“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” These words by Malcolm X resonate deeply with me, not only as a guiding principle in my academic journey but also as a reflection of the sacrifices and resilience that have shaped my path. As I prepare to graduate from Howard University with a degree in Criminology and Legal Communications and a minor in Political Science, I am committed to continuing my education by earning a Juris Doctor degree at Howard University School of Law. The decision to remain at Howard for law school is intentional and deeply rooted in both legacy and mission. Howard has not only provided me with an exceptional undergraduate education, but it has also nurtured my passion for social justice and community advocacy. The law school’s historic role in producing civil rights leaders, its emphasis on racial and social equity, and its commitment to training lawyers who serve the underserved perfectly align with my goals. I believe Howard Law will continue to shape me into the kind of legal professional who doesn’t just understand the law but uses it as a tool to challenge oppression and drive change. My undergraduate journey has been defined by a steadfast commitment to justice, equity, and leadership. As a Leadership Intern through the HU I-Lead program, I researched the school-to-prison pipeline in Washington, D.C., directly engaging with students to uncover root causes and propose community-driven solutions. As a Program Coordinator with AmeriCorps’ Reading Partners DC, I managed the logistics of literacy initiatives that directly impacted student outcomes in underserved communities. These roles, along with my time as a Volunteer Crisis Texter with the Crisis Text Line, have all given me an up-close look at the consequences of systemic inequity and the importance of early intervention, legal advocacy, and educational access. These experiences have also made it clear to me that change must be structural, and that legal education is critical to making that change possible. I aspire to become a civil rights attorney focused on issues such as educational equity, criminal justice reform, and community development. I want to work with grassroots organizations and public interest law firms to advocate for policies that dismantle discriminatory practices and empower historically marginalized communities. However, like many students, I am deeply aware of the financial barriers that come with pursuing an advanced degree. The rising cost of tuition and the scarcity of funding for graduate studies make law school feel financially out of reach for students like me who are committed to public service. This scholarship would allow me to focus wholeheartedly on my studies, remain at an institution that aligns with my values, and continue building the foundation I need to serve as a legal advocate without the overwhelming burden of debt. Charles E. Nettles believed in the power of education to shape the future, and I intend to honor that legacy by using my legal education to uplift communities, challenge injustice, and create a more equitable tomorrow. With the support of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to becoming the lawyer I aspire to be: one who leads with compassion, defends the truth, and never forgets the power of preparation.

Growing up in Fort Mill, SC, with just my mom, I quickly learned that resilience wasn't an option; it was how we got by. She worked multiple jobs to keep the lights on, and while those tight times often felt overwhelming, they also ignited a fire in me. Being the first in my family to go to college is a big deal, and every lecture I sit through at Howard University feels like a promise to my younger self: that tough times don't have to define you; they can propel you. Mental health has always been a quiet, yet powerful, thread in my life. My mom has battled chronic depression, a heavy weight from the stresses of being a single parent and constant financial strain. Seeing her quietly navigate those invisible hurdles showed me how mental illness can hold people back, not because they lack talent, but because of the sheer exhaustion of silent struggle. Watching her push through, even on her hardest days, taught me that excellence means nothing without empathy. It also made my career path crystal clear: I want to be an attorney, fighting for criminal justice reform and community wellness. My goal is to ensure people like my mom are protected, not punished, by the systems that should be helping them. At Howard, I chose Criminology & Legal Communications with a Political Science minor because I knew I needed the right language and policy smarts to tackle structural inequities. But textbooks alone couldn't show me the real human toll of injustice; that came from getting involved. As a Volunteer Crisis Texter with Crisis Text Line, I've provided real-time emotional support to people in distress. Those late-night conversations hammered home how deeply mental health ties into race, poverty, and the law. And as Program Coordinator for Reading Partners DC through AmeriCorps, I saw firsthand how literacy gaps often mirror socioeconomic divides, creating yet another mental burden that just grows over time. These roles have demanded patience, cultural humility, and the ability to turn compassion into tangible results, all skills I'll definitely bring into the courtroom. My professional experiences have only solidified this path. As the CEO’s Executive Assistant at Tangé Wellness, I've handled communications for an organization focused on holistic health in marginalized communities. At Apple, troubleshooting tech issues for customers taught me how to decode problems under pressure and explain solutions clearly (a skill I know will be crucial in court). Whether I'm presenting my poverty-and-pandemic research at the National Environmental Justice Conference or organizing DC clean-ups with the Climate Change, People & Environment Club, I'm always looking for ways to turn what I've learned personally into something that benefits the wider community. Beyond the work, mental health advocacy is also deeply personal for me; it's something I practice every day. Keeping a 3.8 GPA while balancing work, study, and leadership roles can definitely take a toll on my own well-being. I've learned to see rest as resistance and therapy as maintenance, aiming to model healthy coping strategies for my family and fellow first-generation peers. My journey has taught me that achievement without wellness is just unsustainable, and that true systemic change needs leaders who get both the policy and the people. This scholarship would significantly ease the financial strain that, for families like mine, often magnifies mental stress. More importantly, it would propel me directly into a legal career committed to dismantling the barriers that make mental health a privilege instead of a fundamental right. By investing in my education, you're investing in communities that have been silenced for too long by stigma and scarcity.

