Last quarter, I used an Artificial Intelligence image generator for a class project that turned my short text prompt into a detailed piece of AI art in seconds. At first, I was amazed and didn’t think much of it. But that feeling quickly turned into curiosity and raised questions: whose artistic styles did this AI learn from without permission? What hidden biases might be built into it? Could it be used to spread convincing false information? The mixed feeling of excitement and concern and seeing how AI is drastically becoming a part of everyday life, it sparked my interest in public policy and set my goal of working in the federal government. I hope to work as a policy analyst at the federal level, ideally within a congressional committee that focuses on technology. While states like California have begun taking action, AI operates without borders and has far-reaching effects on national security, economic competitiveness, and basic rights. That’s why it needs a clear, unified federal framework. For me, the challenge isn’t simply “regulating AI”—it’s creating a system of laws that can withstand pressure from powerful tech interests while balancing core American values: innovation and public safety, free speech and harm prevention, security and privacy. Without a thoughtful federal approach, we risk legal confusion and a lack of accountability. This is where the Cooper Congress Scholarship’s mission connects directly to my goals. Regulating AI is a true test of our ability to “bridge divides through dialogue and policy.” It requires more than technical knowledge, it demands genuine civil disucssion. The process means bringing together groups with very different levels of influence: huge tech companies, underfunded civil rights advocates, national security agencies, and everyday people who are often left out of the conversation. A public servant’s job is not just to sit in the middle, it’s to guide these conversations toward connection instead of division, making sure that policy protects the vulnerable and serves the public good, not just the powerful. My motivation for entering public service comes from understanding that the hardest policy challenges are the ones that matter most. I want to be the kind of leader the Cooper Congress Scholarship supports—someone who is not intimidated by complexity and can build trust among opposing sides. My goal is to help create strong, democratic protections for the future of AI. This scholarship would not only provide financial support but also affirm my commitment to bridging divides and ensuring that our most powerful technologies reflect our most important human values.

This first time I toured an apartment in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, I found myself crammed into a living room filled with other students all filling out applications for the same few housing options. Everyone tried to look responsible, hoping to be chosen for a spot that costs more than a mortgage in other states. For a while, I accepted this as just an unfortunate fact of living in California.I thought the housing crisis was like the weather, something beyond our control and something we just had to consequently deal with. This all changed when I learned about the legal fights over zoning laws in my Civil Procedure class. Learning about restrictive single-family zoning, complicated approval processes, and strict height limits in cities like Santa Barbara shifted my perspective on this issue. These weren’t just marks on a paper; they were legal tools meant to keep some people out, preserving the property values of a few at the expense of many others' access. I also learned the term NIMBY—“Not in My Back Yard”—and how it described organized efforts to prevent new housing. For me, this turned the housing crisis from a distant market issue into a direct legal and civil rights problem. The YIMBY—“Yes in My Back Yard”—movement showed me that these regulations can be contested and that seeking to lower housing costs is really about fighting for justice, especially for low and middle income families. This epiphany I had connects directly to the legacy of TJ Crowson. His objective was about opening doors to opportunities, while the zoning laws in my community work to close them, which only makes it harder for low and middle income families to live where there are opportunities. His values of challenging the status quo and doing what’s right are exactly what the housing advocacy movement stands for. It takes courage to tell a community that its continuous traditions of exclusivity are causing harm. I aim to pursue a career in municipal and land use law, working with advocates and decision-makers to reform these policies and create more affordable housing options. The stress of that first apartment tour no longer feels like a personal failure, it feels like a direct call to action. The housing crisis is not inevitable; it's the result of choices and I want to be part of making better ones. I want to use my education to stand up for those whose voices are often left out of policy decisions, ensuring they are included in shaping the future of their communities. This scholarship, created in honor of a man who devoted his career to expanding opportunity, would be an essential step toward the legal education I need to take on this work. I would be honored to carry onward his legacy and help ensure that everyone has a place they can afford to call home.