The people I love, the people I hold dear worked tirelessly to make sure that the next generation could live a better life and be afforded opportunities that they were denied. My grandma was a maid, cleaning people's houses to support her family. My other grandma grew up in a 2 bedroom house with 10 siblings. College wasn't on their minds but instead it was the day to day struggles that made working hard a prerequisite to survive. Every single one of my family members had a dream but their harsh reality made it impossible to attain them. Being a first-generation college student means understanding that your carrying more than just your dreams and aspirations but that your also carrying the sacrifices people made for you to attend a university. I don't take this opportunity lightly and will dedicate every moment this fall to making my loved ones proud. Although I faced challenges, including a near-fatal car accident and the loss of loved ones, I found strength by remembering the sacrifices my mother and grandmothers made. My dream is to become an attorney who stands beside people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I want to advocate for individuals who have been seriously injured in automobile accidents, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. To me, the practice of law is more than a profession, it is an opportunity to use my education to protect the vulnerable, give a voice to those who have been overlooked, and make a lasting difference in the lives of others. The juris doctor degree I am pursuing is not just for myself but will be used for the broader community I intend to serve and fight for. What drives me is knowing that my mother and grandmother spent years of their life pouring into me and making sacrifices so I can be where I'm at today. I am forever grateful for their willingness to put my needs and desires over themselves. Even in the midst of breast cancer my mother still made an effort to check my homework, take me to basketball practice, and cook dinner if she was up to it. My grandma picked me up from school everday always making sure I was well taken care of. Their love and compassion is what drives me to accomplish my goal of becoming the first attorney in our lineage. If awarded this scholarship it would take some financial pressure of my mother and me. In law school you are not allowed to work which means money is tight. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to worry less about how I'll pay for rent and textbooks and spend more of my energy becoming the best law student I can be. I am determined to honor the sacrifices of the generations before me by becoming the first attorney in my family and using my education to serve those who need an advocate the most!

It takes a village to raise a child. I know this from personal experience because while my mom spent the majority of her time working and my dad was absent, my grandmother, whom I call Grammy, became the person who raised me. She was more than a guardian. Grammy was my teacher, my protector, and the person who showed me what unconditional love and sacrifice truly looked like. I remember asking my Grammy as a kid if she could take me to get the "little bitty cheeseburgers." She would smile and say, "Jayden, are you talking about White Castle?" Grammy always made sure my belly was full and that I was well taken care of. She showed her love through food. I can't remember a time I was ever hungry at her house. Her willingness to cook for me and make sure I was fed helped my mom tremendously, especially during times when work left her with little time to prepare meals. Grammy's care extended far beyond the dinner table. Every evening, she would sit beside me as I completed my homework. If I struggled with a math problem or couldn't understand a reading assignment, she never rushed me or became frustrated. Instead, she patiently worked through each problem with me until I understood it. Those evenings taught me more than how to complete a school assignment; they taught me the value of patience, perseverance, and believing in myself even when something seemed difficult. Knowing that someone believed in my ability to succeed gave me the confidence to keep pushing myself academically, a lesson that continues to guide me today. It felt like I had a second mom. A strong Black woman who always had my best interests at heart and still does to this day. She never made me feel like I was anything less than her own grandchild. Whether it was making sure I had everything I needed for school, helping me with my homework, or simply being there to listen, she was always present. As I got older, I began to appreciate my Grammy's honesty even more. She never sugarcoated the truth, and she wasn't afraid to put me in my place when I needed guidance. One thing about my Grammy is that she'll always tell you exactly how she feels, whether it's what you want to hear or not. Because of that, I've always made an effort to run important decisions by her. I trust her judgment because her advice has always come from a place of love. When I was in college, I had my share of difficult days, but my Grammy was always just one phone call away. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, discouraged, or ready to give up, she reminded me to stay strong. Her encouragement gave me the strength to persevere when I needed it most. I'm not sure where I would be without her because she has never been just my Grammy she has been the second parent I never had. Grammy affected my future by building me into the man I am today. She taught me to have good character, to be a gentleman, and overall to be a good person when no one is watching. Without these lessons I wouldn't be where I am today. As I begin law school this fall, I know my Grammy will still be just one phone call away. No matter how challenging my classes become or how overwhelming life may feel, I know she'll be there to encourage me, keep me grounded, and remind me why I started this journey in the first place!

