The next generation is full of young people with big ideas and good hearts who want to make a difference. But sometimes life throws challenges in the way. For me, playing softball at Hill College was a big part of my life. During my freshman year, I tore my MCL and meniscus. After a lot of hard work and rehab, I finally got back to playing my sophomore year, but I tore the same injuries again in the very first game. That was really hard to accept because I knew I wouldn’t be able to play again. It was a big setback, but it taught me a lot about resilience and staying focused on my goals no matter what. Even though softball is no longer part of my future, I am determined to succeed in other ways. My dream is to become an attorney so I can help people who need support and justice. I plan to graduate from Hill College, then continue on to law school, pass the bar exam, and become a practicing attorney. I want to use my career to make a positive impact on my community and to help others overcome their own challenges. I believe that through hard work and dedication, I can make a real difference in people’s lives. So far, I’ve worked hard in my studies. I’ve been on the President’s List both years at Hill College and was proud to be inducted into the Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa. These achievements motivate me to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. I know education is the key to reaching my goals, and I’m committed to making the most of every opportunity. Being part of these organizations has also helped me connect with other students who share my drive and passion for learning. Besides school, I work part-time at Tune Up Manly Salon as a bar girl when I’m home to help support myself financially. Balancing work and school isn’t always easy, but it has taught me responsibility, time management, and the importance of hard work skills I know will help me in the future. My job has also given me a chance to meet different people and understand the value of good communication, which will be important in my future career as an attorney. This scholarship would mean a lot to me because it would help relieve some financial pressure and allow me to focus more on my education and career goals. College and law school can be expensive, and every bit of support brings me closer to achieving my dreams. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to keep moving forward on this path. Thank you for considering my application. With your help, I’m confident I can make a real difference in my community and beyond by using my education and career to serve others.

From the time I was little, I’ve always asked questions. I’ve never been the type to just accept things the way they are. I wanted to know why rules were made, how systems worked, and what made people think the way they do. That curiosity has followed me into college, where I’m majoring in Criminal Justice and planning to go to law school. Learning has always been something I’m passionate about, and it’s shaped how I see the world and what I want to do in the future. I’ve kept a 4.0 GPA all throughout college, but learning for me has always gone beyond just getting good grades. One of the biggest ways I’ve learned and grown is through my job. I work part-time at a salon when I’m home, and I’ve met so many different people there. Talking to them has opened my eyes to different life experiences and helped me understand the importance of listening, patience, and empathy things that are just as valuable as what I’ve learned in class. Another huge part of my journey was playing softball at Hill College. I played for two years, but it didn’t go as planned. During my freshman year, I tore my MCL, ACL, and meniscus. I worked hard to come back, but in the first game of my sophomore season, I tore my MCL and meniscus again. That was the end of my softball career. It was heartbreaking, but it also taught me one of the biggest lessons of my life: how to keep going even when things don’t work out. I had to find a new purpose, and I poured myself into school and my future goals. That setback showed me just how strong and determined I can be. My love of learning is what gives me direction. It’s not just about going to class it’s about understanding people, figuring out how to help others, and preparing to be the kind of attorney who actually makes a difference. I want to know how the legal system works, how to fight for people who don’t have a voice, and how to keep learning and growing along the way. The story behind the Ross Mitchell Memorial Scholarship really spoke to me. I can relate to living with a passion for learning and always wanting to know more and do better. Whether I’m studying for an exam, helping a customer, or just having a conversation with someone, I try to stay curious and open-minded. That mindset has shaped who I am, and it’s definitely going to guide me as I keep moving forward. This love for learning has helped me push through tough times and stay focused on my goals. I know it will continue to shape the kind of person and attorney I want to become.

Some of the most important lessons I’ve ever learned didn’t come from a textbook they came from the softball field. From early mornings at practice to late-night games under stadium lights, softball taught me discipline, resilience, and what it means to be part of something bigger than myself. It was never just about winning; it was about showing up physically and mentally every single day, no matter what. I had the opportunity to play softball for two years at Hill College. It was a dream come true but it also became one of the greatest challenges of my life. During my freshman year, I tore my MCL, ACL, and meniscus. After months of recovery, I worked hard to come back stronger for my sophomore season. But in my very first game back, I tore my MCL and meniscus again. That second injury ended my softball career for good. Losing the sport I loved was devastating. But in that pain, I found purpose. The setbacks didn’t stop me they shaped me. I stayed focused on my academics, maintained a 4.0 GPA, and continued pushing toward my goal of becoming an attorney. I refused to let injury define me. In fact, those injuries reminded me just how strong I really am. Softball taught me that leadership isn’t about being the best player it’s about being the most reliable teammate. It’s about showing up, cheering others on, and staying committed even when you’re on the sidelines. When I could no longer compete, I supported my team however I could encouraging them, staying involved, and staying positive. That experience helped me realize I still had a role to play, even if it looked different than what I had planned. The sense of unity I felt with my teammates through every win and every setback is what I hope to carry into my future career in criminal justice. I plan to transfer to Tarleton University and later attend law school. I want to become an attorney who helps others feel seen, heard, and supported especially those who don’t have the resources or voice to stand up for themselves. Just like on the field, I want to be someone who lifts others up. The coaches and teammates who believed in me especially during the hardest parts of my journey helped me find confidence in myself. One coach always told me, “Mistakes are proof you’re trying.” That mindset helped me through recovery, through academic challenges, and through redefining my identity outside of softball. The Brett Brakel Memorial Scholarship means a lot to me because it honors someone who lived for the same values I try to uphold: mentorship, perseverance, and community. I may never step onto the field again as a player, but the lessons softball gave me are part of who I am. I will carry those values forward in every courtroom, every conversation, and every challenge I face.

My passion for law and justice stems from a deeply rooted desire to help people who are often overlooked or underserved. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice and plan to continue on to law school. My long-term goal is to become an attorney who advocates for fairness and equity, especially for those without access to quality legal representation. In pursuing this path, I have also developed a strong interest in policy—particularly how legislation can either protect or harm communities depending on how it’s written and enforced. I aspire to work at the state level of government, where I believe meaningful and immediate change can happen, especially in areas like criminal justice reform. The state level is where policies directly touch people’s lives—through policing practices, sentencing laws, education access, and more. As someone who grew up watching people struggle to navigate the legal system without adequate support, I want to be involved in creating policies that make that system more humane and just. One current policy issue I care deeply about is criminal justice reform, specifically how we treat non-violent offenders and those impacted by racial or socioeconomic disparities. Too often, people are imprisoned for minor infractions while wealthier or better-connected individuals avoid consequences for similar or worse actions. This inequality doesn’t just hurt the individuals involved—it damages entire families and communities, particularly those already marginalized. What inspires me most about working in policy is the opportunity to make change from the inside out. Laws and policies are not just words on paper—they reflect the values of a society. I believe it’s time to reflect values of fairness, empathy, and second chances. By focusing on smart sentencing reform, support for reentry programs, and improved public defender systems, we can move toward a more just society. In all of this, civil discourse plays a critical role. Without it, policy turns into partisanship, and real people get lost in the noise. Civil discourse allows us to listen—to understand where others are coming from even if we don’t agree. It forces us to focus not just on who’s right, but on what’s right. As someone entering the field of law, I view this kind of respectful dialogue as essential. It’s how laws are written, reformed, and humanized. Through my academic achievements, honors society involvement, and part-time work, I’ve developed a strong work ethic and a desire to serve. But more than that, I’ve learned how to listen—really listen—to people’s concerns. Whether in a courtroom or a committee meeting, that ability will be at the heart of everything I do.