Something many people do not know is that a domino can knock down another domino one and a half times larger than itself. This means that a small domino if pushed, can make an impact even in an unlikely situation. In a community, we are much like dominoes. Few actions are made independently because those in close proximity mold us into who we are. The molding process is not always intentional, but it is inevitable. The results could be positive or negative depending on the person. For example, my family background has led me to pursue my true purpose. When I was growing up, we had little money because both of my parents worked minimum wage jobs, and they had four kids. It was a stressor for everyone, even though my siblings and I were children. The constant wonder of where the money would come from left an impression on all of us. It got harder when I grew up because I realized our financial hardship was a consequence of my parents’ drug use. It produced much heartache, but deep down I never blamed my mom and stepdad, I knew it came down to the "dominoes" or people before them. There is a history of substance abuse in my mom’s family and that undoubtedly had a part in leading them to the perils of addiction. I, however, am going to put forward a special effort to ensure my share of influence is productive and full of benevolence. Majoring in Political Science, in the future I want to amend legislation that is leveraged against people suffering from addiction. As seen in the case of George Floyd, drug users are often dehumanized in the media and by common people. When attempting to justify the wrongful murder of George Floyd, it was argued he was on drugs, therefore he was guilty and deserving of death. The truth is, addiction is a chronic illness. I believe the only way to actually help those suffering from this illness is to decriminalize drugs. In prisons, almost half of inmates are there for drug offenses (“Federal Bureau of Prisons.”). As it is an illness, I do not feel that it is ethical to punish them in that way. There are benefits to decriminalizing. One major benefit to my plan is the shedding of stigmas regarding drug use. There is a stereotype that drug users are homeless, violent thugs, or both. While it has certainly happened, that profile should not be representing the community. Not every drug user is like my parents, but there are too many to disregard them as dangerous, unhinged people. Everyone understands the innocence of children, and I will show people that children end up being collateral damage to their stigmas. Only then will people understand the hardships that accompany addiction. In a society that values conformity in order to reduce fear, it is hard to make those changes. In spite of these barriers, I know I can achieve this goal with this scholarship’s support.