Being a first-generation college student has shaped not only how I view my career goals but how I view my purpose. Growing up, I didn't have a roadmap when it came to navigating higher education or the systems that were often built to work against me. Instead, I had to learn by doing, from filling out financial aid forms on my own, researching opportunities late at night, and becoming my own advocate in spaces where my family’s experiences could not guide me. While this made the journey harder, it also made it more meaningful. Because nothing was handed to me, I approach my future with intention. I know what it is like to feel unseen in classrooms, overlooked by institutions, and underestimated because of circumstances I didn’t choose. These experiences shaped my desire to pursue a career in law and public service. I want to ensure that people who come from backgrounds like mine don’t have to fight as hard just to be heard or supported. My goal is not simply to succeed for myself, but to use my education to create pathways for others, whether that’s as a criminal defense attorney, a policymaker, or one day, a judge. Being first-generation also taught me resilience. When you’re the first to break barriers in your family, you learn to turn uncertainty into motivation. You learn that setbacks don’t define you—how you respond to them does. This mindset will guide me throughout my career, especially as I advocate for fairness, equity, and justice within systems that desperately need reform. Most importantly, my identity as a first-generation student pushes me to lead with empathy. I understand the importance of access, support, and representation because I grew up without them. And that understanding fuels my commitment to create change that reaches far beyond myself. In many ways, being first-generation is my “why”; the reason I dream big, the reason I work hard, and the reason I am determined to build a future where no student’s potential is limited by their background.

I am the second oldest of ten children, all raised by a single mother. Growing up, my mom was often emotionally unavailable, and as a child, I didn’t understand why. I only saw a woman who seemed distant at times, who worked constantly, and who didn’t always have the energy to express affection the way other parents did. But as I got older, I began to realize how much pain and pressure she carried alone. I understood that single mothers often go through silent battles that few can see or appreciate. Despite the torment and exhaustion, my mother never gave up on us. She made sure that even when she had little, we had enough. My mother wasn’t wealthy, but she was determined. She worked tirelessly to keep a roof over our heads, food on the table, and hope in our hearts. No matter how difficult life became, she found ways to give us joy. She made sacrifices I can only now begin to comprehend. Looking back, I see that her emotional distance wasn’t from a lack of love—it was the result of the constant burden of having to be everything at once: the provider, protector, nurturer, and teacher. What stands out most about my mother is that she never wanted me to become like her—she wanted me to become better. Most parents hope their children will follow in their footsteps, but my mom encouraged me to walk a different path. She pushed me to stay focused, chase my goals, and create a life with more peace and opportunity than she ever had. That kind of love—the kind that challenges you to outgrow your circumstances—is rare and powerful. Through her, I learned perseverance and strength. My mom became my rock, not because she never struggled, but because she kept going no matter what. She taught me that strength isn’t the absence of pain—it’s the decision to keep showing up in spite of it. From her example, I learned the value of empathy, discipline, and resilience. I learned to love unconditionally, to maintain healthy boundaries, and to never give so much of myself that I lose who I am. Because of my mother’s strength, sacrifice, and determination to give me more, I achieved accomplishments that once felt impossible. I graduated high school a year early, and at just seventeen years old, I began attending a four-year university. I am now on track to graduate college early as well. Every milestone I reach is a reflection of the foundation my mother laid—one built on discipline, resilience, and belief in myself. Her influence has also shaped my dreams for the future. I plan to establish a nonprofit organization that supports youth while offering programs to help their parents—both mentally and physically. I also aspire to become a lawyer and advocate for people who feel unheard or without hope. Even when she struggled to pay the bills, my mom still made sandwiches for the homeless. That simple act of kindness taught me that compassion doesn’t depend on circumstance—it’s a reflection of who you are. Because of her, I am hardworking, compassionate, and determined to make a difference. Her strength lives in me, and everything I achieve is a reflection of her love and perseverance.

