My father’s laugh. My mother’s knowing look. My sister’s words of encouragement. That is what success looks like for me. It’s the payoff I receive for every bad joke and every good grade. My family has always been big on school, despite my status as a soon to be first generation college student. My success will be seeing their smiles at graduation. My success will be my mom scream my embarrassing childhood nicknames while I cross the stage. My success will be calling my dad to tell him my LSAT score, even though I am miles away from home. My family has always put me first for the sake of my future. This is the first step in my journey to pay them back. I cannot wait for the day I crack open my very first legal textbook. I know, I sound like a dork, but nothing compares to a brand new Sharpie highlighter gliding across a fresh page. Nothing compares to the notes I scrawl across the margins of new assignments. It’s a strenuous journey to the top but it is one I do so with pride. Because it’s not only my uphill battle. I share the highs and lows with my family. They know when to pull me from my studying to remind me how to breathe. My dad magically knows when I need someone to quiz me on my color coded flash cards. My sister knows when I need someone to listen while I explain the philosophical concepts behind the Mayflower Compact. My mom knows when I need to leave the house and feel human again. At every turn, they have put my needs above theirs. Whether it be replacing my crapped out computer or buying the biggest pack of Ticonderogas, they have shown up for me. This opportunity will show them that I can also find my way into this world. I could buy my own Ticonderogas. I could show them that I am worthy of all of the chips they have bet on me. I’ll be the first to admit that my family is under appreciated. They have given more than I can ever repay. But that’s the funny thing about family. They don’t ask to be repaid. My parents are happy knowing that my success has no contractual obligation to them. They’re happy because I’m happy. I often remind myself of that on the days that I’m too stressed to come down for dinner or when I’m stretched so thin that I snap at anything. They’ve done more than I ever will. They have loved and they have learned. When I think of my future success, I don’t dream of sports cars. I don’t mind living in an apartment until my dying days. Material possessions don’t phase me. But my family is priceless. Knowing that I am building a career that will fund the family vacations for years to come is what I work for. I work for the little girl who was read to each night. That little girl is so loved. She understands now, as she is writing this essay, that her entire life has been filled with love. And even if she does not win this scholarship, she will be grateful for the opportunity. Because at the end of the day, she is loved.

I’m not an expert on the universe. I’ll be the first to admit that the public school system has failed me in some regards, but this was at my own discretion. I never took an interest in science the way most kids do. My curiosity lied in human behaviors. In the beauty of religion and culture. I find that my explanation for the universe is a bit unusual but I stand with pride. My understanding of the universe is like my understanding of algebraic formulas. I know it exists but I do not understand it. But I do know that there is something uniquely complex about the universe. It is quiet, it is intimidating, and it is certainly vast. To me, the universe is a woman. She is mighty and strong. All knowing and beautiful. Humans are unique in this way. We assign characteristics to things that have no business being humanized. But I find comfort in believing my universe is a maternal figure who has been constant throughout my life. She looks upon her children like a mother, stern yet gentle. She is disciplined yet loving. She is steady yet unapologetic. The universe does not need to explain Herself. That’s why I believe no one will ever understand Her. It’s why I also believe it is important to pursue knowledge of the universe. She deserves to be studied in the name of young girls like me who feel uncertain and in need of a guide post. Oftentimes, scientists overlook the importance of connecting spirituality with facts. But isn’t that what life is? Spirituality is subjective but in a different perspective, so is science. As a non-expert, I don’t see it as an end-all be-all. I recognize that when someone begins explaining nebulas and stars, I have no idea what they’re talking about. It could very well be a foreign language. But I do know that in a poetic way, everyone is made up of stardust. Each trace of hydrogen and lithium can be linked to the Big Bang. It’s an ode to the beauty of individuality. Each star is made up of similar elements yet each one is intrinsically unique. Humans are programmed to find explanations for what they cannot understand. My view of the universe is unorthodox but She is compassionate. She will forgive that I have made mistakes in my lifetime. I may not understand Her but She will always understand me.