As a first-generation Black college student, I understand that student loan debt is not just a financial burden. It can shape where you live, the jobs you take, and the opportunities you are able to pursue after graduation. Because of this, I have been intentional about reducing my current and future debt while still investing in my education and long-term goals. One of the main ways I have worked to address student debt is by maintaining employment throughout college. I have balanced academics with multiple jobs and leadership positions because I understand the importance of financial responsibility and independence. I have worked as a student employee at my university, a substitute teacher, and in other positions that allowed me to contribute toward educational and personal expenses. Working while attending school has not always been easy, but it has taught me discipline, time management, and resilience. I have also actively pursued scholarships and academic opportunities to reduce the amount I need to borrow. Receiving recognition such as becoming a Bone Scholar at Illinois State University motivated me to continue striving for academic excellence. I view scholarships not only as financial support, but also as opportunities that validate the hard work and sacrifices many students make to pursue higher education. Every scholarship I earn helps reduce the long-term financial pressure that often disproportionately affects students of color. In addition, I have focused on building a strong academic and professional foundation that will allow me to create financial stability in the future. My long-term goal is to attend law school and become an attorney dedicated to helping people harmed by unequal systems and barriers within society. Through internships in the legal field, leadership roles on campus, and public service work, I have already begun preparing for a career centered on advocacy and service. I know that pursuing a legal education can create significant debt, so I am approaching that journey strategically by strengthening my academic profile, seeking merit-based aid, and preparing for scholarship opportunities before law school begins. As someone who has experienced personal and financial challenges, I understand how quickly debt can become overwhelming. Instead of allowing that reality to discourage me, it has motivated me to become proactive and financially aware. I budget carefully, avoid unnecessary expenses, and prioritize opportunities that will create long-term growth rather than short-term comfort. As an upcoming J.D. candidate at the University of Wisconsin Law School, I approach my future student loan debt with the mindset that academic performance is one of the most important investments I can make in myself. I understand that grades in law school can heavily influence career opportunities, scholarships, internships, and future earning potential. Because of this, I am committed to working as hard as possible academically so I can position myself for strong career outcomes after graduation. I view academic excellence not only as a personal goal, but also as a strategy to minimize the long-term impact of student debt by increasing my opportunities for financial stability and professional success. Most importantly, I see education as an investment not only in myself, but also in my community. By reducing my debt burden now, I will have greater freedom in the future to serve others, advocate for marginalized communities, and pursue meaningful work without being entirely limited by financial pressure. This scholarship would help ease the weight of educational costs and allow me to continue building toward a future rooted in service, leadership, and economic stability.

Prompt #2: The Future of Human Connection I am lucky to have experienced a childhood before the wave of technology changed the world. I had neighbors who became my best friends and I'm not sure we would of even met if the iPhone was out. Now we did have nintendo's and gaming devices but playing online hadn't became a phenomenon yet so building real relationships required real human connections. The world as we know it has completely changed. The way we shop is different. The way we keep in contact with friends and family is different. The way we even engage with friends and family even when we our physically around them is different. Technology has stripped us away from the people we love the most. Our attention spans are all not what it used to be as the short videos online have created devatsing lasting effects. I currently work as a elementary school teacher and all of my 1st and 2nd grade kids have phones. They scroll for hours and I will make the prediction this will cause them harm in the long run. Once I leave work I can't even get through a full conversation with my mom without her grabbing her phone. When I get some free time to hang out with friends all of us just sit and scroll on phones. The act of pulling out our phones replaces all of the awkaward silence and fills the void of our instant gratification seeking minds. I remember while I was in college all of the kids woud wait outside of the lecture hall and every single college student would be looking down on their phone. As I looked around at all these kids possessed by their phones I thought to myself what life in college was like in the 80's. Even on the elevators while in college every kid would immediately look down on their phones. I would make the argument phones destroyed a certain part of my college experience. Preservation of human connection is a daunting task because it requires the ability to be uncomfortable. With the rise of technology it has made the average human being progressively lazy and comfortable. If you don't feel like driving to get something to eat you can just download Uber Eats and get it delivered. If you don't know the answer to your homework assignment you can just ask Chat GPT to do it for you. If you don't feel like going to the movies, you can just sit at home and watch Netflix. If you don't feel like going to the mall you can just shop on Amazon. If you don't feel like protesting but have a serious problem with the politicians in office you can just make a tweet on twitter. Step one to fixing the probelm we face with technology is our laziness and it requires a conscious effort from everyone to put ourselves in situations to talk to people. An example of this would be instead of getting food delivered maybe sit down at a restaurant and leave your phone in the car even if your by yourself. This makes you spark a conversation with your server or someone sitting in the proximity of you. Step two requires protest. I believe we can keep putting a band aid on the situation as long as possible but eventually we need to fix the root cause of the problem. AI should be banned from the general public as it collects real people's data and can trick us into seeing things that have never happened. Also technology has put many shopping malls out of business and one of my favorite stores Family Video out of business. Techonology is not only destroying our minds but also the world as we knew it. As a society we need to march to Capitol Hill and demand that certain technological devices and advancements be banned. I am currently on my way to law school and would be devasted if AI took my career away from me like it has already done millions of people. We need to boycott Netflix, Amazon, and any social media built around us looking at a screen. Step three would be to spend our money wisely. Lets spend our money on small businesses instead of big businesses. We have to put our money back in our communities. The moment this happens we slowly start to defund the AI agenda and get back to a world we all miss!

