Education has always been the foundation of my growth, a pathway through which I have come to understand myself and the world around me. As I prepare to attend Spelman College this fall, I know that earning my undergraduate degree is just the beginning of a longer journey. I plan to continue my education after graduation because the challenges I want to address, systemic injustice, marginalized communities’ rights, and global inequality, demand not only passion but advanced knowledge and specialized skills. After completing my bachelor’s degree in political science or international studies, my goal is to pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from law school. Becoming a lawyer is not just a career choice for me; it is a calling shaped by my experiences and values. I have seen the barriers many face when navigating legal systems that do not always serve them equally. I want to equip myself with the tools to challenge these inequities, advocate effectively, and help build a society where justice is accessible to all. Graduate education will deepen my understanding of complex legal frameworks, human rights law, and policy advocacy. It will also provide me with critical thinking, negotiation, and communication skills that are essential to any impactful legal career. Law school will expose me to diverse perspectives and rigorous debate, preparing me to tackle tough ethical questions and represent clients with integrity. In addition to law school, I am open to pursuing certificate programs or specialized master’s degrees that complement my legal education. For example, a certificate in international human rights or public policy could broaden my expertise and allow me to work on transnational issues, such as immigration rights or global gender-based violence. I want to be versatile and well-prepared to serve communities both locally and globally. Continuing education is also important to me because learning is a lifelong process. The world is constantly changing, and new challenges demand fresh approaches. By pursuing graduate studies, I commit to staying informed, adaptable, and ready to lead in the pursuit of justice. This ongoing learning will ensure that I do not just enter the legal field but thrive within it, making a meaningful difference. Ultimately, my pursuit of education beyond my undergraduate degree is driven by a sense of responsibility. I owe it to my community, to those whose voices are unheard, and to the ideals of fairness and equality to be the best advocate I can be. Education is the foundation on which I will build that advocacy, and it is the bridge that will connect my passion to tangible change.

The Casey Anthony case was the first legal proceeding I ever followed closely, and it changed the way I see justice, the legal system, and the power of public opinion. At the heart of the case was the tragic death of Caylee Anthony, a two-year-old girl who disappeared in 2008. Her mother, Casey Anthony, became the primary suspect after providing inconsistent statements to police and failing to report her daughter missing for over a month. Despite what many considered overwhelming circumstantial evidence, Casey Anthony was acquitted of murder in 2011. That verdict shook the country, and it shook me too. As a young viewer at the time, I initially believed justice was simple: bad actions had clear consequences, and truth always won in court. But the Casey Anthony trial forced me to see that legal truth is not always moral truth. While millions were convinced of her guilt, the prosecution struggled to provide solid physical evidence linking her directly to the murder. The defense strategy, emphasizing reasonable doubt and exposing weaknesses in the prosecution's timeline, was effective. The jury had no choice but to follow the law and acquit her, despite their likely suspicions. Watching that unfold made me realize that the law isn’t just about facts; it’s about evidence, persuasion, and procedure. This case opened my eyes to the importance of due process and the burden of proof. It taught me that even in emotional, heartbreaking situations, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. That is a cornerstone of the American legal system, and while it can be frustrating, especially when the outcome feels unjust, it protects us all from wrongful convictions. At the same time, I began to see the flaws in the system: how race, wealth, media coverage, and public perception can influence how a trial unfolds. I couldn’t help but wonder, if Casey Anthony had been a poor woman of color, would the outcome have been the same? This case planted a seed in me that has grown into my passion for law. It showed me how much power attorneys have, both prosecutors and defenders, and how critical it is for lawyers to approach their work with integrity, empathy, and a commitment to fairness. It also made me question how the system handles victims who are too young, too poor, or too invisible to matter in the national spotlight. I want to be the kind of lawyer who fights for them. The Casey Anthony case didn’t give me answers, but it gave me purpose. It taught me that justice is not always clean or clear, and that the courtroom is a battlefield of strategy, law, and perception. It left me with hard questions, but also with the determination to be part of the solution. I now understand that the law is not about emotion; it is about proof. And if we want real justice, we must demand a system that is both rigorous and compassionate.