I am a 19-year-old generational chain-breaker. I come from a background that often surprises people when they learn what I have accomplished and how I carry myself. As an African American first-generation college student who graduated high school early and is on track to do the same in college, I have always been driven by one purpose: to give hope to those who feel like they have none and to prove that our beginnings do not have to define our futures. Growing up with a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for my family taught me the meaning of perseverance, sacrifice, and compassion. I witnessed firsthand the emotional and financial toll that comes with trying to provide stability while fighting unseen battles. There were moments when the uncertainty of life felt overwhelming, yet my mother’s strength inspired me to keep pushing forward. From her, I learned that true strength lies not in what you have but in what you are willing to overcome. Those experiences shaped my determination to build a nonprofit organization that uplifts children and families facing similar challenges. My dream is to remove barriers, create opportunity, and ensure that no child feels forgotten or unsupported, regardless of their background or circumstance. My nonprofit will serve as a safe haven where children can learn, grow, and dream freely. It will provide tutoring, mentorship, and mental health support so that students receive both academic and emotional guidance. I want to create a space where children can simply be kids—where they can play, laugh, and express themselves without fear. The goal is to give them a sense of normalcy, security, and hope. For parents, the organization will offer support groups, financial literacy programs, and transportation to work, school, or medical appointments. It will also connect families with employment opportunities, food pantries, and community resources that strengthen family stability. My vision is to create a true home away from home—a foundation built on love, education, and community that uplifts both the child and the parent. Beyond this mission, I plan to pursue a career in law as a criminal defense attorney. My goal is to ensure fair and equal representation for all, especially for individuals from minority communities who are too often failed by the justice system. Many public defenders are overworked and underfunded, which can lead to rushed cases, wrongful convictions, and generational harm. I want to help change that reality. Through dedication, empathy, and integrity, I will work to restore faith in justice and offer pro bono legal services to those who cannot afford them. Everyone deserves a fair chance, regardless of their financial situation or where they come from. Everyone may not be guaranteed a perfect beginning, but everyone deserves the opportunity to change their ending. That belief is what drives me forward each day and fuels my purpose—to give hope to those without it, create opportunity where it is lacking, and build a world rooted in justice, compassion, and equality.

I grew up in the way many expect me to when they look at me, but are surprised to hear when they speak to me. I grew up as the oldest girl of 10 siblings with a single mother in a very impoverished city; at least, that’s what I thought growing up. I was bullied for my hair, teeth, and even my tone of voice: I was told I was “too loud” and “too opinionated,” yet these were things my peers were praised for. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do; I just knew I wanted an adulthood different from my childhood. I am thankful for my mother and the childhood she gave me because I know she tried her hardest, but at the same time, I didn’t want to be anything like her. I had always heard stories of police brutality and gang violence, but I never saw such things until I was 13, running home from school scared after watching the police draw their guns to arrest my classmate. The next week, I watched the movie Just Mercy, and my eyes were opened to the injustice that our “justice” system upholds. From that day forward, I wanted to help my community; not just the one I live in, but also the ones I have yet to meet. I became set on being a lawyer. However, being low-income and going to school in an under-resourced community meant we weren’t prepared for college the way students in wealthier areas were. I decided to graduate high school a year early so I could rush to make change. I had to learn how to research, what scholarships were, and what made an excellent essay; things I didn’t know were necessary until my senior year. As a first-generation student, I didn’t have anyone to ask for help, and counselors didn’t have the capacity to walk me through the college application process. So, I taught myself everything I needed to know to ensure I went straight to a four-year college. Coming to college has taught me a lot; how to get along with people who hold different opinions, and how to resist the expectation that I should only meet the bare minimum rather than excel. I have gone my whole life being judged by my looks or my upbringing, but that has only strengthened my desire to help people like me. I am now striving to establish a nonprofit in my community for youth. This will not only be a safe space for students but also a resource for children who grew up like me. I plan to do this before I graduate from the University of California, Merced, a year early, and then attend law school to become a criminal defense attorney. My goal is to ensure that everyone receives their right to a fair trial as well as an attorney who cares. My background is something I am proud of, regardless of how others may see it. It is my testimony, and because of it, I will be able to help so many people; not just my clients, but their families and future generations. This is about changing the norm our justice system has created and returning to what it was meant to stand for: “liberty and justice for all.”

