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Freda Doni
315
Bold Points1x
Finalist![user profile avatar](https://static.bold.org/profilePictures/9a0d44c49d7e44f29e322609effb8469be21ac6ad8f3413fa4bbc01af429d54b.webp)
Freda Doni
315
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
Passionate about law and justice.
Education
University of Illinois at Chicago
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)Majors:
- Law
University of Illinois at Chicago
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Criminology
Career
Dream career field:
Law Practice
Dream career goals:
Phillip Robinson Memorial Scholarship
When I was two years old, my parents immigrated from Ghana to the United States for greener pastures. They entrusted me with my paternal grandparents and uncle. At age seven, they filed for me to join them in the United States. Nonetheless, it was not until I was twelve that I was granted a visa. As a child, I was frustrated by the idea of not being able to see my parents. The frustration grew into anger and sorrow.
I battled in anguish for years, confused about the relentless and lengthy wait. While in Chicago, I saw a need to pursue a career in the legal field. I have had the opportunity to see the interplay of law and justice in various communities. I first experienced this through an internship with the Pan African Association. Through first-hand experience from the Pan-African Association, I witnessed the exhaustion individuals underwent in the immigration filing process.
The complexities many faced from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) developed the aforementioned feelings of withdrawal. On a day-to-day basis, I made calls to clients reminding them of their appointment and/or next steps mentioned in their letter(s). I could almost hear the shortness of breath in clients’ voices as we conversed. The office provided a helping hand to individuals by connecting them to resources such as ESL classes, practicing the civics test, and employment opportunities.
Time spent at the Pan-African Association allowed me to break barriers like language and accessing services many of our clients faced. I have also been honored to have interned with the Office of State Representative Lakesia Collins. The Office of State Rep. Lakesia Collins allowed me to contribute to the continual pragmatic change in the Ninth District community. The weekly constituent outreach permitted me to do wellness checks while collecting feedback from community members. The opportunity of weekly outreach allowed the Office to be well-versed in understanding the concerns of voters. There, I also offered assistance and connected individuals with the resources needed to address their perturbations. Additionally, it allowed me to expound relevant newsletters with information such as grant assistance, bill and rent assistance, and current news useful in addressing current issues.
My interest in law comes from my concern for those who are less privileged and need help navigating the legal system. I have experienced first what it is like to emigrate to the United States, and I have worked with others going through the same process. I want to dedicate my life to helping others with their immigration and social justice needs. I have been privileged to have the opportunity to study law at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law.