Life is about serving others. I have come to believe that personal success is directly tied to how many people you are able to help and uplift. This belief is not abstract to me, it was shaped by watching my mother fight cancer while continuing to take care of me. Even during one of the hardest battles of her life, she never stopped showing up for others. That example taught me what strength, sacrifice, and service truly look like. The hard work and dedication I plan to invest in earning my Juris Doctor is not just for my own advancement, but for the people I will serve in my community and throughout my career. I aspire to become an attorney who advocates for others, and I understand that success in this field requires not only a strong command of the law, but a deep understanding of people and what they are going through. I plan to build myself through education and through a growing understanding of how the law impacts everyday lives. Upon graduation, I intend to build a law firm focused on criminal defense and personal injury areas where individuals often feel powerless and unheard. My goal is to create a practice that prioritizes trust, clear communication, and relentless advocacy. I want my clients to feel that they are not just cases, but individuals whose lives and futures truly matter. Throughout my career, I will focus on building meaningful relationships with clients by advocating for their needs and pursuing justice on their behalf. However, the most important thing I hope to build is not just a firm, but a lasting impact. I want to build trust within my community, opportunities for those who feel overlooked, and a reputation for standing firm when it matters most. Success, to me, is not measured by titles or financial gain, but by the number of lives I am able to positively influence. The example my mother set showed me that even in the face of adversity, you can still be a source of strength for others. Through my work, I aim to carry that same mindset forward using the law as a tool to serve, to protect, and to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

I want to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector because I have seen firsthand how powerful service can be when it is rooted in consistency, care, and community impact. My commitment to this work is deeply personal through the MW Foundation (Michelle Wilburn Foundation), which I cofounded in honor of my auntie, Michelle Wilburn. The foundation was created to continue her legacy of giving back through education and community support. Through the MW Foundation, I have helped lead initiatives such as back-to-school drives in both Ghana and Chicago. These experiences showed me what it looks like to directly impact students and families who lack access to basic educational resources. Something as simple as school supplies or learning materials can shift a student’s confidence and ability to succeed in the classroom. Being part of that process made me realize that nonprofit work is not abstract instead it creates immediate, tangible change in people’s lives. Growing up in a single-parent household also shaped my understanding of service and resilience. When my mom was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, my family experienced emotional and financial hardship that made me aware of how important support systems are outside of the home. During that time, I learned that communities are often sustained by individuals and organizations willing to step in when others are struggling. That understanding has stayed with me and continues to guide my purpose. Cofounding the MW Foundation has reinforced my desire to dedicate my future to nonprofit and public service work. It has taught me that meaningful impact requires both vision and execution, showing up consistently, organizing effectively, and remaining committed even when recognition is not guaranteed. Whether in Chicago or internationally in Ghana, I have seen how intentional service can bridge gaps in opportunity and access. In the future, I hope to expand this work by combining my legal education with nonprofit leadership. I want to help organizations like the MW Foundation grow their impact, strengthen educational access, and advocate for policies that support underserved communities. My goal is to be in a position where I can not only serve directly, but also help build systems that make that service more sustainable and far-reaching. Ultimately, my commitment to nonprofit work comes from lived experience and active leadership. Cofounding the MW Foundation has shown me that real impact happens when service is intentional, consistent, and rooted in community. That is the kind of work I intend to dedicate my career to.