Being a first-generation African American woman who grew up in an abusive household in a povertized community has shaped not only who I am, but the career I am determined to pursue. In my neighborhood, resources weren’t given, they had to be found. That reality taught me to be resourceful, persistent, and fiercely protective of those who face similar struggles. It also made me deeply aware of the systems that often fail the very people who need them most. From an early age, I witnessed how poverty, lack of access to education, and limited legal resources can trap people in cycles that are hard to escape. I saw neighbors and community members treated unfairly by a justice system that seemed to weigh the scales against them before they even walked into a courtroom. These experiences planted the seed for my dream: to become a criminal defense attorney who provides fair representation to those who cannot afford it, who have been overlooked, or who are at risk of being silenced by systemic bias. My vision for my legal career is not just to defend individuals in the courtroom, but to be part of a larger movement to reform a system that disproportionately impacts low-income communities and communities of color. I want to stand beside my clients with the same determination I needed to stand up for myself growing up to be their advocate, their voice, and their protector when the odds are stacked against them. Beyond my work in the legal field, I plan to establish a non-profit organization dedicated to providing critical resources to children in low-income communities. These resources would go beyond basic needs; offering mentorship, academic support, career preparation, and college readiness programs. My ultimate goal is to increase the number of first-generation students from these communities who graduate from college, equipping them to create better futures for themselves and inspiring them to give back. I believe that by providing children with both tangible resources and role models who understand their struggles, we can break cycles of poverty and transform underserved neighborhoods into places where success is expected, not doubted. This scholarship would have a direct and lasting impact on my journey. As a full-time student balancing my Political Science and Psychology studies with multiple jobs and internships, financial constraints often determine what opportunities I can take on. There are internships, advocacy programs, and legal experiences that could shape my career, but without financial support, I risk having to turn them down. This scholarship would ease that burden, allowing me to fully commit to my studies and professional growth while continuing to advocate for my community. I see this award as more than just financial assistance, it is an investment in a future attorney, an advocate, and a community leader. Every skill I gain, every case I work on, and every child my future non-profit reaches will be part of the ripple effect this scholarship helps create. My story began in a place where opportunities were scarce, but with perseverance, education, and support, I am determined to ensure that others start their stories in a place where possibilities are limitless. Justice should not be a privilege, and neither should opportunity. With this scholarship, I can continue working to make both a reality.

One legal case that profoundly changed my perspective is Walter McMillian’s wrongful conviction, depicted in 'Just Mercy'. As a Black woman, learning about McMillian; a Black man sentenced to death in Alabama in 1988 for a crime he did not commit, forced me to confront just how deeply flawed the justice system is, and how easy it is for the world to be willfully ignorant of injustice when it doesn’t directly affect them. Before diving into this case, I believed that while there were problems in the legal system, outright wrongful convictions of innocent people, especially those sent to death row were rare. But Walter McMillian’s story shattered that belief. His conviction was built almost entirely on fabricated testimony, suppressed evidence, and entrenched racial prejudice. Despite overwhelming proof of his innocence, it took six years of relentless work by civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson to free him. That level of persistence was necessary not because the truth was unclear, but because the system resisted admitting it had failed. What disturbed me most was not just the miscarriage of justice itself, but the environment that allowed it to happen. Prosecutors ignored exculpatory evidence. Law enforcement coerced witnesses. Courts upheld the conviction despite glaring inconsistencies. And much of the public either accepted the verdict without question or actively avoided confronting the racism and corruption at its core. This wasn’t a single bad actor making a mistake but a network of people and institutions, from the police to the courts to everyday citizens, collectively enabling injustice. Seeing how race played a role in McMillian’s case resonated deeply with me. As a Black woman, I couldn’t ignore the reality that this could have been my brother, my uncle, or me, had the circumstances been different. The case made me more aware of how systems often value certain lives less than others, and how easily biases whether explicit or unconscious can determine outcomes. It