Question 1... I plan to complete my Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Legal Communications in December 2025 and begin law school in the Spring semester of 2026. My goal is to attend Howard University School of Law, where I hope to build upon the foundation I’ve already established during my undergraduate years at Howard. The institution’s rich legacy of social justice and public service aligns perfectly with my aspirations in the legal field. Question 2... In the short term, I aim to secure a legal-related summer internship to gain hands-on experience and further explore areas of legal practice that align with my interests. Additionally, I am committed to maintaining my 4.0 GPA and graduating with academic distinction. Long term, my dream is to open a minority-led law firm in the Southern United States. I want to provide accessible, high-quality legal representation to underserved communities—particularly those that have historically faced systemic injustice. I hope to become a strong advocate for individuals whose voices are too often silenced by structural barriers. Question 3... I actively pursue learning outside of the classroom through reading, research, and participating in several organizations at Howard University. As a member of the HU Abolitionist Club, HU Climate Change, People, & Environment Club, and the Future Law Scholars Program, I engage in critical discussions that expose me to diverse viewpoints on justice, policy, and current events. The Future Law Scholars Program is especially meaningful to me because many of its members, like myself, aspire to work in public defense. These conversations deepen my understanding of legal systems, both in the U.S. and abroad, and allow me to imagine innovative legal solutions. I also read extensively—biographies, nonfiction, and current affairs reporting—which broadens my knowledge and sharpens my analytical thinking. Furthermore, my participation in research internships has allowed me to connect issues like poverty, education, and incarceration with legal reforms I hope to one day champion. Question 4... One of the most impactful moments in my journey as an advocate was participating in a George Floyd protest in 2019, during my high school years in Rock Hill, South Carolina. That day fundamentally reshaped my understanding of allyship, race, and resistance. Despite attending predominantly white schools and experiencing covert racism—such as microaggressions from classmates who mocked my skin tone or hair—I was moved to see people from different backgrounds marching alongside me. However, the protest quickly turned tense due to the overwhelming police presence. Officers responded with tear gas, batons, and shields, creating a frightening and intense atmosphere. Though terrifying, the moment deepened my resolve. I saw firsthand the systemic resistance to peaceful protest and the courage it takes to stand for justice. This experience reminded me how far we’ve come as a society—and how much further we must go. It solidified my commitment to abolitionist principles and reaffirmed why I want to use the law as a tool for systemic change. Question 5... If I had the resources to create a philanthropic initiative, it would focus on advocating for the wrongfully incarcerated and individuals still imprisoned under outdated or unjust laws—particularly in Southern states known for systemic inequality. The initiative would be composed of freelance lawyers working pro bono to help inmates file appeals, challenge wrongful convictions, and push for sentencing reform. Focus areas would include repealing or amending the Three Strikes Law, addressing non-retroactive sentencing policies, and restoring full citizenship rights post-incarceration. My passion for this cause stems from personal experience: though I’ve never been incarcerated, I know the feeling of being voiceless within an unjust system. Throughout high school, I was labeled a “problem child” simply for questioning unfair rules, despite my academic success, leadership in student organizations, and involvement in sports. These experiences taught me the importance of standing firm in my values, even in the face of stigma, and they continue to fuel my desire to advocate for others whose voices are suppressed or misrepresented.

A Broken System: The Kalief Browder Story By Layla Washington When I first learned about the case of Kalief Browder, I wasn’t just shocked; I was deeply disturbed. His story exposed the devastating failures of the American legal system and gave me a clear sense of purpose: I want to become a public defender. Kalief was only 16 years old when he was arrested for allegedly stealing a backpack (an accusation without solid evidence). He was sent to Rikers Island, where he endured three years of imprisonment without ever being convicted of a crime. Two of those years were spent in solitary confinement. He suffered abuse from inmates and guards alike. His mental health deteriorated rapidly, and though the charges were eventually dropped, the trauma followed him. In 2015, at just 22 years old, Kalief died by suicide. His case is not unique. That’s what makes it even more heartbreaking. In communities like mine, stories like Kalief’s are far too common. What stood out to me was not just the injustice of his imprisonment, but the fact that his fate could have been different if he’d had access to quality legal representation. Overworked and underpaid, public defenders are stretched thin and often forced to negotiate plea deals, even when the person is innocent. Kalief refused to plead guilty, and that decision cost him years of his life. Growing up in a low-income community, I’ve seen how the legal system treats people who look like me and come from where I come from. I’ve seen families fall apart because they couldn’t afford bail or find a lawyer who truly cared. Kalief’s story affirmed what I already suspected: the system is not broken, it was built this way. But it doesn’t have to stay this way. That’s why I want to become a public defender. I want to be the advocate that so many never get. I want to stand beside young people like Kalief, and fight, not just for their innocence, but for their humanity. I want to challenge the injustices built into our system and use the law to level the playing field for people who’ve never had a fair shot. I don’t see public defense as a fallback or a stepping stone. I see it as my mission. Like TJ Crowson, I believe in doing the right thing, even when it’s hard. I come from a background where higher education is a dream, not a guarantee. Financial aid is the only reason I can even consider going to college, let alone law school. But I carry that as a badge of honor. I know what it’s like to feel overlooked, underestimated, and unheard. That’s why I’ll never stop fighting for others who feel the same. Kalief Browder’s case didn’t just change my perspective on the world, it gave me a calling. I want to be the kind of public defender who makes sure that no one’s story ends the way his did.

