Question 1… I plan to begin law school August 19, 2024. I applied to and heard back from the following law schools: University of Memphis, Howard University, University of Tennessee, Emory University, Georgetown University, Vanderbilt University, Tulane University, and Belmont University. I have decided to pursue my Juris Doctorate at the University of Memphis. Question 2… One way I have taken strides toward learning outside of formal education is through internships in diverse areas of interest. My first internship in the chambers of the U.S. District Court’s Honorable John T. Fowlkes Jr. was a profound learning experience. Observing court operations and developing orders for compassionate release allowed me to see the practical application of legal principles and the impact of judicial decisions on individuals’ lives. My second internship with Medtronic, a medical device company, provided a different perspective. Performing research and developing design projects helped me understand the intersection of technology, health, and law. During my third internship with the National Institutes of Health as a William A. Demmers Scholar, I conducted a systematic review of advances in 3D human tissue models for infectious diseases. These experiences deepened my interest in the legal system and reinforced my commitment to advocating for justice and equity. In addition to internships, I have dedicated significant time to developing empathy and understanding through watching over 1,000 interviews on “Soft White Underbelly,” a platform that shares unfiltered narratives from marginalized individuals. These interviews have influenced my capacity to listen, process, and connect with the difficult realities faced by many in our society. They have reinforced the importance of empathy, justice, and understanding in my approach to the legal system. Question 3… During my time as a student leader in college, I faced a significant challenge when I decided to advocate for inclusive practices and diverse representation within our team of tour guides. This student organization is responsible for giving tours to prospective students, and I believed it was crucial for visitors to see a true representation of our university from the moment they stepped on campus. My goal was to ensure that our team included individuals from various races, genders, socioeconomic backgrounds, and academic disciplines. This meant changing the way we recruited new members and fostering an environment where everyone felt safe and valued. However, this initiative was met with resistance from some members who were comfortable with the status quo and skeptical about the need for such changes. Navigating this dilemma required a careful balance of assertiveness and empathy. The experience taught me several valuable lessons. First, it reinforced the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult. Second, it highlighted the power of dialogue and collaboration in driving change. Finally, it showed me that true leadership involves creating a vision of inclusivity and working hard to make it a reality, even in the face of resistance. In the end, our efforts paid off. This experience not only strengthened my commitment to advocacy and inclusive practices but also demonstrated that meaningful change is possible when you lead with integrity and compassion. Question 4… If I had the resources to create a philanthropic initiative, I would focus on prison reform with a specific emphasis on rehabilitation through vocational training. I am particularly passionate about developing and implementing farm-to-table programs within the prison system. These programs would provide inmates with valuable skills in horticulture, culinary arts, urban farming, environmental conservation, cooking and food preparation, and nutrition education. The rationale behind this initiative is multifaceted. First, it addresses the need for meaningful rehabilitation opportunities that can lead to successful reintegration into society. By equipping inmates with practical and marketable skills, we increase their chances of securing employment post-release, which is a critical factor in reducing recidivism rates. Second, engaging inmates in farm-to-table programs promotes a sense of responsibility and achievement. Working with plants and food can be therapeutic, offering a constructive way for inmates to spend their time and focus their energy. This can lead to improved mental health and well-being, which are essential for personal development and reducing aggressive behaviors within the prison environment. Third, these programs can have a positive impact on the prison community as a whole. Inmates producing fresh, healthy food can improve the quality of meals served, leading to better overall nutrition and health for the prison population. This approach not only addresses needs within the prison system, but also empowers individuals to build better futures for themselves and their communities.