One of the most pressing issues facing the criminal justice system today is the lack of equitable access to justice—especially for marginalized individuals who cannot afford quality legal representation. Whether it’s the overburdened public defender system, the complexity of legal language, or the systemic biases that shape outcomes, too many people are left navigating a system that feels stacked against them. As someone who has experienced what it means to be unheard, I’m deeply committed to changing that. My journey into the legal field began not with textbooks, but with silence. Growing up in China with untreated hearing loss, I often felt invisible—misunderstood, mislabeled, and left out of conversations that shaped my world. After being adopted and receiving a BAHA hearing aid, I began to hear clearly for the first time. But more importantly, I began to understand the power of being heard. That experience planted the seed for my passion: ensuring that others—especially those overlooked by systems—have a voice and a fair shot at justice. Now, as a full-time student at Arizona Western College pursuing an AA in Paralegal Studies, I’m building the foundation for a career in law that centers ethical advocacy and access. I’ve taken every opportunity to immerse myself in the criminal justice realm, starting with my role as a peer tutor. While not a courtroom, the tutoring center is a space where I practice active listening, empathy, and clear communication—skills essential to legal work. I’ve helped students navigate academic challenges that mirror the confusion many face in legal settings: unfamiliar language, fear of failure, and the need for someone to believe in them. Beyond tutoring, I’ve produced a self-study video project focused on listening as a justice tool. I interviewed peers from diverse backgrounds, researched communication theory, and used metaphor and storytelling to explore how listening can transform relationships and systems. This project wasn’t just academic—it was personal. It helped me articulate how my own growth from silence to self-advocacy mirrors the journey many defendants face when trying to be heard in court. These experiences have propelled my career forward by sharpening my ability to connect, reflect, and advocate. They’ve taught me that justice isn’t just about laws—it’s about people. And that ethical representation means more than knowing statutes; it means understanding stories. In my future career as a corporate lawyer, I plan to focus on ethical compliance and contracts, ensuring that businesses operate with transparency and fairness. But I also want to use my platform to advocate for reform—supporting policies that reduce barriers to legal access, simplify legal language, and strengthen public defender resources. I’m inspired by current reform efforts that aim to protect the presumption of innocence, reduce sentencing disparities, and treat people humanely during incarceration. I believe lawyers have a responsibility not just to serve clients, but to serve justice. Ultimately, I see my role as a bridge—between silence and speech, confusion and clarity, exclusion and inclusion. I want to be the kind of lawyer who listens before speaking, who sees the human behind the case, and who uses every contract, consultation, and courtroom moment to make justice more accessible. Because I know what it feels like to be unheard. And I’ve made it my mission to ensure others don’t have to feel that way.

I used to think my story was too complicated to tell. Too many shifts, too many versions of me. But now I see that every chapter—every messy, beautiful turn—has shaped who I am today. I was born in China, where I spent much of my early childhood feeling isolated and unheard. I struggled with hearing loss that went undiagnosed for years. I didn’t know how to explain the silence I lived in, and I didn’t know how to ask for help. I was labeled as wild, reckless, and difficult. And maybe I was—but mostly, I was trying to survive in a world that didn’t know how to listen to me. Everything changed when I was adopted and moved to the U.S. My mom saw me—not just the noise or the confusion, but the person underneath. With her support and the gift of a BAHA hearing aid, I began to hear the world clearly for the first time. But more importantly, I began to hear myself. That’s when my journey of self-awareness began. I started practicing mindfulness, journaling, and asking hard questions—not just about who I was, but who I wanted to become. I discovered that listening is more than a skill—it’s a way of honoring people. And I realized that I wanted to build a life rooted in justice, empathy, and ethical leadership. Now, I’m a full-time student at Arizona Western College, pursuing an AA in Paralegal Studies. I live in the dorms, work part-time, and balance a schedule that sometimes feels like a high-wire act. But I love it. I love the challenge, the growth, and the chance to help others find their voice—especially through tutoring and creative projects. One of my proudest moments was producing a self-study video on listening. I blended personal narrative, research, and peer interviews to explore how listening shapes identity. It wasn’t just an academic project—it was a reflection of everything I’ve lived. I used metaphor, storytelling, and vulnerability to connect with others. And in doing so, I found a deeper sense of purpose. My passions are rooted in law, communication, and ethical impact. I plan to transfer to a four-year university, earn a bachelor’s in legal studies, and eventually attend law school to become a corporate lawyer. But not the kind who hides behind jargon and loopholes—I want to be the kind who builds trust, advocates for fairness, and makes compliance feel human. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present. It’s about listening when it’s inconvenient, showing up when it’s hard, and speaking truth even when your voice shakes. I carry that into every tutoring session, every group project, and every quiet moment of reflection. I still wrestle with doubts. I still wonder if I’m taking on too much. But I’ve learned to reframe that fear as capacity. I’m not “too much”—I’m just growing. And every time I choose growth over comfort, I honor the kid who once felt invisible. This is my story. It’s layered, imperfect, and still unfolding. But it’s mine. And I’m proud of it.