Question 1: When do you plan to begin law school? I plan to begin law school in the Fall of 2029 after completing my undergraduate studies at Spelman College, where I will begin as a first-year student this fall. I intend to major in political science or international studies, and I will spend the next four years preparing for the LSAT, participating in pre-law programs, and gaining real-world experience that will strengthen my law school applications. Although I have not applied to any law schools yet, I am already exploring options such as Howard University School of Law, Emory Law, and Columbia Law School, institutions that align with my goals of justice, service, and advocacy. Question 2: What are your short- and long-term career goals? My short-term goal is to complete my undergraduate education at Spelman College with a strong academic record and active involvement in leadership, debate, and public service. I want to intern with organizations focused on civil rights, public policy, or international justice. Long-term, I plan to become an international lawyer focused on advocating for marginalized groups, particularly women, immigrants, and communities of color. My dream is to work with global human rights organizations or even establish my nonprofit legal firm dedicated to providing representation and resources for those affected by systemic injustice. Question 3: How do you pursue learning and intellectual growth outside of formal education? Even outside the classroom, I am deeply committed to learning and challenging myself intellectually. I read works by legal and civil rights leaders like Bryan Stevenson and Angela Davis, and I stay updated on national and global political developments. I also participate in student government, public speaking, and service initiatives that push me to think critically and speak confidently. These activities not only sharpen my communication skills but also deepen my understanding of justice, equity, and leadership. They remind me that the law is not just something to be studied but something to be lived and used as a tool to uplift others. Question 4: Describe a moment when you stood up for what was right despite facing opposition and/or knowing you would be negatively affected. In high school, I witnessed a foreign exchange student being mocked for her accent by a group of classmates. Although I feared backlash, I stepped in, told them their behavior was disrespectful, and offered her a seat with me. Afterward, I received criticism and was even excluded from some social groups, but I never regretted speaking up. That moment taught me the importance of being an ally and using my voice to protect others. It also showed me that doing what’s right isn’t always easy or popular, but it is always necessary. That courage and conviction are what I plan to carry into my future legal career. Question 5: Imagine you had the resources to create a philanthropic initiative. What cause would you support, and why? If I had the resources, I would launch a national initiative focused on legal literacy and empowerment for underserved youth, especially in Black and brown communities. This program would provide free workshops in schools and churches, teach students about their legal rights, and connect them with mentors in the legal profession. It would also offer scholarships for students interested in pursuing law or public service. I would support this cause because I know what it feels like to grow up with questions about justice and access, but without many resources to find the answers. Empowering young people with knowledge and support is how we create lasting change.

Growing up, I witnessed domestic violence and substance abuse unfold in close quarters. A parent struggled with addiction, and another person in my extended family experienced intimate partner violence. These experiences shaped my worldview deeply: I recognized how trauma intertwines with substance use, mental health issues, and cycles of victimization. I came to understand that in many Black communities, these struggles are compounded by cultural stigma, systemic mistrust, and a lack of culturally sensitive care. Many African American women do not seek help due to fears of police involvement, judgment, or the stereotype of being a “strong Black woman.” As a result, domestic violence remains underreported, and survivors often face repeated abuse or worse outcomes. Moreover, co-occurring trauma and substance use are prevalent. Many women in substance use treatment report past physical or sexual abuse. Black women, in particular, often experience both higher rates of PTSD and barriers to disclosure and treatment. My journey has underscored the intricate link between trauma, addiction, and systemic neglect. To turn my experiences into solutions, I’m pursuing a higher education focused on culturally informed, trauma-centered approaches to care. My academic path will equip me with expertise in integrated models that acknowledge the unique cultural identity, historical trauma, and social barriers faced by African American women. Specifically, I plan to champion culturally responsive trauma-informed care, where survivors are met with empathy, empowered to share their stories, and supported in reclaiming control over their healing. Drawing on successful multi-component interventions, I aim to design and implement programs that weave together mental health, substance use treatment, legal support, and community resources in cohesive, survivor-centered frameworks. My goals include improving care coordination by fostering collaboration among healthcare providers, legal advocates, faith-based leaders, and peer support networks. Training providers in active listening, cultural humility, and bias awareness will help build trust and dismantle stereotypes that silence Black women. I also plan to pilot peer-support models, recognizing how shared lived experience fosters empowerment and healing. Finally, I intend to advocate for systemic change; expanding funding for culturally tailored programs, embedding trauma-informed practices in community health centers, and reforming policy to ensure survivors are protected rather than penalized for seeking help. By addressing the root causes, stigma, mistrust, and fragmented services, I believe higher education can be a powerful catalyst for transforming outcomes. In doing so, I hope to honor those I love and contribute to a future where African American women impacted by violence and addiction find dignified, effective, and culturally congruent pathways to safety and recovery.

