As a first-generation college student who was raised by a single mother, I am driven and passionate about making a positive impact on the world. In April of 2024, I will be graduating with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice, and then I plan on furthering my studies by attending law school in the fall of 2024. I am inspired to become a lawyer by the idea of using my legal knowledge and skills to help others, particularly those who are marginalized or disadvantaged. I am drawn to the field of law because of its potential to create social change and promote justice and equality. I hope to use my legal training to advocate for the rights of those who have been overlooked or oppressed and make a meaningful contribution to your community and the world at large. As I pursue my goal of becoming a lawyer, I am driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference. I am aware of the many challenges I will face along the way, but I am determined to overcome them and achieve my goals. I have a clear vision of the kind of lawyer I want to be, one who is compassionate, ethical, and committed to social justice. I am aware that the legal profession is highly competitive and demanding, but I am up for the challenge. I have already taken steps to prepare myself for this path, such as taking courses in psychology, criminal justice, and legal studies, volunteering at legal aid clinics, and participating in mediation and mock trial competitions. I am eager to continue building my skills and knowledge as I work towards my goal of becoming a lawyer. I recognize that becoming a lawyer is not just about achieving personal success, but also about giving back to my community. I will be committed to using my legal training to advocate for the rights of marginalized or disadvantaged people, such as victims of domestic violence, refugees, or low-income families. I am passionate about promoting social justice and equality, and I believe the legal profession is a powerful tool for achieving these goals. I am also aware of the many challenges facing the legal profession today, such as systemic racism, gender bias, and income inequality. I am committed to working towards a more just and equitable legal system, and I believe that this starts with promoting diversity and inclusion within the profession. I am eager to use my voice as a lawyer to raise awareness of these issues and advocate for change.

After I receive my Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice in the April of 2024, I plan on going to law school to become a family lawyer. Family law is a complex and challenging area of practice that deals with issues related to marriage, divorce, child custody, adoption, and many other aspects of family life. While the work of a family lawyer can be demanding, it is also incredibly rewarding, as it provides an opportunity to help those in the community who are in need. First and foremost, being a family lawyer can help those in the community who are in need by providing them with legal representation and support. Family law cases are often emotionally charged and complex, and having an experienced lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of the case. A family lawyer can help clients navigate the legal system, negotiate with other parties, and advocate for their rights and interests. In addition to providing legal representation, family lawyers can also help those in the community who are in need by providing them with emotional support and guidance. Family law cases can be incredibly stressful and traumatic, and having a lawyer who is compassionate, understanding, and supportive can make a significant difference in the lives of clients. Family lawyers can help clients navigate the emotional challenges of their cases, provide them with resources and referrals to other professionals, and help them make informed decisions about their futures. Furthermore, being a family lawyer can help those in the community who are in need by making a positive impact on the lives of children and families. Family law cases often involve issues related to child custody, visitation, and support, and having a lawyer who is knowledgeable and skilled in these areas can help ensure that children are protected and families are supported. Family lawyers can help parents develop parenting plans that are in the best interests of their children, negotiate child support and alimony agreements, and advocate for the rights of children and families in court. Finally, being a family lawyer can help those in the community who are in need by promoting social justice and equality. Family law cases often involve issues related to gender, race, and socioeconomic status, and having a lawyer who is committed to social justice and equality can help ensure that all clients are treated fairly and justly. Family lawyers can help clients overcome systemic barriers to justice, challenge discriminatory practices and policies, and advocate for the rights of marginalized communities. In conclusion, being a family lawyer is a profession that can help those in the community who need assistance. Family lawyers can provide legal representation and support, emotional guidance and support, and promote social justice and equality. Through family lawyer's work, clients navigate the legal system, advocating for their rights and interests, and making a positive impact on the lives of children and families, family lawyers can make a significant difference in the world.

