform to raise awareness and advocate for a recovery policy that assists those impacted by substance abuse and their families at large. It is already challenging to find proper recovery and rehabilitative assistance for all people with an addiction, and even more so for those of color, which is why I want to both create the aid and advocate for it around the country. For these children specifically, I want to be the inspiration of what is possible and their gateway to earning all they deserve, similar to what this scholarship can provide for me. Together, we will turn hopelessness into a distant memory, replacing it with boundless opportunities and meaningful connections that will impact the world beyond ourselves.

My journey in life has been anything but ordinary. At parent-teacher conferences, I stood out as the lone child accompanied by her grandmother and, at graduation, the only graduate without her mother cheering from the family aisle. When asked if I was okay, my response became automatic: "Yes, this is just my life." I coped with the realization that my circumstances were beyond my control. I can't change the fact that my mom battled addiction or that my dad was emotionally absent. Just as cycles of poverty trap countless Americans of color amid living in a world that weaponizes their skin color, I discovered the injustices that plague our world. These revelations are the catalyst for my determination to make a difference. I am committed to using my platform to advocate for equitable race policy and alleviate the circumstances of others that are out of their control. Viewing my teen parents' struggle to care for me and themselves, I learned at a young age to show empathy, dream big, and fight for a fulfilling, stable life. Today, that looks like interning with public service agencies, nonprofit organizations, and law firms, which has equipped me with the skills to satisfy my dreams of being a legal and policy professional and community changemaker. Throughout my career, I hope to create equitable policies that address environmental racism, poverty, racial discrimination, and inequitable access to education and healthcare and mobilize disadvantaged, underfunded, and historically excluded communities. I will use my legal expertise to create precedents and amend injustices, allowing me to leave a lasting impact that protects future generations. These issues have impacted my parents, my communities, and myself, and I am determined to serve communities to ensure that others can thrive without barriers. Escaping my small, low-income hometown, I've witnessed the transformative power of a robust support system. Luckily, many family members and educators have sacrificed and provided opportunities for me to grow beyond what felt unconquerable. I know that other children undergoing similar struggles are not always as unfortunate. My long-term goal is to extend that support to children of color impacted by substance abuse through a nonprofit that provides life essentials, therapy, and academic and career assistance. I know the challenges of navigating this system, especially for people of color, and I am determined to be part of the solution. I also wish to use my platform to raise awareness and advocate for a recovery policy that assists those impacted by substance abuse and their families at large. It is already challenging to find proper recovery and rehabilitative assistance for all people with an addiction, and even more so for those of color, which is why I want to both create the aid and advocate for it around the country. For these children specifically, I want to be the inspiration of what is possible and their gateway to earning all they deserve, similar to what this scholarship can provide for me. Together, we will turn hopelessness into a distant memory, replacing it with boundless opportunities and meaningful connections that will impact the world beyond ourselves.