Nothing was the same after my mom was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. I still remember the day she told me. I was sitting on the carpet playing with my WWE wrestlers, only half listening at first, until the weight of her words settled in. At nine years old, I could not fully understand the medical reality, but I understood enough to know that life at home would change. During her treatment, I witnessed both the physical and emotional toll cancer takes on a person and a family. Chemotherapy changed her strength, her energy, and her daily routines. I watched her go through pain that I could not fully comprehend, and I learned early what it meant to see someone you love fight to stay present for you while also fighting for their own life. As a child, I had to grow up quickly. I began taking on more responsibility at home, not because I was ready, but because I was needed. Those years marked the beginning of my understanding of accountability, discipline, and resilience. What stayed with me most, however, was not just the hardship, but my mom’s consistency as a parent throughout it all. Even while battling cancer as a single mother, she never stopped showing up for me. She drove me to basketball practices, sat through games, cooked dinner after long treatment days, and made sure I had what I needed to succeed in school. There were moments when she was exhausted, but she still found a way to prioritize me. Watching her move through life with that level of strength fundamentally shaped my understanding of sacrifice and love. As I grew older, that foundation carried me into my undergraduate years. I learned how to manage my time, stay disciplined academically, and push through challenges that felt overwhelming. College was not just an academic experience for me, it was a continuation of the responsibility I learned at home. My mom remained my greatest source of motivation. Even when I struggled with stress, coursework, or personal challenges, I knew I was not just working for myself. I was working to honor everything she had endured and everything she had given up to make sure I had opportunities she never had. There were moments in college when I felt the weight of everything at once. Balancing academics, personal responsibilities, and life’s unexpected challenges was not always easy. But my mom continued to be my support system. She reminded me to stay focused, to keep going, and to trust the process even when things felt uncertain. In many ways, she became both my inspiration and my anchor. Today, I am proud to say she is still here to see me reach milestones I once only imagined. She has seen me complete my undergraduate journey, and now she is here as I take the next step toward attending University of Madison Wisconsin Law School. Having her witness this moment means more to me than words can fully express. It represents not just academic achievement, but survival, growth, and perseverance through everything we have faced together. This experience has taught me that adversity does not define your limits, it reveals your strength. My mother’s battle with cancer shaped my childhood, but her resilience shaped my future. It taught me discipline, gratitude, and purpose. As I move forward into law school and beyond, I carry her strength with me. My goal is to continue building a life that honors her sacrifices and to use my education to create opportunities for others who have faced similar challenges.

Mental health is important to me as a student because it directly affects how students learn, perform, and show up in every part of their lives. I have seen how stress, burnout, and lack of support can quietly impact students who are still expected to meet the same academic demands. For me, mental health is not separate from education, it is a foundation for it. In the Fall of 2023 semester my auntie, and both of my grandpa's passed away. This was a devasting year as many of my childhood heroes died in such a short amount of time. All while this is happening I was juggling a social data statistics class which was the hardest class I had ever taken while in undergrad. My mental health was bad and this semster led me straight to therapy. I know how it feels to feel like your entire world is caving in. The sadness and depression I felt that school year was incomprehensible and that's why I take mental health so serious today. I advocate for mental health in my community through both conversation and action. On campus, I was involved with the Student Legislative Advocacy Coalition, where I had the opportunity to go to the capital of Illinois to lobby on behalf of students. We spoke directly with policymakers about the need for mental health days and increased state appropriation funding for student support services. That experience showed me that advocacy is not just about awareness, it is about stepping into spaces where decisions are made and making student voices heard. While in undergrad, I also served as a Student Government Association senator where I hosted a men’s mental health awareness event. In this space, men were given the opportunity to express how they felt in an open group setting, helping to break down stigma around vulnerability and emotional expression. In addition to lobbying and organizing events, I try to normalize conversations about mental health in my everyday interactions. Whether it is with peers or in leadership spaces, I emphasize the importance of balance, rest, and support systems. I believe students should not have to choose between their mental well-being and their academic success. Moving forward, I plan to continue advocating for policies and resources that prioritize student mental health. My goal is to help create environments where students are not only expected to succeed, but are also supported in the process of doing so.