also made me think about the quiet complicity that allows injustice to thrive. Many people knew the truth or suspected it, but remained silent. That silence can be just as damaging as active wrongdoing. This realization has deeply influenced my advocacy work. In my roles with organizations like Young Invincibles and during my internships with elected officials, I’ve seen how access to justice, voting rights, education, and representation are interconnected. Walter McMillian’s case taught me that systemic problems require systemic solutions, but they also require individuals who are willing to speak up, challenge norms, and push for uncomfortable change. The story also made me understand that legal victories, when they happen are often only the beginning. McMillian’s exoneration was a triumph, but it did not erase the years he spent on death row, the damage to his reputation, or the trauma his family endured. It underscored the need for preventative measures: stronger safeguards against wrongful convictions, more accountability for misconduct, and reforms that address the racial and economic disparities embedded in the system. Ultimately, Walter McMillian’s case didn’t just open my eyes, it lit a fire in me. It reinforced why I want to work in spaces where I can advocate for fairness, amplify marginalized voices, and push for legal and policy changes that protect people before the system fails them. It’s a reminder that justice is not automatic, and that the fight for it requires persistence, courage, and a refusal to accept silence as an option.

Making a meaningful impact on the world is a responsibility I take to heart, especially as someone who has seen firsthand how compassion and selflessness can change lives. I believe that giving back to others is not just a choice but a way of life, and it is through community service that we build a stronger, more supportive society. This scholarship honors a legacy of generosity and care—qualities I strive to embody as I continue my education and work toward making a positive difference. From an early age, I understood the importance of empathy. Growing up in a family and community that faced many challenges, I saw how small acts of kindness and support could provide comfort and hope. Volunteering became a natural way for me to respond to the needs around me. Whether it was helping at local food drives, tutoring younger students struggling in school, or participating in community clean-up projects, I learned that every effort matters. These experiences taught me that service is not about recognition or reward; it is about genuinely caring for others and acting on that care without hesitation. In my volunteer work, I have encountered many people whose lives were shaped by circumstances beyond their control—whether poverty, illness, or lack of opportunity. These encounters fueled my desire to be a part of the solution. I want to help build systems and communities that uplift those who have been marginalized or overlooked. That’s why I am passionate about pursuing an education that will equip me with the skills to advocate for social justice and equality. I envision a future where I can contribute to nonprofit organizations or public service roles that focus on expanding access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all. Compassion and selflessness also mean listening to others and valuing their stories. I believe every person’s experience has worth and that understanding diverse perspectives is key to meaningful change. Through volunteering, I have had the privilege of hearing these stories, which has deepened my empathy and broadened my worldview. It has made me more patient, open-minded, and committed to creating spaces where people feel safe and heard. Beyond my direct volunteer activities, I aim to inspire others to engage in service. Change is most powerful when it is collective. By sharing my experiences and encouraging peers to contribute their time and talents, I hope to create a ripple effect of generosity and community spirit. Together, we can address local and global challenges with creativity and compassion. This scholarship would allow me to continue on this path with greater focus and resources. It represents a chance not only to further my education but to honor the memory of someone who dedicated her life to giving back. I am inspired by her example and motivated to carry forward her legacy through my own actions. In conclusion, my plan to make an impact on the world centers on embodying compassion, acting selflessly, and serving my community with dedication. I believe that every positive action, no matter how small, contributes to a more just and caring society. Through education, volunteerism, and leadership, I am committed to building a future where kindness and service uplift all people, and where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

