Within my first week at the University of Miami, I realized I was playing a different game than everyone around me. I chose UM for my pre-law studies because it was the right program and the right path to law school. However, as I walked across campus, I understood what I’d actually chosen: a place where my peers casually discussed private planes and trust funds while I was doing the math on whether I could afford books and a meal plan. My faith and my community have always taught me that we are called to see justice and care for those who are struggling. Those values took on a different meaning when I could see them play out in real time. My classmates could afford to turn down unpaid internships. They had the luxury of being selective about opportunities that I didn't. The gap shaped the start of my college experience. Between those with options and those without was a fundamental divide. So I worked harder. Not because I'm more resilient or ambitious than anyone else, but because I literally had to outpace the advantage that money gives. I prioritized every hour and said yes to opportunities that mattered. I learned to be strategic about my time in a way that my wealthier peers never had to consider. Somewhere in those late nights between homework and prepping for exams, I realized something: the unfairness I was experiencing in college is built into the system itself. People without money don't work harder in school; they work harder for everything. They can't afford lawyers. They don't understand the contracts that are meant to confuse and trap them. They're fighting systems that were designed by people who had every advantage, and they're fighting alone. Someone working two jobs doesn't have time to research legal options. Someone working paycheck to paycheck can't afford to challenge unfair agreements. The playing field was never level; it was rigged from the start. That's why I want to be a lawyer, not to succeed in spite of my circumstances, but to change the circumstances themselves. I want to understand the systems that protect wealth and power, and I want to know how to dismantle them. I want to be someone who levels the playing field for people who never had the option to work harder and expect fairness. That's what my faith calls me to do. I've learned what inequality looks like when you're living it. The law will teach me what to do about it, and that's exactly where I'm headed.

The city of Plantation is known for its greenery, tree-lined streets, and numerous parks that create a scenic and welcoming environment. The city’s dedication to preserving its natural beauty makes it a unique and appealing place to live and visit. While Florida is known for its warm and sunny weather, during hurricane season unpredictable winds and storms are common. The abundance of trees in Plantation can quickly become a hazard. High winds and heavy rain often uproot trees, break branches, and turn debris into dangerous projectiles. This can lead to power outages, blocked roads, and structural damage to homes and local businesses. To ensure the safety of residents and preserve the city's beauty, Plantation should implement a tree-securement initiative for hurricane preparedness. This could include regular inspections of trees to identify unfit trees that are likely to fall during a storm. Also, trimming overhanging branches near power lines and structures would reduce the risk of damage. The city could also educate residents about proper tree care and encourage them to secure their own trees by offering free workshops, educational pamphlets, or discounted tree services. Additionally, planting hurricane-resistant trees, such as Sand Live Oaks or Southern Magnolias in public spaces would ensure that Plantation remains green and beautiful while minimizing storm-related risks. By proactively managing the city’s trees, Plantation can balance its commitment to nature with the safety of its residents. Another initiative that would greatly benefit Plantation is the expansion of free Wi-Fi in its many parks. With numerous parks spread across the city, Plantation offers countless opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and outdoor activities. However, in today’s digital world, people often look for spaces where they can stay connected while enjoying their surroundings. By providing free Wi-Fi in all parks, the city could attract more visitors, including students, remote workers, and families. Free Wi-Fi would make parks more versatile, transforming them into ideal spots for working, studying, or simply staying connected while outdoors. Parents could supervise their children at the playground while staying online, and students could work on assignments in a natural setting. Remote workers could escape from their home offices and retreat to a change of scenery while staying productive. Expanding free Wi-Fi would not only increase park visitation and strengthen the sense of community in Plantation but also enhance the park experience for visitors. Initiatives like securing trees for hurricane preparedness and expanding free Wi-Fi in parks would enhance the city’s safety, beauty, and comfort while ensuring that Plantation continues to thrive.