Why College Is Important to Me ~ Stepping into my Career Aspirations by: Layla Washington Growing up, college was never initially an option for me. I was raised in a humble single-parent household, where the mindset was that working hard, staying out of debt, and getting married would lead to a pleasant and fulfilling life. That path seemed reasonable, until I watched a life-changing documentary about a public defender during high school. To be clear, the documentary wasn’t uplifting or sugar-coated, it was raw and brutally honest. It showed the harsh realities of losing court cases, the overwhelming caseloads that public defenders handle compared to prosecutors, and the mental and emotional toll it takes on those trying to serve their communities. While some of my classmates made jokes or dismissed the film, I felt deeply moved. I connected with the clients (many of whom came from underprivileged backgrounds just like mine). For the first time, I saw myself in a professional setting: behind a desk, in my own law firm, making a difference. I could finally envision a future where I furthered my education, learned the law, and took steps to become a public defender. That vision sparked months of research. I needed to find an affordable college, somewhere I could grow, but also somewhere that felt like home. I chose an HBCU because I wanted to connect more deeply with my culture and history. Howard University became my top choice. However, financial insecurity followed me. Even as I walked Howard’s historic campus, I couldn’t shake the fear of falling behind on tuition. And now, as a senior facing the possibility of dropping out due to a $10,000+ tuition balance, I’ve been reflecting on my college journey. Despite the challenges, I’ve realized how much college has changed my life. I've formed lifelong friendships, matured emotionally, and gained a deeper understanding of the world, not just academically, but socially and culturally. I’ve learned that college isn’t just about textbooks and exams; it’s also a business, and navigating that has taught me resilience, responsibility, and self-advocacy. From the highs of attending leadership seminars and hosting group study sessions, to the lows of roommate conflicts and financial strain, every part of this journey has been worth it. Why? Because my dream of becoming a public defender still burns bright. I want to help people. I want to advocate for those whose voices are often ignored. I know I have a natural talent for understanding people and fighting for justice, and I believe that’s what I’m meant to do. Through the rest of my college experience, I want to continue developing this passion for service, a passion that isn't fueled by praise, but by silent, meaningful gratification. Ultimately, I want to walk across the graduation stage not just with a degree, but with pride in knowing that I gave everything I had to reach that moment. But to finish what I started, I need help. I’m determined to succeed, and with the right support, I know I will.

A person's devotion to meaningful experiences that mold their worldview and goals is frequently entwined with their pursuit of academic brilliance. As a Howard University student majoring in criminology and legal communications (minoring in political science), I have actively looked for opportunities to hone my abilities, extend my viewpoints, and make a significant contribution to my community. My pursuits, driven by a strong sense of faith and dedication, have been essential in molding my values, goals, and the course I want to take in the future. Academically and through a variety of experiential pathways, my journey at Howard University has been one of constant progress. Through this life changing period I’ve determined my academic pursuits are not only an attempt to further my own career; they are a conscious attempt to provide myself with the means to support equality and justice for people of all ages. Knowing this, I see the preservation of life as a fundamental part of my moral compass, rooted in my religious beliefs and upheld until death. This belief drives my commitment to pro-life advocacy, directing my daily activities and forming my long-term goals. Participating in different community service projects allows me to actively put my religion into practice on a daily basis. My dedication to helping and encouraging people in need is demonstrated by my work as a tutor, food drive coordinator, volunteer at shelters, and environmental cleanup crew member. My engagement in these endeavors is not only about providing support; it's also about exhibiting understanding, kindness, and reverence for the fundamental worth of each individual, regardless of their situation. This being because of my connection with the not-so happy aspects of life. Growing up I was forced to become aware of the poverty issues in life, what leads people to not want kids and favor abortions, in retrospect, this helped me to grow up as a humble individual. My faith is inextricably linked to my future aspirations and professional path. My objective as I proceed through my academic career is to use my training and life experiences to speak up for the underrepresented and fight for justice. I hope to work in the legal field and actively contribute to the development of legal frameworks that safeguard and preserve human life, which is why I chose to study criminology and legal communications. My goal is to promote systemic reforms that support a society in which every life is respected and protected, in addition to protecting the weak and defenseless. My goal is to spread awareness to America’s poverty issues, and to provide solutions to this issue. To bridge the gap between the upper class and the lower class; to advocate for pro-life and also support those that are currently alive. There's a common misconception that society has when discussing pro-life, and that is that pro-life is determined by infants and placentas, not by those that are struggling to survive or thriving in life. I want to use my education to serve my community further and eliminate this misconception starting with the statutes that have been set in play in America. It’s time for change and I plan on becoming the catalyst to spark and implement this change!