I am actively working to address two pressing social issues that reflect my broader commitment to justice, equity, and systemic reform: food insecurity and racial inequity within higher education. Both are deeply rooted in structural inequality, and I believe that direct engagement with decision-makers is essential to creating lasting solutions. First, I have been working to improve access to CalFresh, California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), for college students. Food insecurity is a silent crisis on many campuses, disproportionately affecting students from low-income and marginalized backgrounds. Many students qualify for CalFresh but are either unaware of their eligibility or face unnecessary barriers when trying to access benefits. To address this, I have been meeting with state policymakers to discuss the challenges students face with the current application process and eligibility requirements. My goal is to advocate for more inclusive and simplified policies that take into account the realities of student life—especially for full-time students who are juggling academic responsibilities, part-time jobs, and financial strain. I believe that no student should have to choose between buying a textbook or a meal, and I am committed to pushing for reforms that ensure basic needs are met so that all students can thrive academically. In addition to my advocacy around food security, I am also working to confront and dismantle systemic racial inequities on my campus. As a Black student, I have seen firsthand how institutional practices and decisions often exclude Black students from leadership roles, academic recognition, and other important opportunities. This lack of representation sends a harmful message about who belongs and who is valued in academic spaces. To address this, I have been meeting with university administrators to raise awareness about the systemic barriers Black students face and to push for actionable steps toward greater equity and inclusion. This includes advocating for more diverse hiring practices, increased support for Black student organizations, and greater transparency in how opportunities—such as scholarships, internships, and committee roles—are distributed. My approach is rooted in both advocacy and collaboration. I believe in engaging those in positions of power while also amplifying the voices of those directly affected. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but through persistent dialogue, data-informed recommendations, and community-building, progress is possible. Ultimately, my work is guided by a vision of institutions that serve everyone—especially those who have historically been excluded or underserved. Whether it’s ensuring students can access food or making sure Black students are seen, supported, and celebrated, I am committed to building systems where equity isn’t just an ideal—it’s a standard.

My interest in legislative and policy-related work stems from a lifelong desire to create a more equitable, just society—especially for those impacted by the criminal justice system. Growing up, I witnessed how legal systems often fail to protect the most vulnerable, and how injustices within those systems can alter the course of someone’s life forever. Whether due to false accusations, lack of resources, or inadequate legal representation, far too many individuals face severe consequences not because they are guilty, but because the system is broken. That reality has shaped my passion for pursuing meaningful policy change. I aspire to serve at the federal level, first as a United States Senator and later as a Supreme Court Justice. As a senator, I would have the opportunity to help craft and pass legislation that reforms key aspects of the justice system—such as access to legal representation, sentencing practices, and the appeals process. My long-term goal of joining the judiciary stems from a desire to protect constitutional rights, interpret laws in ways that uphold justice and fairness, and ensure legal precedents are rooted in equality. Serving in both the legislative and judicial branches would allow me to contribute to structural reform from multiple angles—designing better laws and ensuring they are applied justly. The policy issue I care most deeply about is criminal defense reform. In America, the quality of your defense far too often depends on your socioeconomic status. Wealthy defendants can afford private attorneys and expert witnesses, while low-income individuals are left relying on overburdened public defenders with too many cases and too few resources. This disparity directly contributes to wrongful convictions, harsh sentencing, and unjust plea deals. I am committed to fighting for increased funding for public defender offices, better training and support for defense attorneys, and greater oversight of prosecutorial misconduct. No one should be imprisoned simply because they couldn’t afford a proper defense. In addition, I believe that civil discourse is fundamental to shaping effective and inclusive public policy. In an increasingly polarized world, civil discourse allows us to move beyond surface-level disagreements and find common ground. It creates room for empathy, critical thinking, and collaboration—values that are essential when crafting laws that affect millions of lives. When people feel heard, they are more likely to engage in the democratic process, trust institutions, and support policies that reflect shared values. Public service, for me, is not about power or prestige—it’s about responsibility. It’s about standing in the gap for those who have been silenced or overlooked by systems that were not built with them in mind. Through legislative and judicial leadership, I aim to be a voice for fairness, a champion for reform, and a protector of the rights and dignity of all people.

