I want to set my family, and future family, up for success by providing everyone with financial support. For future generations, I want to provide them with the personal help I experienced growing up and financial backing so that they, too, can contribute to the success of others.

My 2-year-old Coated Xoloitzcuintle, Oaxaca, is simultaneously my therapist, life coach, and best friend. Before Oaxaca, I had never had a dog, not even a family dog, and I knew that getting my own before I started law school might not be the best idea, but I don't regret it. The first year of law school was incredibly challenging, academically and personally. The academic environment made it difficult to make friends, but the pressure to compete, the stress of the curve, and the high-school-like environment made me unsure who my real friends were. Thankfully I could go home to Oaxaca. Oaxaca heard about all the stress I felt from school, my concerns about personal relationships, and the pressure I felt daily. Oaxaca acted as my therapist and provided a much-needed safe space. Right before my first semester finals, my then long-distance boyfriend broke up with me, and Oaxaca transitioned by taking on the role of a life coach in addition to his therapist duties. Despite everything, he kept me on a schedule. Because of my dog, I got daily exercise, reminders to stay fed and hydrated, and hugs when I needed them. During winter break, we went on many sad girl walks together, but Oaxaca reminded me about the beautiful things in life. He made friends in the neighborhood, smelled flowers, watched birds, and enjoyed the things I had been too teary-eyed and sleep-deprived to notice. I'm not sure when I came out of my first-semester and post-break-up funk, but Oaxaca cheerfully joined me when I did. He was probably happy to transition from the therapist role to the life coach and best friend role, although I wonder if he will ever fully relinquish therapist responsibilities. We spent the spring semester with my friends, going on hikes, checking out breweries, and going to the beach. Despite being a bit unpredictable as a one-year-old dog, Oaxaca was a joy for my friends, and they warmly invited him to join in most of our events. Oaxaca has played a crucial role in my law school journey, providing me with love and support every step of the way. I don't think he knew when he came home with me that he would have to take on so much responsibility during the first few years of his life, but he's taken it in stride. I credit Oaxaca for keeping me sane during one of the most challenging years of my life. As a second-year law student, I have a great group of friends, a routine, and a job for next summer. I don't know if I would feel as accomplished if it wasn't for my furry therapist, life coach, and best friend.