Coming from a single-parent household shaped my understanding of perseverance at an early age. When my mom was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, I witnessed firsthand what it meant to endure hardship without giving up. Despite the physical and emotional toll, she continued to provide for me, showing me what resilience truly looks like. At the same time, I had to grow up quickly, taking on responsibilities at home and learning how to stay disciplined even when life felt uncertain. Financially and emotionally, there were challenges, but those experiences pushed me to take my education seriously. I understood that success would not be handed to me, it would require consistency, focus, and effort. That mindset has guided me throughout my academic career and continues to motivate me to pursue excellence. I plan to use my experiences to make a positive impact by advocating for others who come from similar backgrounds. As someone pursuing a career in law, I want to help individuals who lack access to resources and fair representation. I am actively working toward this goal through my academics, leadership roles, and involvement in my community, building the skills necessary to create meaningful change. My upbringing did not limit me, it strengthened me. It taught me how to persevere, and more importantly, how to use that perseverance to uplift others and create opportunities for those who may not otherwise have them.

Growing up, what made me stand out was not something obvious like how I looked, but how I carried myself. I was often told I was “too serious” for my age. I did not enjoy dancing at parties, and I often saw the activities my peers found fun as mundane or even childish. Instead, I was drawn to reading, playing chess, and learning about the stock market. To most people, my lifestyle seemed boring, and in many ways, it still does. That difference became more noticeable in college. I often felt out of place because my priorities did not align with the typical college experience. I did not participate in smoking or drinking, which made it harder to connect with others socially. Over time, this created a sense of isolation. I started to question myself. Was I missing out? Would I regret not taking advantage of what many people call the “best years” of their lives? I followed a very structured and disciplined path, and while it did leave me with some regrets, it also gave me clarity and stability. I watched some of my peers become overwhelmed financially and emotionally from constantly chasing nightlife and short-term enjoyment. That contrast taught me an important lesson: life is about balance. Looking back, I do wish I allowed myself to enjoy certain moments more, especially since COVID took away milestones like my prom and senior year of high school. At the same time, I appreciate the foundation I built by staying focused. My discipline helped me stay on track academically and positioned me for long-term success. What once felt like an awkward difference has become my greatest strength. My seriousness, discipline, and ability to think long-term continue to guide my decisions. Moving forward, I plan to carry that same mindset while also embracing balance, ensuring that I not only build a successful future but also fully experience the journey along the way. While other kids focused on what was happening in the moment, I was thinking ahead. I paid attention to responsibilities, to structure, to what needed to get done. That mindset really developed when my mom was battling stage 2 breast cancer. At a young age, I had to step into a role that most kids around me didn’t understand. I was helping around the house, cooking meals, and making sure things stayed in order. Because of that, I didn’t always relate to people my age in the same way. Conversations, priorities, and even how I spent my time felt different. At times, it was isolating. It felt like I had skipped a phase of childhood that everyone else was still in. That became my “awkward” thing not fitting neatly into the expectations of what someone my age was supposed to be like. But over time, I realized that what made me different was also what made me strong. Being “too serious” meant I was dependable. It meant I could handle pressure. It meant I didn’t run from responsibility when things got difficult. That difference has shaped how I approach everything in my life today. Whether it’s my academics, my leadership roles, or my future career goals, I approach them with intention and discipline. I don’t wait to be told what to do, I take initiative. I don’t shy away from challenges, I step into them. Now, instead of seeing that part of myself as something awkward, I see it as an advantage. It set me apart early, and it continues to push me forward. What once made me feel out of place is now the foundation of my ambition.