I plan to start with being a criminal defense attorney for a few years and work my way up to Congress with my end goal being a Supreme Court Justice. With each step, I will be fighting for criminal justice reform differently. My target within the criminal justice system is addressing the problem of false convictions which happen far too often and many will argue is due to bias, which in some aspects I can agree with. However, I feel the main issue lies with public defenders or lack thereof. Public defenders have an extremely large workload with little time and little pay/resources. This is the problem as because of these things there are more areas for public defenders to lack or miss something as the case is essentially rushed on their end. While I am an attorney I plan to do both paid and pro-bono work to ensure false conviction rates decrease and with this, I will spread awareness of this fact and do my best to assist public defenders as much as possible. This will begin the process of change and the lowering of false convictions. When going into Congress I plan to create more policies that provide more protection for criminal defense attorneys and work on better enforcing the proper allocation of funding for these individuals. However, being in these positions I can do much more, so I will continue to spread awareness of the multitude of reasons that cause false convictions, bias being one of them. I plan to enforce a policy that addresses this issue and even makes consequences for those who are guilty of having bias when investigating or representing an individual. This is something many think only happened back in the day as it is shown heavily in movies such as 'Just Mercy'. However, this is 100% something many still have to worry about today it is just less known which causes it to happen more often with no consequence. So, I will create a list of what can/cannot be considered biased and make a consequence for those found guilty of this. As a Supreme Court justice, I plan to better enforce these policies without discrimination or bias. This will bring my goal to life and not only I, not only California, but the world will see a change in the criminal justice system. America will see REAL justice, equal and with consequence to whom deserves it. All of this, starting now.

I have always had to lead when I was uncomfortable, sad, or unmotivated. I had to push through regardless of my circumstances or feelings because I knew what would happen if I slacked. This has built my character though, because of my growing up, I have become more strong-willed, disciplined, and organized. I had to be a second mother to my siblings at a very young age. This caused me to have to stay organized and disciplined because if I didn't lead correctly, they could lack something, and when it comes to caring for children you have lives in your hands, so you have to pay attention to little things and be very disciplined. Though many would look at this and think it's a sob story I think of it as my origin story because without this I wouldn't be the person I am today. Some ways I have demonstrated leadership in an academic setting would have to be my senior year of high school. My school district had multiple racist incidents at a few of the high schools within it and the head of my district tried to sweep these incidents under the rug. This was something that made me and many other students feel uncomfortable within my district, however, the social media posts weren't doing enough and teachers didn't feel like they could speak up. I then wrote a piece addressing this issue and it was published in the newspaper. Nothing worked. Due to this, I organized a walkout, I made sure to think of what people would need as I knew it would be hot that day and I prepared for a big turnout. After planning and announcing this walkout, the admin asked us to "forget about it" and while many thought we should listen, I explained exactly what forgetting about it would suffice and still led the protest which many participated in. Another way I demonstrated leadership was when I created and presented a revised child abuse policy to my school board which was passed. In the future, I hope to raise awareness of the cause of false convictions while I am a criminal defense attorney and work my way up to Congress where I will continue to fight for criminal justice reform and lead in the passing of policies in that way. To assist in the process of enforcing these laws I hope to become a supreme court justice. As of now though, I am working to establish a non-profit where I will educate and provide resources to children in the parts of places that are often forgotten about, due to crime or whatever other stereotype a location can have, causing children to receive fewer benefits/knowledge as opposed to those in other areas. My goal overall, is to use the leadership skills I have gained over time to create equal opportunities for all, children, criminals, and anyone else I may think of. I mean after all, who knows what the future holds?

