A fair representation for your case is a right. Although it may be a right, many people to this day are still experiencing injustice. People in the communities have a growing lack of trust in our justice system. We are seeing evidence that some police are using unnecessary and excessive force. There have been several cases in the past 12 years where excessive force caused unnecessary deaths in the US. I am majoring in criminal justice to become a lawyer because I want to serve and be the voice of the people. I want to fight for and protect people’s civil rights. I saw cases that date back to 2012 that sparked my interest in criminal law. Cases like Trayvon Martin (17), Breonna Taylor (26), George Floyd (46), Eric Garner (43), Philando Castile (32), and even more. I also became interested in criminal law from documentaries on different cases and more recently, watching live cases. Although both sides of the law interest me, I have not decided on being a defense attorney or a prosecutor. At this time what I do know is I want to fight for justice. Either justice for the victims as a prosecutor or justice for the defendants as a defense attorney. My personal goal is to apply for an internship within a law firm my senior year. I would like to go into a law firm like a sponge, ready to absorb all the information I can. I would like to learn from experienced lawyers how to prepare for a case, present a case, and protect the rights of the clients that I take on. Upon graduation from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, I would like to enroll in Harvard Law School and get the highest education possible. I plan to take the BAR test and pass it. Once I am a lawyer, I plan to work for a law firm that has a reputation for working with young lawyers in developing their full potential. Part of that potential would also include bridging the gap between the community and the justice system. I would like to go into schools, preferably middle schools and high schools, and talk to young kids about the law. In the future, I see myself owning a law firm or being a partner within a law firm. If I am a partner within a law firm, I propose that we take on at least one pro bono case per year. I desire to do this as a way to give back to the community in which I am serving.

One of the things I am passionate about is fighting for and protecting people's civil rights. Once I graduate from law school, I will work endlessly toward that goal. Everyone deserves to be represented by a competent lawyer and be judged by a fair justice system no matter their race, ethnicity, or orientation. Hundreds of defendants are convicted across this country yearly by an unjust system. Some people are even convicted because they can not afford proper representation. Since 2019, I have witnessed high-profile cases have unfair, unjust, and unequal outcomes. As more of these cases come out, my drive for a fair and just justice system grows. I am more determined than ever to be a lawyer that makes a difference in the lives of people that have lost faith in our justice system. I want to be a voice in the courtroom like no other they have seen. I plan to seek out internships within law firms that fight against civil rights violations and criminal inequities. I am so passionate about this, I am willing to work pro bono in one of these law firms for my first couple of years out of school. One of the things that I would also be interested in doing is researching and taking on old cases where people are in incarcerated before the availability of DNA testing. I would listen to their case to see if they have a valid argument for reopening the investigation in front of a jury based on the availability of DNA now. Another thing I am passionate about is restoring the faith communities have lost in the criminal justice system. Also, I would like to restore the trust between communities and law enforcement. To obtain that trust in our law enforcement, communities must feel that they are there to serve and protect. As a lawyer, I would propose having open forums for communities to talk with lawyers in their area asking questions, discussing their concerns, and getting advice. I would also invite law enforcement within these communities to attend the events. They would answer questions concerning the law and hear their concerns about certain situations. I will be very active in the community. This would include having toy drives, and school supply drives, and I would propose that each lawyer be required to complete community service hours per quarter. I would also be active in the schools speaking to young folks about the law on a level that they can understand. This is how I plan on impacting the world of law.

Black lives, white lives, blue lives, all lives matter? Over this past decade, we have seen a plethora of injustices depending on which side of the rope you are standing on. Some people believe that our justice system needs an overhaul while others believe the system will work if you let it. No doubt there are discrepancies in our justice system that get played out in the courtroom. Cases like Trayvon Martin in Florida, George Floyd in Minnesota, Eric Garner in New York, and Michael Brown in Missouri have sparked protests across our nation. Lawyers on both sides vigorously plead the cases for their clients. Whether it is lawyers for the state who is prosecuting and trying to get justice for the victims or the lawyers who are trying to prove the innocents of their clients, you have to admit this is criminal justice at its best. If you are an aspiring lawyer you have to love watching these cases go to trial. My curiosity about law started in middle school watching documentaries on Netflix about cases involving murders and missing persons. Some of these were cold cases that were eventually solved. I always asked myself "With all the evidence presented by the lawyer, how can the defendant be found innocent?" I finally answered the question. They had great lawyers. I wanted to be a great lawyer. I wanted to make a difference in the system. When I entered my junior year of high school, I researched colleges with the best law program and the best law schools. I want to help victims. I still do. Regardless of race or color, I want to help victims and their families fight for justice. I desire to give them a voice in the courtroom. Once I enter law school I want to apply for internships to give me the best exposure in the field. I also want to educate young people on the law. I desire to go into middle schools and talk to students about the law and the different roles wrapped up in that field. Most students' only exposure to the law is with a police officer. The perception of police officers in their neighborhoods is probably negative so their perception of the law is negative. I want to change that perception early in their lives. I want to build a bridge of trust between communities and the justice system. I want to be one of the pioneers that give the justice system a makeover.

The world of employment is evolving right before our eyes. Do you remember when you use to go to the grocery store and there were at least 8 registers open and manned by a physical person? Now, we see 2 people and 6 self-checkouts. This lets us know that computers are replacing the need for human capital. Customer service centers have more automated voiceovers that assist you with just about anything you need to do on your own without actually talking to a live person. In-store purchasing is being replaced with more online shopping stores. The Industrial Job Era is rapidly being phased out. Jobs once held by my grandparents are obsolete. These jobs include factory workers, industrial plant workers, etc. There was a high value placed on human capital. This means that companies placed stock in the knowledge and skill set of an employee. As a result of this declining need for human capital, one must continue to be open to higher education. You must be ready to reinvent yourself. I am not in any way saying that those with just a high school education won't be successful but you are limiting your value in this ever-evolving economy. I want to become an erudite student. Mastering my craft and forever learning. This need to be relevant in an evolving economy drives me to pursue a Law Degree. This will require me to complete my Pre-Law undergraduate degree. Then moving on to Law school. Although it may cost a great deal, knowledge is the one thing that gives you power. I believe that you make a way for the things you want. I love the law. My love for the law keeps me hungry for knowledge. To date, I do not know of any self-services for lawyers. After graduating Law School I plan to pursue a career in Criminal Law. I developed a love for criminal law while in middle school. I use to watch various documentaries about cases. I would look at the detail of the law and how the lawyers for both the defense and prosecution argued their cases. I would go back and research cases on the internet to see if I could make a different argument. I would watch live cases like the George Floyd murder case and the Johnny Depp defamation of character case and report facts to my mom. I wanted to make an argument for both sides. drives me. My dream to be a lawyer drives me This is why I will pursue a post-graduate education.