Growing up in a lower socio-economic household, finding a way to entertain oneself was always an adventure. I remember my family purchasing a game cube and spending countless hours marveling over this incredible piece of technology. Me and my father did not have a lot of things in common, but despite the difference in our interests, we could always come together for a game of Mario party. We would play Mario Party 4 for hours upon hours. Unlocking a new game, or character, or map always stoked my curiosity and excitement. Mario Party was the perfect balance of luck, skill, and fun. While their were always some blow out rounds, the majority were always came down to the last roll of the dice. Now I am an adult and my father is a grandfather. A lot has changed, but my love for Nintendo has not waned. Recently my father was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and had a week long stay at the hospital where we did not know if he would make it. After my father made it out and came home, I decided to pull out the Wii (our old Game Cube was lost to time) and pulled out old copy of Mario Party 4. We spent that weekend lost in mini games and Mario.

Growing up in a lower socio-economic household where multiple family members struggled with addiction, it was easy to feel like I had no control over my life. I new that if I was to escape my situation, I had to leave. I joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard during my senior year of High School and subsequently attended Penn State University where I majored in Criminology. I worked part time while navigating the rigors of academic life. At the same time I had a need to serve my local community, so I ran for my local districts school board and was elected when I was just nineteen years old. I commuted back home on a biweekly base for 6 years while I attended college. Balancing life in the military, with academics, a part time job, and local political service was not easy. But I firmly believe that these obstacles were placed in my path, not to slow me down, but to better prepare me for a future in law, reform, and service. Despite my upbringing, I realize that I am still privileged in many ways. Towards the end of my time in college I decided to join Teach for America to serve as a Secondary English Teacher in Baltimore City. My time teaching in Baltimore City has exposed me to the true nature educational inequity and the impact that trauma can have on a child's life and education. I was fortunate enough to have my school district partially fund my M.S. in Educational studies from Johns Hopkins University, but for many of my students, they lack either the resources or the knowledge of how to further their own education. If I ever felt bad about my own life and upbringing, my students remind me constantly through their own stories of how fortunate I truly am. I consider myself one of the lucky ones who made it out of a bad home situation, but the truth is that luck is only one part of the equation. For my students, their chances of success are lower by virtue of the zip code they were born into. Everyday I bring my own unique perspective and life experience with me to the classroom and beyond. As a leader who is resilient, authentic, and empathetic, I have collaborated with others to enact systemic change to provide equitable funding and opportunities for all students independent of background and socio-economic status to ensure all students receive the tools necessary to pursue a career in the 21st century. As a future lawyer, I believe I will have the opportunity to further expand the opportunities and resources for those who have experienced trauma. I want to be an advocate for victim's rights and to ensure that the promise of equality is upheld in this country. Everyday I witness inequity in various sectors in our country, from education to the law. My goal is not just to continue to defend those who cannot defend themselves, but to arm those who have been a victim or dealt with trauma, so that they can have the power to make a difference themselves.

Over the course of my life, I have often found myself grappling with the consequences of legal ignorance within my community. Friends and family from various walks of life would frequently encounter legal challenges, ranging from work place discrimination to criminal allegations, without the necessary understanding of their rights or the legal avenues available to them. One particular incident that left a lasting impression on me occurred when a close friend was sexually assaulted and struggled to navigate the legal system. Initially I was able to help my friend to secure a PFA against their assaulter and place them in contact with the necessary resources to pursue further legal protections. My friends abuser was able to mount a rigorous legal defense while my friend was unable to secure a suitable attorney. Witnessing their frustration and the impact it had on their life underscored the critical importance of legal literacy in ensuring fair treatment and access to justice for all. Motivated by this experience, I resolved to pursue a legal education. I recognized that acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the law would not only empower me to navigate legal challenges in my own life but also enable me to advocate effectively on behalf of others who may find themselves in similar predicaments. A legal education fosters critical thinking and analytical skills. Law school challenges students to analyze legal problems from multiple perspectives, apply logical reasoning to arrive at sound conclusions, and communicate their arguments persuasively. These skills are invaluable not only in the practice of law but also in various other professional settings where the ability to analyze complex information and make informed decisions is essential. Furthermore, a legal education promotes lifelong learning and adaptability. The law is constantly evolving in response to societal changes, technological advancements, and shifting cultural norms. Lawyers must stay abreast of these developments and continually update their knowledge and skills to remain effective practitioners. Law school instills in students the importance of continuous learning and equips them with the tools to adapt to new challenges and opportunities throughout their careers. Lastly, a legal education opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities beyond traditional legal practice. Many employers value the analytical, research, and communication skills that are honed in law school, making law graduates attractive candidates for roles in business, government, nonprofit organizations, and academia. In summary, a legal education is important because it provides the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation necessary for success in the legal profession and beyond. It empowers individuals to navigate complex legal issues, think critically and ethically, and adapt to a rapidly changing world.

Growing up in a lower socio-economic household where addiction affected multiple members of my family, it was easy to feel like I had no control. I felt like the world was inherently unequal. I want to practice law because I believe in justice and fairness. Law is not just a profession for me; it's a means to contribute positively to society by upholding the principles of equality and protecting the rights of individuals. I am passionate about using my knowledge and skills to advocate for those who may not have a voice and to ensure that the legal system serves everyone equally. Ultimately, practicing law allows me to make a meaningful difference in people's lives and to work towards creating a more just and equitable world. One aspect of practicing law that resonates deeply with me is the opportunity to be a champion for those who may not have the means or resources to navigate the complexities of the legal system on their own. This includes marginalized communities, individuals facing discrimination or injustice, and those who are voiceless in the face of powerful adversaries. I am passionate about using my legal expertise to advocate for their rights, amplify their voices, and ensure that they receive fair treatment under the law. The intellectual challenges inherent in the legal profession fascinate me. Law is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, requiring practitioners to continuously engage with complex legal concepts, precedent, and statutes. I am energized by the prospect of delving into intricate legal issues, conducting rigorous research, and crafting persuasive arguments to advance the interests of my clients or uphold the principles of justice. Practicing law offers a platform for me to contribute positively to broader societal changes. Whether through pro bono work, advocacy efforts, or participation in policy debates, lawyers have the opportunity to address systemic injustices and promote legal reforms that benefit society as a whole. I am committed to leveraging my legal skills and knowledge to drive meaningful progress on issues such as civil rights, environmental protection, and access to justice. In essence, practicing law represents more than just a career path for me; it embodies a profound sense of purpose and responsibility. It allows me to merge my passion for justice with my intellectual curiosity, while also providing a platform to effectuate positive change in the world. I am eager to embark on this journey and to contribute my skills and dedication to the noble pursuit of justice through the practice of law.