I still remember the moment I truly heard someone for the first time—not just their words, but their heart. I was tutoring a classmate who struggled with math, and instead of jumping in with solutions, I paused and listened. He didn’t need formulas—he needed patience, presence, and someone who believed in him. That moment reminded me of the grace I’ve received in my own life, and it clarified my calling: to become a Christian legal leader who listens deeply, advocates boldly, and serves with integrity. Growing up with hearing loss in China, I often felt invisible. After receiving a BAHA hearing aid and moving to the U.S., I began to experience the world in a new way—not just through sound, but through connection. My faith played a central role in that transformation. It taught me that every person is created in God’s image and worthy of dignity, compassion, and justice. These beliefs now shape how I see the law—not as a tool for power, but as a framework for restoration. As I pursue an associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies at Arizona Western College, I’m laying the groundwork for a legal career rooted in Christian ethics. My short-term goal is to complete foundational and specialized coursework while working part-time to support my education. I plan to transfer to a four-year university, earn a bachelor’s degree in legal studies, and eventually attend law school to earn a J.D. Throughout this journey, I will seek internships and mentorships that allow me to serve others and grow in wisdom and humility. My Christian values—honesty, compassion, accountability, and servant leadership—will guide how I navigate the legal world. In a field often driven by competition and profit, I want to be a lawyer who prioritizes truth over convenience and people over prestige. Whether I’m drafting contracts, advising clients, or advocating for ethical compliance, I will strive to reflect Christ’s love through my actions and decisions. I am especially passionate about corporate law because it offers a unique opportunity to influence systems and structures that affect countless lives. I want to help businesses operate with integrity, ensuring that their practices align not only with legal standards but with moral responsibility. By promoting transparency and ethical decision-making, I hope to create ripple effects that extend beyond boardrooms—into families, communities, and society at large. As a Christian legal leader, I also feel called to address issues of accessibility and inclusion. Having experienced isolation firsthand, I understand the importance of being heard and understood. Through legal advocacy, I want to help create environments where marginalized voices are uplifted and where justice is not just a concept, but a lived reality. Ultimately, my goal is not just to succeed in law, but to serve through it. I believe that faith and justice are deeply intertwined, and I want my career to reflect that truth. Whether I’m mentoring young professionals, shaping policy, or simply listening to someone who feels unheard, I will carry my beliefs into every courtroom, office, and conversation. Because to me, being a Christian legal leader means more than knowing the law—it means living it with love.

Education is the cornerstone of my future. It’s not just a pathway to a career—it’s the key to unlocking my voice, refining my writing, and preparing me to advocate for others as a lawyer. As a full-time student at Arizona Western College, I’m pursuing an associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies while working part-time to support my education. This balance reflects my determination to build a meaningful life through discipline, self-reliance, and purpose. My academic journey begins with core courses in math, English, science, and history—subjects that sharpen my analytical thinking and communication skills. These foundational classes are essential for developing the clarity and precision required in legal writing and argumentation. As I progress, I’ll transition into specialized paralegal coursework, including Introduction to Law, Legal Procedures, Legal Writing, Business Law for Paralegals, Legal Research, Legal Interviewing, Investigation, Report Writing, and Computerized Law Office and Litigation Support. Completing these courses will earn me a certificate in paralegal studies, equipping me with practical legal skills and hands-on experience. Once I complete my associate’s degree, I plan to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in law or legal studies. I’m considering institutions such as California Baptist University, UCLA, Grand Canyon University, Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, and Ivy League schools that align with my academic and financial goals. During my undergraduate studies, I intend to apply for internships in legal offices to gain real-world experience and deepen my understanding of the legal system. My long-term goal is to attend law school and earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Preparing for and passing the LSAT will be a critical step in this journey. I’m already working to strengthen my writing, critical reasoning, and legal vocabulary to ensure I’m ready for the challenges ahead. Once I’ve completed law school, I plan to begin my career as a corporate lawyer, helping businesses navigate legal compliance, contracts, and regulatory issues with integrity and transparency. But my vision extends beyond personal success. I want to use my legal expertise to make a positive impact on society. Over the next thirty to forty years, I hope to advocate for ethical business practices, shape legal policies, and contribute to a justice system that serves all people fairly. Whether through litigation, consulting, or policy work, I aim to be a voice for accountability and equity in the corporate world. My commitment to justice is deeply personal. Growing up with hearing loss in China, I often felt isolated and unheard. After receiving a BAHA hearing aid and moving to the U.S., I began to experience the power of being truly listened to. That transformation taught me the value of deep listening—not just with ears, but with empathy and presence. It’s influenced how I build relationships, how I tutor others, and how I approach law: with mindfulness, compassion, and a commitment to understanding before judging. One social issue I’m passionate about is accessibility—not just in terms of disability rights, but in how we communicate, educate, and include diverse voices. Through tutoring, creative projects, and active listening, I’m working to create inclusive spaces where every voice matters. I believe that legal systems should reflect the lived experiences of those they serve, and I want to be part of the movement that makes that happen. Education is my tool. Law is my language. And justice is my mission.

As a full-time student at Arizona Western College, I am working toward my associate's degree in paralegal studies while working part-time to help me pay for college. I began college this past spring semester by taking four general education classes. Because English is not my first language, the biggest challenges I have faced so far are writing essays and giving oral presentations. I diligently practice English daily to become fluent. I work hard, push myself, and willingly take extra credit to improve my grades. I am building skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. I dedicate time to each subject by working on homework, practicing tests, and completing writing exercises. The tutors who are available at AWC provide constructive feedback that helps me improve my writing skills. One of my short-term goals is to develop my unique style and rely less on tutors and online grammar tools, allowing my personality, voice, and tone to shine through in my writing. My professors and mom have advised me that the more I practice, the easier it will become. I am currently taking a summer English class. I am eager to learn as much as I can from my schooling. This scholarship will help me pay for college, easing my financial burden and allowing me to reduce my hours at work. As a result, I will have more time to focus on studying while worrying less about how I will pay for school.