Growing up in rural Georgia as a young Black woman, I witnessed firsthand the silent struggles that many marginalized communities face. From economic hardship to racial discrimination, the obstacles weren’t just statistics; they were lived experiences surrounding me every day. These experiences sparked something in me: a desire not only to understand injustice but to challenge it. That is why I plan to pursue a degree in political science and later attend law school, with the ultimate goal of becoming an international lawyer and advocate for human rights. My journey has taught me that the law is more than a set of rules. It is a reflection of the values we choose to protect. Too often, it fails the people who need protection the most: women, children, immigrants, and people of color. I have seen this failure in my community, whether through a lack of access to fair legal representation, unequal education opportunities, or biased policing. But I have also seen the power of collective action, especially when people come together and demand change. One of the most impactful experiences I have had was organizing a school supply drive in my town. While it may seem small on the surface, it opened my eyes to how deeply poverty and inequality are woven into everyday life. Many students showed up not just for backpacks, but for a sense of dignity. A young boy told me, “Now I don’t have to feel poor anymore.” That moment stuck with me. It showed me how systems of inequity manifest early and how simple acts of service can ignite lasting change. I want to carry that same spirit into the courtroom, fighting not just cases, but the root causes of injustice. My goal is to use my degree to advocate for marginalized voices across borders. I want to work on cases involving gender-based violence, immigration policy, and access to education, issues I believe are deeply interconnected. As someone who has experienced the sting of being dismissed and underestimated, I know how important it is for someone to stand up and say, “You matter. You deserve justice.” I plan to be that person. In addition to my academic path, I bring with me a heart shaped by community service, church values, and personal resilience. I have learned that leadership does not always require a title. It requires empathy, listening, and the courage to speak up. Whether I am organizing a local drive or drafting legislation one day, I will always keep people at the center of my work. Education has given me a vision. Law school will give me the tools. And my experiences have given me purpose. I do not just want to build a career. I want to build bridges. I want to walk into spaces where silence once prevailed and fill them with voices, stories, and solutions. That is how I plan to use my degree: to light the path forward for others, just as others did for me.

In the heart of rural Georgia, where faith and family run deep, I found my purpose through the power of community. Growing up as a young Black woman in a small town, I quickly learned what it meant to be overlooked, underestimated, and unheard. But I also learned something far more important: the strength that comes from unity, and the hope that rises when we choose to uplift one another. That hope is what drives my passion for law. A path I have chosen to help amplify voices like mine and stand up for communities that too often go ignored. One experience that shaped this calling happened during my junior year, when I helped organize a school supply drive for students in need. I knew that many of my classmates came from households where school supplies were a luxury, not a guarantee. As a student leader, I couldn’t ignore that reality. So, I partnered with local churches and small businesses, spreading flyers, speaking at community meetings, and collecting everything from notebooks to backpacks. The result? Over 100 fully stocked backpacks were distributed to students, each one packed with not only tools for learning but dignity and hope. But what moved me most wasn’t the number of donations. It was a quiet moment during the giveaway when a young boy whispered, “Now I don’t have to feel poor anymore.” That sentence broke my heart and lit a fire in me. I realized then that poverty isn't just about what people lack materially, it's about the shame, silence, and systemic neglect they’re often forced to carry. That moment made me realize I didn’t just want to help; I tried to fight. And the law, with all its power and potential, is my chosen weapon. Being part of a community that supported this drive, that showed up for children they didn't even know, taught me that change doesn’t always start in a courtroom; it starts in connection. But it’s the law that can make that connection last. I aspire to become a lawyer who advocates for the marginalized, whether that involves promoting racial justice, educational equity, or immigrant rights. I want to draft policies and challenge systems that make children feel “less than” because of circumstances they didn’t choose. This experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through; it’s about reaching back and pulling others forward. My community gave me that example. They didn’t wait for permission to help. They didn’t ask what someone looked like, where they came from, or what language they spoke. They simply showed up. That’s the kind of lawyer I want to be: one who shows up, speaks out, and stands firm. Because of my community, I don’t just hope for a better future; I’m working toward one.

My name is Dallas Handsome, and I come from a hardworking household of five in rural Georgia, where I was raised by my mother, the sole provider and the heart of our family. Watching her carry the weight of our household while still showing up with strength and grace every day has shaped the way I move through life. She’s instilled in me the values of resilience, responsibility, and sacrifice. Everything I do—from my academics to my service—is a reflection of the strength she’s passed down to me. I’ve always known that education would be my way to create a different path—not just for myself, but for my family and the people I hope to serve. I plan to further my education at a historically Black college or university, where I’ve already been accepted into the number one HBCU in the country. I’ve chosen to major in Political Science to become an international lawyer. My decision is rooted in a deep desire to fight for justice and give a voice to those who are often silenced—whether here at home or around the world. Political Science excites me because it opens the door to understanding systems of power, global relations, and the laws that shape how people live. I want to use this knowledge to challenge injustice, advocate for human rights, and work with international organizations to create policy that protects vulnerable populations. I see law not just as a career, but as a calling—an opportunity to be part of something bigger than myself. College is more than just the next step for me—it’s a chance to grow intellectually, spiritually, and personally. I plan to fully immerse myself in campus life by joining pre-law societies, study abroad programs, and leadership opportunities that will prepare me for law school. I want to continue mentoring younger students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, and be the person I needed when I was coming up. After college, I plan to attend law school and specialize in international or human rights law. I want to work with global organizations like the United Nations or NGOs that focus on justice, education, and equity. Whether I’m advocating in a courtroom, writing impactful policy, or empowering young girls from small towns like mine, I want my life’s work to reflect purpose, service, and excellence. This journey hasn’t been easy. My mother wants to support my college education, but with the financial demands of our household, it’s a heavy burden. That’s why I’m committed to seeking every opportunity and scholarship available. I know I’ve worked hard for where I am, and I believe I deserve the chance to continue that journey. With faith, focus, and a heart for change, I’m ready to take the next step—not just toward a degree, but toward the impact I was born to make.