Question 1: I plan to begin law school in the Fall of 2026. Question 2: I pursue learning and intellectual growth through engaging with talented professionals and community members to learn what problems need solving. My brain retains the most pressing information that endangers people, society, and Earth, and I immediately think of ways I can contribute to the solution. This process shapes my interests and aspirations to practice civil rights law and provide legal aid to those who need it most in the future. My various internship and volunteering experiences have solidified my interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion, environmental and energy justice, prison reform, grantmaking for black female-founded organizations, and education opportunities for immigrant communities, all issues I plan to address with my legal career. With these experiences, I have attended summits, conferences, consulting meetings, and community hearings, hearing firsthand what problems are plaguing communities and what barriers industries face to fixing them. Partnered with my personal experiences and formal education, I am prepared to take everyone I've met and their backgrounds on my comprehensive journey to expose and amend injustices issue by issue to create my dream society of equity, innovation, equal opportunity, and rehabilitation. I aim to use every case to serve communities and individuals in need and make policy changes to ensure my impact is multigenerational. In addition, I seek knowledge in everything I do with everyone I meet, using my hobbies and support system, such as documentaries and the NYU BIPOC Legal Society, as resources for being privy to our world's problems. Question 3: As an intern at a big law firm this summer, I learned the lesson of staying true to your values and holding everyone accountable despite pressures to conform. One project required my coworkers and me to work remotely with interns in another office for our internship. It quickly became apparent that the interns from the other office viewed our project as insignificant and had decided to complete little work, communicate poorly, and often be inherently rude or unprofessional. To avoid involving our supervisors, we tried to level with them and create a framework for completing the project, but nothing changed. A couple of days before presentation day, the other interns realized that the presentation accurately reflected their lack of work, leading them to request that we give them some of our presentation slides. My coworkers and I were upset with their request as we had done the majority of the research and refused to let someone else with less knowledge present our work. However, I was the only person honest and brave enough to tell our supervisors what was happening because my other coworkers feared appearing challenging to work with or not receiving a job offer in the future. Although I shared fears of appearing like the angry black woman undeserving of a job, I knew I didn't belong in a place that would accept behaviors that didn't reflect my values of honesty, accountability, open communication, and commitment to a project. My supervisors applauded my bravery and found a solution to our problem. Question 4: My dreams take shape with the opportunity to continue my education and obtain a law degree. Escaping my small, low-income hometown and parents with substance abuse and criminal history, I've witnessed the transformative power of a robust support system. Through God's grace, many family members and educators have made sacrifices and provided opportunities for me to grow beyond what felt unconquerable. Although I am still working to fund my education and opportunities, I know that other children undergoing similar struggles are not always as fortunate. My long-term goal is to extend that support to children of color impacted by substance abuse through a nonprofit that provides life essentials, therapy, and academic and career assistance. I know the challenges of navigating this system, especially for people of color, and I'm determined to be part of the solution. I also wish to use my platform to raise awareness and advocate for recovery policies that assist those impacted by substance abuse and their families at large. It is already challenging to find proper recovery and rehabilitative assistance for all people with a substance use disorder, and even more so for those of color, which is why I want to both create the aid and advocate for it around the country. For these children, I want to inspire them of their possibilities and gateway to earning all they deserve, similar to what a law degree can provide for me.

My journey in life has been anything but ordinary. At parent-teacher conferences, I stood out as the lone child accompanied by her grandmother, and at graduation, the only graduate without her mother cheering from the family aisle. When asked if I was okay, my response became automatic: "Yes, this is just my life." I coped with the realization that my circumstances were beyond my control. I can't change the fact that my mom battled addiction, or that my dad was emotionally absent. Just as cycles of poverty trap countless Americans of color, amid living in a world that weaponizes their skin color, I discovered the injustices that plague our world. These revelations are the catalyst for my determination to make a difference, and I am committed to using my platform to advocate for equitable race policy and alleviate the circumstances of others that are out of their control. In my day-to-day life, I not only look for opportunities to positively impact others and gain experience with advocacy but also attempt to be an outspoken leader in my communities. During elections, I’ve worked with my county’s election commission to assist a predominantly black constituency in casting their ballots and ensuring they are counted correctly. As a Youth Ambassador for Southern Black Girls & Women’s Consortium and Girls For Gender Equity, I have had the privilege of working in giving circles for black women-owned organizations, funding the dreams of young black girls with bright ideas, and advocating for policy geared towards equity for women of color in the White House. Further, as a Content Creation Intern for Perfeqta and Career Chasers, I had the opportunity to monitor workplace trends regarding employee equity and discrimination and conduct in-depth research on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives that companies can use to create more equitable workplaces. I then used this information to write newsletters and social media blurbs that both consulted companies and advised women of color on negotiating a better salary, building their ideal work-life balance, and navigating workplace challenges. With this work, I’ve felt more connected than ever to my community and secure that I can make a difference, but I know that the work doesn’t stop here. Escaping my small, low-income hometown, I've witnessed the transformative power of a strong support system. Luckily, I have many family members and educators who have made sacrifices and provided opportunities for me to grow beyond what felt unconquerable. I know that other children undergoing similar struggles are not always as unfortunate. My long-term goal is to extend that support to children of color impacted by substance abuse through a nonprofit that provides life essentials, therapy, and academic and career assistance. I know the challenges of navigating this system, especially for people of color, and I am determined to be part of the solution. I also wish to use my platform to raise awareness and advocate for a recovery policy that assists those impacted by substance abuse and their families at large. It is already difficult to find proper recovery and rehabilitative assistance for all addicts, and even more so for addicts of color, which is why I want to both create the assistance and advocate for it around the country. For these children specifically, I want to be the inspiration of what is possible and their gateway to earning all they deserve, similar to what this scholarship can provide for me. Together, we will turn loneliness into a distant memory, replacing it with boundless opportunities and meaningful connections that will impact the world beyond ourselves.