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Julissa Espinoza

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Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Public Relations
  • Law
  • Research
  • Ethnic Studies
  • Politics and Political Science
  • Public Policy

Reading

  • Academic
  • Cultural
  • Self-Help
  • Education
  • Labor
  • Law
  • Psychology
  • Folk Tales

I read books daily.

Bio

Greetings, I am a first-generation, low-income Latina, from a rural town in the Central Valley. Coming from parents of immigrants, and residing in rural California, I have first-hand experience of the lack of representation and exploitation that is commonly occurring in immigrant communities. From this, I have learned to be strong in the face of adversity and take up space and utilize these platforms to amplify the voices of those oppressed. Because of these meaningful intersectionalities, I have been involved with my on-campus organization that advocates for racial and educational equity and have been involved with volunteer opportunities where I have worked as an interpreter for asylum interviews and been engaged in research revolving around labor and employment. Now currently attending the University of California, Berkeley where I am studying political science and ethnic studies. After receiving my B.A.'s, I plan to apply to law schools to pursue my J.D. My goal is to become an immigration or civil attorney and dedicate my time to public service, research, and education. I aspire to continue expanding on my research and collaborate with other professionals that focus on youth immigrants in rural California to find solutions to ensure the emotional health of migrant families and communities.

Education

University of California-Berkeley

Bachelor's degree program

2020 – 2023

Majors:
  • Ethnic Studies
  • Political Science and Government

Shasta College

Associate's degree program

2018 – 2020

Majors:
  • Political Science and Government

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
University of California-Berkeley, University of California-Los Angeles, University of California-Davis, University of Southern California, Stanford University
Medical school interest:
No

Career

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Law Practice
Dream career goals:
Immigration Attorney
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Politics
  • Volunteering
  • Entrepreneurship
Bold Loving Others Scholarship
While I am not someone who is physically or verbally affectionate, I find others ways to display my appreciation. That is, through a plate of food. The nourishment of others is a primary need that I am able to have a sense of direct impact. I think of their beautiful characteristics or reflect back on what I remember they are fond of. For example, my sister is this corny, tough, but sweet person. A little home-bodied, yet, loves a sense of adventure. Through this, I think of bbq ribs. This is her favorite dish. Thus, I use the excuse of "having made too much" so she can come over and share a meal with me. I firmly believe no person should go hungry. Whether that be packing snacks in my backpack to hand out to my friends while we are studying, or the homeless people that I encounter. While I do not have much to give, my small gesture of food giving is given with all the willingness of my heart.
Bold Joy Scholarship
Isn't it lovely? How the sun greets me with warm kisses on my face. The smell of my brewed coffee I embrace. I immerse this moment as I brace, for the upcoming stakes. The tears running down my face as they race. To seeing a car taking up my space. Oh, what a sweet surprise...my mother's precious face. With her phrase, "Here, I brought some food just in case." Suddenly there were no heavy weights, I go and open the gates, the sweet warmth of her arms I embrace. In this life, everything is placed And I am most certain that it never makes mistakes. Sometimes we are void of that warmth and have lying debates, and all it takes is for someone to step in and simply give it grace. Remember these moments for they are not to waste. I hope a part of this poem you are able to paste and if someone hasn't said it yet, I will just in case. Life is not a race, Enjoy the journey and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Great sorrows, I have faced. However, find your why and believe me, you'll end up in a great place. For me, it was the love of my mother that I can never displace. These are the moments in life you can never erase. Don't let it go to waste.
Julissa Espinoza Student Profile | Bold.org