Nothing was the same after I learned my mom had been diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. I still remember the day she told me. I was sitting on the carpet playing with my WWE wrestlers, only half listening at first, until the weight of her words settled in. At nine years old, I could not fully grasp the medical reality, but I understood enough to know that my life was about to change. In the months that followed, I witnessed the physical and emotional toll that chemotherapy took on her. I watched her screaming in agony from losing her toenails, and I saw the quiet devastation in her eyes as she lost her hair. The hardest part was not just seeing her suffer, but realizing that the roles in our household were shifting. My routine changed almost overnight. Instead of playing after school, I learned how to cook dinner, keep the house in order, and help my mom rest when she was too weak to care for herself. One moment stands out clearly. One night, after helping her into bed, I sat alone in the kitchen, staring at the stove. In that moment, I knew I was turning from a boy into a man. There was no one else to rely on but me. I felt fear, but I chose to act rather than retreat. I made dinner, cleaned up, and prepared everything for the next day. It was a small act, but it marked a turning point where responsibility replaced the fun and games I was so used to. That experience forced me to grow up quickly, but it also shaped how I approach challenges today. I learned how to remain steady in moments of uncertainty, how to prioritize the needs of others, and how to take initiative even when I feel unprepared. Most importantly, it instilled in me a sense of responsibility and purpose that continues to guide my future. My mom fought and beat cancer, and her strength inspires me every day. As a single parent, she never gave up, even in the face of unimaginable hardship. This experience taught me to take life seriously, because the life you know can change overnight. My mom is my hero, not only because she beat cancer, but because she provided for me and shaped me into the man I am today. Even during and after her battle, she showed up for me in ways I will never forget. She drove me to basketball practice every night. She made sure dinner was on the table. When the seasons changed, she made sure I had a warm winter coat. Those moments may seem small, but they reflect a level of sacrifice and consistency that defined my upbringing. As I have gotten older, I have come to understand that her sacrifices were not easy, especially as a single parent. That realization has given me a sense of responsibility. I feel a duty to honor everything she poured into me. The way I do that now is through my education. I take my academics seriously because I know they are a pathway to opportunities she worked hard to make possible. In the future, I hope to turn that effort into a career that allows me to give back to her in meaningful ways. Something as simple as taking her on a trip to Hawaii, a place she has always dreamed of visiting, represents more than a vacation. It represents gratitude, sacrifice coming full circle, and the chance to give her the same care and joy she always gave me. As an aspiring attorney I have realized early my diploma is not only meant to serve myself, but my community, family, and society as a whole. If awarded this scholarship it would allow me to be able to study stress free knowing that my rent will be covered and I have groceries in the refrigerator. This scholarship would help me tremendously as I am not allowed to have a job my first year of law school. Not being able to work my first year is a burden, but I am confident that through the lessons my mom taught me, I will be fine!

My interest in free expression is rooted in both my academic journey and my direct engagement with advocacy and public policy. As a sociology student preparing to attend law school, I have come to understand that free expression is not only a constitutional right, but a necessary tool for ensuring that institutions remain responsive to the people they serve. As an aspiring attorney my future career will be built upon free speech and advocating for others through the law. I feel that it is my duty not only as a future attorney but as a citizen to use my voice to help people in need. As a Student Government Senator, I actively worked to elevate student voices that might otherwise go unheard. I canvassed Tri Towers, conducting in-person surveys to better understand barriers students faced in accessing tutoring services. These conversations were not just about gathering data. They were about creating spaces for students to express concerns about academic support, equity, and institutional accountability. Many students shared frustrations they had not previously voiced, reinforcing my belief that access to expression is often tied to whether individuals feel heard and taken seriously. This experience extended beyond campus. My work ultimately led me to the Illinois State Capitol, where I advocated for increased state appropriation funding. In that setting, free expression took on a different form. It became the ability to translate student concerns into policy arguments and present them before decision-makers with the power to act. Lobbying required not only confidence, but a strong understanding of how to responsibly and effectively use one’s voice in spaces where competing interests are constantly at play. At the same time, these experiences exposed the limitations of free expression. Not all voices carry equal weight, and not all concerns are met with the same urgency. I observed how structural barriers, including funding priorities and political considerations, can shape which voices are amplified and which are overlooked. This reality has strengthened my commitment to ensuring that free expression is not only protected in theory, but made meaningful in practice. My academic work in sociology has deepened this understanding by highlighting how systems of inequality influence whose speech is legitimized. It has pushed me to think critically about the role of law in protecting not just the right to speak, but the ability to be heard without fear of dismissal or retaliation. As I prepare to attend law school, I am committed to advancing free expression through legal advocacy. I aspire to become an attorney who ensures that individuals, especially those from marginalized communities, are not only free to speak, but are empowered to influence the systems that affect their lives. Free expression is most powerful when it leads to action. My experiences have shown me that when people are given the opportunity to speak and are taken seriously, meaningful change can follow.