In high school, I was a big advocate for racial and financial equality within my school district; I've had articles published in the local newspaper addressing the issue and multiple meetings with district members. Due to this, there have been slight changes in how the district handles students of color and students with financial needs. My long-term goals are to own a non-profit and become a criminal defense attorney, I plan to do pro-bono work as well as paid work assuring those in financial need still receive good representation like those without financial need. I believe everyone deserves the right to a good attorney regardless of their financial need. Still, they don't receive that due to how overwhelmed and underpaid public defenders are. This will ensure more fair trials and fewer wrongful convictions. I am also working on establishing a non-profit in the underserved area of Fresno, CA. I have noticed that those in low-income areas aren't exposed to many opportunities they qualify for as opposed to those in wealthier areas. Due to this, I have been working on establishing a non-profit that will expose these opportunities to kids in lower-income areas as well as assist them in navigating college apps, recommendations, internship opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and even assisting in funding for many of these things. As a high schooler growing up I had to teach myself to research things to receive the same opportunities. However, this is a skill kids in other parts of town were taught; I also never got the chance to get volunteer hours because my mom couldn't provide transportation. However, other schools had clubs that provided volunteer opportunities; my school did not out of lack of funding. So, my non-profit would provide transportation, partner with schools in low-income areas, and give students the skills they need to succeed in life passed high school. This is something I am working on currently and the attentive date for this to start being put into action is August 2024. My goal in life is to help those in need that are overlooked simply because of their situation. A lot of time people don't have much control over their situation and regardless of how much they want to change their situation, the system is still working against them. This goes for the justice system and the education system; this is why my targeted places of action are in these disciplines.

Being an early grad is one of my greatest achievements and I have always known what I wanted to do. I wanted to help people with disadvantages. I never felt it was fair for someone to have mediocre representation because they couldn’t afford it. This type of representation is what lead to people being wrongfully convicted, I want to become a criminal defense attorney and do some pro-bono work to help people in my community with an economic disadvantage. I decided to graduate early because I know the justice system needs to change and I plan to be part of the enforcement of that change, I plan to get there and begin as soon as possible. I have an outline of what I need to do to achieve this goal and one of those things is to of course, go to college. I persevere, and I will continue to do so; my mother is a single mom with 12 kids, 2 of my siblings have heart conditions and one of them has not only a heart condition but colitis as well. Due to this going to college is a lot on our family due to how expensive it can be. However, I understood the challenges when I decided I wanted to graduate high school early and attend college, between me helping my mom to babysit my younger sibling so my brother can go to his doctor’s appointments, cheer, Rise Up, and schoolwork I have always been busy. However, regardless of these challenges my determination never faltered I would make sure to always communicate with my teachers and maintain respect; I have a dream much like Martin Luther King’s, peace, and equality. With having big dreams there will be many struggles and I learned to adapt to tough situations and face struggles head on early in life. I strongly believe the saying, “If there is a will there is a way” and I have always found a way to remain positive and steadfast in the face of difficulty. This is something I want to help other young people to understand as well, everyone has tough times, but those times are temporary and can be overcome with the right attitude. I want to teach young kids how to utilize their resources and give them hope for a better future because I understand what it’s like to feel as though your parent’s life is what your future entails. I understand what it’s like to not come from much and feel as though you are set up to fail. I want children my age and younger to understand that none of that is true and that the world is full of possibilities and that succeeding is one of those possibilities. There are many resources for them, and they just need to be made aware of them and learn how to utilize them. These are things I plan to execute through community service. I want everyone to have fair representation and some people were never given hope or the chance to do better and this is something I will execute with my future career. I want there to be real change within the justice system and within communities like mine where there are many hopeless kids and not enough people working to give these kids hope. I just want to help people I have never given up on my goals even when I felt exhausted and helpless and I do not plan to start now.