Volunteering is one of the most important ways that individuals can give back to their communities and make a positive impact on the world. Whether it involves providing legal aid to those in need, mentoring young people, or working to support individuals with disabilities, there are countless ways that as a volunteer, I use these skills and my knowledge to help others. One area where volunteering can have a particularly profound impact is in providing legal aid to low-income individuals. For many people, access to legal representation is simply out of reach, leaving them vulnerable to a range of legal challenges. By volunteering to provide legal services, attorneys and other legal professionals can help to level the playing field and ensure that everyone has access to justice. My role as a legal aid volunteer is to prepare clients' information that comes in during the day, so it will be readily available to the volunteer lawyers. When I become a lawyer after law school once I get done with my undergrad, there are many different ways I can get involved in providing free legal services. For example, I might work with organizations that offer legal clinics or other community events, providing free legal advice and assistance to those in need. Alternatively, I might volunteer my time to assist with fundraising efforts or other activities that support organizations that provide legal aid to low-income individuals. Another area where volunteering can have a significant impact is in working with high schools and colleges to mentor young people and provide them with the guidance and support they need to succeed. I volunteered as a peer leader and as a mentor to first-year college students. Through offering advice and support, I can help young people develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in school and life. Finally, volunteering can be an incredibly rewarding way to work with individuals and kids. Organizations like Hills and Dales provide a range of services to support individuals children and people with disabilities. As a volunteer, I got to work with children in the classrooms of the daycare to help them learn the skills they would need to succeed in elementary: reading, writing, counting, being kind, respectful, etc. Overall, there are countless ways that volunteers can make a positive impact in the world. By using our skills and knowledge to help others, we can contribute to a better world for all. Whether it involves providing legal aid to those in need, mentoring young people, or working with children, there is always an impact that we as volunteers can make on others' lives.

As a person who has pursued degrees in both psychology and criminal justice, I can tell you that these fields can provide a unique set of skills and knowledge that can be valuable in many different careers, including family law. One reason I decided to pursue a degree in psychology is to better understand human behavior and the factors that contribute to it. This knowledge can be valuable in family law, where understanding the motivations and behaviors of individuals involved in legal disputes can be critical to resolving those disputes. For example, a family law attorney might use their knowledge of psychology to help a client navigate a difficult custody battle by understanding the emotions and behaviors of the parties involved. Similarly, a degree in criminal justice can provide a deep understanding of the legal system and how it operates. This knowledge can be valuable in family law, where many legal disputes involve issues related to criminal law, such as domestic violence or child abuse. Family law attorneys with a background in criminal justice can use their knowledge of the legal system to better advocate for their clients and ensure that their rights are protected. Together, a degree in psychology and criminal justice can provide a powerful combination of skills and knowledge that can be valuable in family law. For example, an attorney with this background might be able to provide counseling services to clients going through difficult legal battles, or they might be able to provide expert testimony in court regarding the psychological factors involved in a particular case. Another reason a degree in psychology and criminal justice is helpful is it develops a more comprehensive understanding of the social and cultural factors that contribute to criminal behavior. For example, a family law attorney with a background in psychology and criminal justice might be able to provide cultural competency training to other attorneys, helping them better understand the needs and perspectives of clients from diverse backgrounds. This knowledge can be valuable in family law, where many legal disputes involve issues related to social and cultural differences. Ultimately, pursuing a degree in psychology and criminal justice can be a valuable way to make an impact in the world through family law. This can help to reduce misunderstandings and ensure that clients receive the best possible representation. By combining these two areas of expertise, an attorney can provide a unique and valuable perspective that can help their clients navigate difficult legal disputes and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Being a First Generation College student is a unique experience that has shaped my career goals and aspirations. As a First Generation College student, I had to navigate the college application process on my own, without the guidance of family members who had gone through it before. This experience taught me how to be independent and self-sufficient, which are important qualities for anyone pursuing a career in law. In addition, being a First Generation College student inspired me to pursue a career that allows me to help others. For me, this meant pursuing a career in family law. I was drawn to this field because I wanted to use my legal expertise to advocate for those who may not have access to legal representation. I also wanted to help families navigate complex legal issues, such as divorce and child custody. My experiences as a First Generation College student also motivated me to pursue a career in criminal justice and psychology. I wanted to better understand the challenges faced by marginalized communities and to help address the root causes of these challenges. I believe that my background as a First Generation College student has given me a unique perspective that will be valuable in my future career. Overall, being a First Generation College student has been a challenging but rewarding experience that shapes one's career goals and aspirations. It has inspired me to pursue a career that allows me to help others, advocate for those who may not have access to legal representation, and pursue a career in psychology and criminal justice as a way to better understand and address the challenges faced by marginalized communities.

