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Ellie Max

1x

Nominee

1x

Finalist

Bio

I am a high school senior enrolled in dual enrollment and currently investing in making my career dreams/goals a reality. I have a proven history and deep passion for helping those in need, which has shaped my desire to go into law and politics to defend those who cannot defend themselves. As a young girl, I went around the neighborhood collecting socks for the homeless, served in numerous soup kitchens, and collected 1,000 care packages for the firefighters on the front lines of the CA fires. I also spent a month at an orphanage in Mexico. I have been pursuing my dreams by taking dual enrollment courses through a local community college and an online platform. Growing up in a single-family home, I learned to work hard, be an overcomer, and make a difference. You cannot always control the cards you have been dealt, but it is 100% what you do with them. I have had to overcome loss, hardship and pain, but with the help of a supportive family, it didn't defeat me; it defined me. These scholarships would help me get the education needed to have a greater influence in helping others. While many go into law for personal gain, I see a law degree as a vehicle to truly make a difference and impact the lives of many in my community.

Education

Homeschooled

High School
2023 - 2026

Palisades High School

High School
2022 - 2023

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Law
    • Public Administration
    • Criminology
    • Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
    • Political Science and Government
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Legal Services

    • Dream career goals:

      Lawyer, Judge, and Politician

    • Taking Care of Children

      NA
      2022 – Present4 years
    • Social Media Mananger

      LTCF
      2020 – Present6 years
    • Personal Assistant

      LTCF
      2018 – Present8 years
    • Shift Leader

      Handels
      2022 – 20242 years

    Sports

    Basketball

    Junior Varsity
    2015 – 20161 year

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Personal — Created food packages and distributed them to the homeless around our town
      2025 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Church — Washing Dishes
      2019 – 2019
    • Volunteering

      Personal — Assembling Packages & Distributing
      2018 – 2018
    • Public Service (Politics)

      District Attorneys Office — Learning about the legal system and DA's office
      2022 – 2022

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Entrepreneurship

    Redefining Victory Scholarship
    Kristinspiration Scholarship
    Education is important to me because every living thing is designed to grow, and by expanding our minds it opens us up to greater opportunities that we wouldn't be able to steward without greater knowledge. I love learning and applying myself to explore new adventures. Education is the gateway to my future. I have known since the fifth grade that I wanted to go into the field of law, which requires two separate degrees, totaling an additional 8 years of school. Without the opportunity to learn, I could never be a lawyer, nor would I be able to reach my full potential as a human. Education is the key to so many things in life, from breaking the cycle of poverty to being part of the pathway to a life that is full and satisfying. I believe every human was born with a mandate to change the world around them, and for some, that requires deeper education. I am excited to formally study politics and law so that I can use my life to make a difference. I am grateful that I live in a country where education for women is easy and accessible. I love the question of what kind of legacy I want to leave because it is something I think of often. So many people my age believe that leaving a great legacy has to do with a bank account number and pursuing a life of acquiring things for themselves, only to end up seeing how empty that pursuit was. I believe that leaving a legacy is not about making my name great but using my life to make other people’s lives great. While I do believe my career path will be lucrative, the legacy I hope to leave is not how much I held for myself but how much I gave away. I am deeply inspired by those who achieved greatness but took very little to the grave because they invested in the well-being of so many others. Leaving a legacy is not something that happens randomly, but living a life of great service comes with costs and sacrifices. While I am only 18 years old, I have already seen what hard work and sacrifice can produce, as well as the value of denying myself temporary pleasures that don’t serve my long-term goals. I hope that my legacy is summed up into three words: generosity, kindness, and boldness. Generosity with not only my finances but also with my time and skills. Most people need legal advice but cannot obtain it because it is too expensive and I hope throughout my life, I can change that and provide services for people in need. Above all else, I hope that every single thing I do is filled with kindness, that every person I interact with is left feeling seen and valued. It doesn’t matter what I do in life if it is not rooted in kindness and love of others. Lastly, I hope that I am known for being bold. That I did not just go with culture, but I held strong in my convictions and upbringing. I think that it is essential to pair boldness with kindness. While I still have many years to learn and mature, I am excited to see how my life and legacy unfolds. Thank you for considering me for this valuable scholarship and helping me become a contributing adult to society.