When I was younger, I didn’t think I’d make it pass 12. I am now 17 and a high school early grad. I am still in disbelief when I think about how far I came but I also don’t give myself enough time to soak it all up. I have a plan to help people while also doing the thing I love, fighting for people. To execute this plan, I don’t have time to reminisce about the bad times when I have work to do, of course I balance self-care and responsibilities but still I don’t acknowledge my accomplishments much because my accomplishments now are nothing in comparison to what I plan to do after college. When I first started elementary school, I was severely bullied and this lasted until 10th grade of high school, I never felt comfortable at school and often felt unmotivated. As if school wasn’t hard enough home life wasn’t the easiest. I have 10 siblings and being the second oldest and the oldest girl I often had to look after my siblings. When covid first began my brother was diagnosed with cancer and it was extremely difficult for all of us. Due to my mom having to be at the hospital with my brother I had to stay home and care for my siblings as she is a single mom. Having to maintain my grades online, babysit, and process the fact that my brother was diagnosed with something life-threatening was a lot for me at the age of 14 but I got through it. This time built my determination, resilience, and overall made me stronger. I often still stay home from school to babysit and must maintain my grades which I have thankfully been able to do. In 8th grade I decided I wanted to graduate early, of course with the constant bullying I often doubted myself, but I never gave up. I made sure to notify my counselor in the 9th grade of my plan and did summer school every year of high school. I am now an early grad and will attend UC Merced in the fall majoring in Political Science. I want to help people all over the world and enforce equality in the justice system. I plan to be a criminal defense attorney and ensure everyone receives the proper representation. I plan to also do pro-bono work and advocate as well as invest in the public defense system because I feel like the quality of someone’s representation should not depend on their financial status. Everyone has the right to a “fair trial” this should include those that struggle financially. Growing up with 10 siblings we struggled financially often and if any of us were to be falsely accused or anything of that nature we could possibly be wrongfully convicted simply because we weren’t able to afford proper representation. Public defenders are swamped with cases and are not provided with the proper resources to sustain a fair trial, all while hardly being paid. I want to assist in terminating this issue and getting to college is the first step to that. With all my continuous struggles I became stronger and will continue to grow as a person. I do not doubt that I will encounter many more challenges in my life, but I do know that I am very determined to make a difference and I will overcome any obstacles thrown at me.

My greatest achievement to date would have to be graduating high school a year early. I faced many obstacles I wasn't sure I would overcome but instead of letting that fear take over I persevered and worked harder. I had to take summer credit every summer to receive extra credits, I have a single mother with 10 siblings, and with me being the second oldest but oldest girl I had a lot of home responsibility. With 2 of my siblings having heart issues there were many doctor's appointments causing me to stay home from school often to babysit. Though this made maintaining my grades more difficult I was still able to maintain mostly straight A's. This was the case for the last 2 years of high school as the first years was online due to covid. My mom couldn't afford a babysitter and we often couldn't afford to get to my law and policy presentations for my dual enrollment course. Struggling to get there though didn't stop me from getting there; at times I would take the city bus or ask different family members. None of this made me feel any negative way about my mom because I feel this instilled perseverance within me. I've had teachers tell me to look into different colleges than the ones I had hoped to get into simply because they were expensive while others were encouraged to apply to those schools and this did have a very big impact on me. At first, I thought it was because I wasn't good enough but I realized it was simply because of my financial status and I didn't want that to define me for my entire life. I have a dream to be an attorney and help people and I refuse to let how I grew up affect that. So, I took Summer classes every Summer to receive extra credits, stayed after school to learn or teach myself materials I wasn't in class to learn, and endured a lot of sleepless nights studying for tests. This hard work allowed me to be a first-gen high school grad a year early. I understood going to college would be hard and I still understand that but I don't plan to let my financial situation be the reason I can't pursue higher education and be an example to others in a similar position to mine. This has taught me not to envy anyone for what they have because if you work hard enough you can be at the same place as those people even if you started with less. This also taught me to persevere and it overall strengthened my self-discipline, I realize now that I can do anything I put my mind to regardless of my situation; this is something I wish I knew in middle school. Graduating early taught me that and I hope to continue with my education and in the future become one of the best Criminal Defense attorneys that provides equal representation I will even do pro-bono work because I feel like no one deserves to be represented lazily due to their economic status. The wrongful convictions need to stop and I plan to make that happen.