My name is Dallas Handsome, and if there’s one word that defines me, it’s driven. Growing up in rural Georgia in a household of five, I’ve always known that nothing in life would be handed to me—I’d have to earn it. Being a student-athlete has taught me how to do exactly that. Through early practices, long nights of studying, and moments of both triumph and defeat, I’ve learned how to push myself beyond limits I didn’t know I could pass. This discipline has not only shaped me in the field but has carved a clear path for my future. Sports have taught me how to lead, how to follow, and how to recover. As a student-athlete, I learned how to manage time, how to communicate with teammates, and how to balance pressure with poise. These lessons are exactly what I plan to carry into my future career as an international lawyer. Like in sports, the legal field requires strategy, endurance, and teamwork. It’s about fighting for what’s right, standing strong under pressure, and never giving up—even when the odds seem stacked against you. But I am more than an athlete. Outside of sports, I’ve developed a deep love for leadership and service. I’ve been actively involved in student government, FBLA, and public speaking—earning 4th place at the state level in a highly competitive event. I’ve advocated for cultural inclusivity at my school and worked hard to ensure students from all backgrounds feel seen and valued. These experiences helped me find my voice and taught me that leadership is less about control and more about connection. Another big part of who I am is my faith. I attend Calvary on Aimwell, and though I’m not heavily involved in every church activity, my relationship with God has always been personal and grounding. I’ve gone on church trips that helped me deepen that connection, and I carry those spiritual lessons with me through every challenge and success. My faith teaches me compassion, patience, and purpose—all things I hope to bring into my future profession and into the lives of those I will serve. I also enjoy writing, watching legal dramas, and volunteering when I can. Whether it’s helping out in the community or mentoring underclassmen, I believe in giving back. My long-term goal isn’t just to succeed—it’s to help others realize they can too. Especially for girls like me, who grew up feeling like success was a dream reserved for someone else. Being a student-athlete has given me the foundation to chase that dream with full force. It’s made me strong, focused, and adaptable. Most importantly, it’s shown me that I’m capable of achieving whatever I set my mind to—with heart, hustle, and humility.

To embody Chidubè’s legacy is to walk with purpose, learn with intention, and serve with love. His commitment to academic excellence, personal and spiritual growth, and community impact reflects the very path I strive to follow every day. As a first-generation college student raised in a single-parent household of five, I’ve learned that struggle and purpose can coexist—and that adversity can fuel ambition. My educational journey has never been easy, but it has always been meaningful. My mother, the sole provider for our family, has worked tirelessly to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads. Her strength has inspired my own, and her sacrifices are why I push forward with so much determination. I’ve been accepted to the number one historically Black college in the country—a dream I worked hard to earn and one I intend to make a reality, even in the face of financial hardship. I plan to major in Political Science, with aspirations of becoming an international lawyer. I want to fight for justice on a global scale, especially for marginalized communities that often go unheard. Chidubè’s pursuit of academic excellence is something I deeply relate to. I’ve dedicated myself to my studies while taking on leadership roles in student government, public speaking competitions, and cultural awareness initiatives. Education is more than a goal—it’s my calling. I believe that knowledge should not be hoarded but shared, and I plan to use mine to uplift others who face the same barriers I’ve had to overcome. Spiritually, my relationship with God has kept me grounded. I attend Calvary on Aimwell and have participated in church trips that helped me strengthen my faith. Though I’m not involved in every church activity, I carry God’s lessons with me daily—in how I treat others, how I persevere, and how I lead. My personal growth has come from understanding that my journey is part of something greater, and that my gifts are meant to serve others. My commitment to community is rooted in the belief that we rise by lifting others. In high school, I’ve stood up for students who felt left out because of their culture or background. I’ve pushed for inclusivity, even when it was uncomfortable. In college, I plan to mentor other young women from rural communities like mine—those who feel their dreams are too big or too far away. I want to be living proof that where you come from doesn’t limit where you can go. Chidubè’s legacy is a blueprint for the kind of leader I want to be: wise, compassionate, resilient, and driven by purpose. I am committed to lifelong learning, personal growth, and creating real impact in every community I touch. Through education, faith, and service, I know I can carry forward his legacy—not just in word, but in action.