My Psychology and Criminal Justice background in my undergrad studies will help me make a positive impact in family law. In my undergrad at the University of Dubuque, I get to participate in moot court and mediation which allow me to learn how to approach problems, conflicts, and issues within different areas of interest. Whereas Psychology has taught me about the psychology behind divorces, children's development, and how to help victims of domestic violence. In pursuing psychology and criminal justice, I have become passionate about pursuing a master's degree in law school to become a family law attorney. One issue in the law system is that not too many people have access to or can afford an attorney. One way to make a difference in this area is by providing legal aid to those who can't afford it. Many people who are going through law issues are unable to hire a lawyer, which can make it difficult for them to navigate the legal system. By providing free legal services to these individuals, I can help ensure that everyone has access to justice. Domestic violence is another issue that is often addressed in family law. I can work with victims of domestic violence to help them obtain restraining orders and other legal protections. I can also work to change the legal system to better protect victims of domestic violence. Another way to make a difference in family law is by advocating for changes to the legal system. For example, many people believe that the child custody system is biased against fathers. Working to change the system, as a lawyer, I can help ensure that both parents are treated fairly and that the best interest of the child is always taken into account. I would also like to stay up-to-date on changes in the law by being aware of new laws and regulations, I can provide the best possible advice and representation to clients. Another important way to make a difference is by building relationships with other professionals in the field. Being a lawyer would allow me to work with social workers, therapists, and other professionals to provide a holistic approach to family law issues. This can help ensure that families receive the support they need to thrive. Finally, I can work to educate the public about family law issues. By working with other organizations as a lawyer to get information about the law to their clients, I can help raise awareness about important issues and promote positive change. There are many different ways that I can make a positive impact in family law: by providing legal aid, advocating for changes to the legal system, and working to educate the public, I could help ensure that families receive the support they need to thrive.

I value my kindness, determination, ambition, and patience. I value my kindness because I think it is important that we do whatever we can to help others out, even if it takes a minute out of our day. You never know when someone is having a bad day and a kind gesture or kind words can lift someone's mood up. Having this characteristic in my life will allow me to do my part in making this world realize that there is still kindness and good people in this world and to not give up hope when a bad day happens because for every bad day there are ten good days. I want to do so much for the World I live in to make it better. I value my determination because it keeps me motivated to do the things that I love, to have good grades in college, and to go about my days. Being determined is a great thing to have because it means I have goals in life and I am going to achieve my goals no matter how big or small they are. Being determined will help me in my life to help others, create a home, a family, and a life that I most long for. It will help me get through college and Law School. It makes me achieve the goals that I want to achieve. I value my ambition because it keeps me going and moving. Everything I do is because of my ambition. I am going to college for psychology and criminal justice because of my ambition to go to Law School. I work hard in school for my ambition to get good grades. If I did not have ambition I would not be half the person I am today. Ambition will help me in my life journey because it will keep me motivated to do the things I want to do such as become a good lawyer and travel around the world helping those less fortunate. I value my patience because it allows me to do things without getting frustrated it helps me talk to those who have a hard time speaking English, have a learning disability, and are really shy. I am able to do things such as sitting down and teaching a little kid in a classroom how to do stuff and then re-show them because of my patience. This will help me with my journey in life because it will allow me to better understand those around me, help those around me, and do small tasks that take more patience than some are willing to give.

Everything thrown our way is for a reason. We all will be faced with challenges and achievements whether big or small. I like to take my weaknesses and work with them to create positives. I take my achievements as an accomplishment and then work harder on my next goal. I like having goals to work towards- whether big or small. Once one goal is accomplished, there will always be more to keep me challenged and thinking. I like being challenged because I believe you never know enough. The World is a million pieced puzzle; you will never finish it, but you will always be trying to learn how to put it together. I love learning and experiencing new things, and I know no matter where I am, who I am with, or what I am doing; there will always be more to know and achieve. The World is our curveball. Do we miss it and stop trying, or do we learn how to hit it no matter how fast and curvy? I decide to learn and never stop.

"Life's a story; I'm still writing." This quote represents what I view life as: a book. Every stage of our life that we enter is a new chapter. We have no clue what is in store for us, but we get to write our own destiny's and we can change the plot line when we need and want to. Our story doesn't end until our last breath, but until then we can make the World our own adventure. People's lives can be one book; representing a bland life or it can be a novel with tons of information. I look at my life as a novel. I don't want it to meaningless or short. I want my life filled with adventure, challenges, achievements, heartwarming experiences, happiness, and etc. I want my story to be filled with the adventures I go on whether it be in college, with my husband, kids, family, and friends. I get to be in charge of where my life goes; it will never be perfect, but I can grow from everything thrown my way, never backing down, and always facing every challenge to make one story everyone wants to read and be a character in.

Dreams are something we have thought about since we were young; changing as we age. Growing older I realized that I wanted to help kids, but not just any kids: kids who are in unfortunate living conditions whether it be housing and family. Now I am in college and my plans are mapped out. In three years I plan on graduating with a Child Psychology degree, continuing that degree in Law School to earn my master's in Psychology as well as taking Law Classes. I plan on becoming A Child Advocate Attorney in Law School. After college, I plan on getting a job in a law firm working on cases with children in a divorce. In Iowa, there are organizations that help children who need help and they have lawyers who they talk to in certain cases. I want to be a lawyer for those organizations to help as much as I can. On top of being a Lawyer, I hope to be married and have kids that I can raise and watch grow up. Whom I can support their dream for whoever they want to be in life.