Growing up, I wanted to be the best at everything I tried. I studied tirelessly and reviewed assignments until perfection. I’d frequently look for extra credit opportunities and argue with teachers for extra points on tests in order to achieve the best grades possible. I signed up for each club and activity that interested me without thinking about the repercussions. Debate, Mock Trial, Student Government, you name it, I joined. Balancing these clubs along with my responsibilities at home as well as my part time job has been the most challenging part of my high school career. A quote from my mom is what kept me going as I struggled to navigate through my duties, “No te ahogue en un vaso de agua'' which directly translates to, “don't drown yourself in a cup of water”. It is more important though, to read between the lines. Its indirect translation, its real meaning, is to not let myself get so caught up in the minuscule tasks of daily life. As much as I loved and enjoyed my extracurricular activities, at times I felt myself drowning in the pressure I placed on myself to be “well-rounded” as I would tell others, but in reality I was simply aiming to be perfect. For a long time, I confused perfection for success. In my eyes, I could only succeed if I was perfect. Much of this had to do with the imperfection of my life at home. Being raised in a household that began with two parents and at a young age shifted to a single parent household made me grow up a lot earlier than I should have. I grew up embarrassed that I didn't live with my father, embarrassed to think about his actions that led to my parents' split, but most of all embarrassed to not have a “normal” family. As I grew older, I understood that I could not deflect my feelings and hyperfixate in other areas. I had to accept the fact that my father’s lack of parenting was not my fault; it was only his. As soon as I could understand this concept, I could also understand that I didn’t need to be a sheltered, “perfect” person. I was able to let myself wear new clothes, try new things, and truly come out of my shell. That to me is success. Finding happiness in oneself, without trying to change or fit into a mold that we perceive as ideal is true success in my eyes. Being fulfilled with what you have, whether it be family, an education, or a career, is how I aim to be successful. I aspire to be able to help others who come from broken households, specifically through our legal system as an attorney. Family law is a specialty I am deeply interested in pursuing. By practicing family law, I know I will be able to make a difference and that is how I will be successful. This scholarship will help me work towards my ultimate goal by providing me with relief on the daunting amounts of college costs. I hope you will consider me for this scholarship and hope to have the opportunity to use this scholarship money as I pursue my passion for law and helping others.

From a young age, my family instilled in me the idea that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. They immigrated to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic in the 90s to provide me with the privileges I now hold as a first-generation citizen. I am filled with the utmost pride to be in this position and gratitude for the privileges I hold. I am privileged enough to be able to bring about change by utilizing the endless opportunities available to me; with access to a college education and being able to pursue whatever career path I desire. I refuse to let these privileges go unused. By becoming an attorney, I intend to use this privilege for positive change. I will have the voice to speak for those who have been silenced and give them a chance to accomplish the American dream the same way my grandparents and my mother did. In the wise words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “We must all live together as brothers or perish alone as fools.” In a society that has become increasingly polarized, it is our responsibility as citizens to work together for the betterment of our atmosphere. By first obtaining a bachelor's degree in Political Science and later attending law school, I will gain a profound knowledge of our legal system as well as professional experience in a field I am deeply passionate about. By utilizing all the opportunities granted to me I am determined to bring about a positive change in the courtroom. Specifically, I have found a deep passion for immigration law. Only 37% of immigrants nationwide receive legal counsel at their trials. Countless immigrants end up going against experienced attorneys and a complex legal system all on their own. Inequities like this are what drive my passion for law, and to one day bring change. I hope to tackle this issue either through the courtroom, case by case, or ultimately through legislation. Where there is real ability to positively impact my community. Throughout my high school career, I have joined numerous clubs and organizations that help me as I work towards this goal. The most impactful club I have joined is the Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican-Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute which gave me the opportunity to go to Albany and debate various bills alongside like-minded peers. Furthermore, I’ve also been a part of Mock Trial which allowed me to experience a trial simulation and advocate as an attorney. This opportunity has only furthered my interest in becoming an attorney and also has helped boost my confidence and public speaking skills. By utilizing all the opportunities granted to me I am determined to bring about a positive change in the courtroom. This scholarship will help me manage the overwhelming costs of college and I hope you will consider me for this award.