My parents are from Church Point, Louisiana, which if you’ve ever heard of it, you know just how small that town is. My dad left behind his family and the only life he’s ever known and hopped on a plane to North Carolina. He attended Marines basic training to become a diesel mechanic. Next thing he knew, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He’s always been a get up and go guy. My entire childhood, he’s either been in Egypt, Peru, Italy, Germany, Jordan, or some other country I was too young to remember. But the things I do remember, they’ve left an impact on my life. The anticipation of picking him up from Bush Continental Airport, the excitement of receiving a new keychain for my collection, the astonishment I felt at hearing a new story collected on the latest journey. He worked himself to the bone to provide a life he never got himself. My parents may not have gone to college but they made sure that I’d get there one day. I’m a stubborn person. I believe there’s very little stopping me from accomplishing what I want. Truth be told, the reason why I want to be a lawyer is because my dad told me he didn’t think I could stick with it. I think he’s wrong. What he doesn’t see is that my need to help people. My drive to win. He doesn’t understand the rush I get from acing a test that I worked my tail off for. Not a lot of people do. But to me, seeing my hard work materialize in front of me is what makes it all worth it. I can’t wait for the day that I put on that cap and gown to hear my last name butchered in front of my graduating class. It’s undesirable but it’s perfect to me. I want to be a lawyer to help people demand justice for themselves. To leave a legacy of empowerment is more than enough for me. Being pre-law is the first step in a long journey. I have my work cut out for me but I can handle it. I always have and I always will. I’m excited to crack open my first LSAT textbook. Hearing the sound of ballpoint pens scrawling across yellow legal pads is what excites me. It’s what tells me my future is no longer just a dream. It’s my reality.

In elementary school, boys called me fat. They called me ugly. They called me annoying. But they never could call me stupid. My intelligence was the one thing I had to protect myself from the cruelty of being a young girl. The first person in my life to truly recognize me was my fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Tiffin. She saw my passion for reading and nurtured my curiousity. No matter where I am in life, I will never forget the woman who dared me to set myself apart. Every week, she brought up a new career she envisioned me in one day. “I’d vote you for President, you’d make waves, Kid. Lawyer, doctor, teacher, all jobs to serve others. Mrs. Tiffin saw something in me that most people overlooked. She saw my need to help people and my care for those around me. She never spared a chance to brag on my determination and would encourage me to do something meaningful with my life. I want to be a lawyer to help people. I want to speak for the women in Texas who deserve a voice. Not everyone can stand up for themselves and I intend to be the figure head for those who need a little help. I wish every fifth grade girl who is unsure of herself could have a Mrs. Tiffin. And I sure as hell wish every Mrs. Tiffin could know how much their impacts have on students. I hope to attend the University of Texas to study business in a pre law path in the fall of 2025. I want to make Austin my new home and learn the inner workings of my state capitol. Female attorneys are constantly passed over and under paid. But truly, that goes for any female professional in Texas. I want to create a direct initiative to tackle the wage gap. The wage gap affects women in all walks of life but it is disproportionately affecting minorities. These women have to live with the reality that they are overworked for pennie’s on the dime. Oftentimes, they’re over qualified. For what? To be seen as lesser than their male counterparts? I intend to do something about it. I intend to make Mrs. Tiffin proud. I currently work at an all female staff restaurant as a high school job. My boss constantly encourages us to pursue higher education and even lets me complete homework while working. Female empowerment starts with everyday women like us. I’m able to make connections with my regular customers and I love knowing I’m a part of their routines. I know what my favorite customers orders are. I know what their kids names are. I even know what some of them do for a living. They come back because they feel seen. My customers know they’re in good hands when I take their orders. I hope that some day, I can make everyone feel that way, that I’m someone dependable who will fix what has been broken for far too long. And I owe it all to Mrs. Tiffin.

“I’m just having fun…It’s where I belong,” a quote many young women can identify with. Chappell Roan encapsulates the glamour in girlhood while also encouraging women to blaze their own path. She’s not an overnight success, her music career has been in the works for years. The creativity of her art and the hard work she’s dedicated is what makes me full heartedly support her. Roan takes listeners back to the 80’s with fun beats and colorful stage makeup. Her persona is more than just showgirl meets drag queen, it symbolizes the uphill battle of the LGBTQIA+ community. Her camp-like style is seen authentically expressed through not only her music but her style. With each look, she pays homage to those who came before her, to those who broke stereotypes, and to those who continue to advocate for queer rights today. Chappell Roan is unapologetically queer and her music speaks to many others who have dealt with their own “Good Luck, Babe!” or “Casual” scenarios. Her music has inspired me to be more open with my own self expression. I am no longer ashamed to admit that I am different in ways that I never thought to question before. Representation matters. Seeing an openly queer woman with a career built around the queer experience gives me hope that one day, I will be able to be who I am. Without fear. Without apprehension. And without judgements. When she was dropped from Atlantic Records, one of the biggest names in the industry, she didn’t give up. Instead, she took it as a sign to not give in to the conformity Atlantic demanded of her. As I listen to her music, I remind myself that no matter what life throws at me, at least I’ve got my glitter and my lashes. Her story is one of true dedication, coming from middle of nowhere Missouri, working her way up to Los Angeles. She took this change in stride, inspiring “Pink Pony Club” as a story of doing what it takes to make yourself happy, even at the expense of your relationships. Chappell Roan is a role model for the queer youth to stop hiding. To be freed. “Where boys and girls can all be queens every single day.”