In the eighth grade, I was assigned to read Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill A Mockingbird. Atticus Finch’s closing argument in the trial of Tom Robinson left an imprint on me and watching Gregory Peck perform his monologue in the film adaptation made that imprint permanent. Finch strikes upon the opportunity to defend someone who simply cannot defend themselves. He has no monetary or prideful reason for accepting to be Robinson’s lawyer other than no one else would do it. At the time, I discovered that this was the philosophy I needed to live by. In college, I heard about Steven Donziger, an environmental lawyer who took on Chevron for polluting the Ecuadorian Rainforest and won. I had an interest in environmental conservation before, but this deeply inspired me to pursue a career in environmental law. This man could have done anything with his law degree but instead was willing to sacrifice for the greater good of the world. The environment has been in the same position as Tom Robinson, in the sense of not being able to defend itself in the court of law, and in desperate need of representation. Donziger and Finch both provided that representation, now I need to do it too. The Elizabeth Haub School of Law is a place where I believe I can accomplish my dream, and while doing so, can add to the excellence that is embodied by Pace University. This institution is one of the best schools for Environmental Law. Even though I have been a student at Pace for only two months, I have found that Pace's values are directly aligned with not just my own but with Atticus Finch's as well. Even outside of my career aspirations, I pride myself on defending and supporting people who are not able to do so themselves. From my experience, to be deprived of representation in any situation is a tragedy. If you have the eye for it, you will find there are "Tom Robinsons" everywhere, and there always will be. As long as there is life, there will be a need for people like Atticus Finch. Although there are other opportunities to fulfill this opportunity besides a career in law, I have discovered that being a lawyer will be my path to executing the virtues I have discussed. The law constantly evolves in the hopes of the betterment of the people. In other words, in becoming a lawyer, I will possess the ability to create change. In the wrong hands, this can be and sometimes is a detriment to society. I full-heartedly believe I do not fall into that categorization, and neither did Atticus Finch.