As a first-generation Hispanic student, I thoroughly understood asking for help isn't uncertainty ,but a sign of strength. I overcame many challenges in being the only person in my family to earn a High school diploma and recently my Associates degree in criminal justice at SWTXC. I had no guidance and was pressured all my life to others into making a change to show that my family has potential... potential to make it and not live in poverty. In my life, education wasn't a care from my family and I felt alone because I wanted to chase a academic life. In many instances, I felt that asking for help meant that i wasn't smart enough or capable to do anything. I knew then and there that seeking support mattered and shows courage to others that I want to succeed. My story of my educational path was the hardest thing I ever had to face. I was facing a life of drama and chaos in my family. I had to deal with my house burning down twice and never had stability. Growing up I never had a room, toys or even clothes. I would always get shoes and clothes from the shelters and always relied from the food pantry. Issues like this caused my two older siblings coming from a sibling of four, to either drop out of school or do drugs. I was raised from a poverty lifestyle and my mother was never in my life. No one in my household had the ways of showing me academic success or passion. It was never a prioritized thing and I always felt alone to purse a path that I had no knowledge of. I had no guidance in FAFSA information, college explanations and who can help me with my journey I dream to have. It felt like I was driving on a road with no map, no destination or gps to lead the way. It was me against the world to prove everyone wrong and beat the odds and it happened....I was the first person in my family to earn a high school diploma and just recently made history. I now have an associates degree in criminal justice which not only is that the end ,but will transfer to UTSA to earn a bachelor's in politics and law. My dream is to go to law school after and be a licensed attorney for civil rights. It is a bumpy road, but not a roadblock to impossible. However, through completing part of my journey, I realized extraordinary things. I had determination to try and navigate myself in a place I had no knowledge of. I visioned potential and never doubted myself. I felt like I never belonged and in some ways gave me strength. My experiences made me resilient and a purpose to challenge what comes ahead. I am the resource that broke a generation of poverty and limits because I embraced on a journey by myself. I saw that my guidance came and it wasn't my family, it was my counselors, professors, and advisors. With the support I received, I was able to build a foundation of understanding. Never be afraid to ask for help and I understood that no matter your status in life, there is a way to succeed and help is one ask away. My advice is, don't carry the burden alone. Have expectations for yourself and learn to not fear weakness. Always prove to yourself that you matter and is just as capable to anyone that has it easy. Be the lesson in your courageous journey.

Since the start of my law enforcement class in High school, I was extremely fascinated by the legal system and its law. I grew a passion for criminal justice and set a journey in college to a career I love. One of my favorite books, Criminology: Theory, Research, and Policy by Vito & Maahs gave me a new perspective on the different theories of crime. In my community college class CRIJ 1307, this book shaped my goals in understanding. Many factors of crime aren't just from individuals, but economic and social aspects as a whole. I gained knowledge on how string theory and social theory played a part in the general causes of a criminal's actions. One of my main aspirations is compassion, and it involves my many experiences within my community. I have overcome many obstacles in my life and self-discipline was a factor of conquering struggles to achieve my goals. Ever since I had volunteering service at my local community center, I had learned to build connections with individuals of different cultures and backgrounds. I was self-aware that having empathy with anyone, can eventually form relationships and provide a sense that I am actively listening and show that I can brighten moods. This strengthened my steps towards pursuing my career in law/legal studies in which I'm able to advocate and fight for people in the justice systems. This is important because there is a connection between law and mental health in the field. Furthermore, I plan to address the social issues within mental health in the legal system. There have been many cases of unfair treatment with defendants based on their behaviors and emotional responses. My firsthand service with my community showed me that rehabilitation and health resources is needed. Yes, the court systems can be intimidating to a person with mental health and can potentially cause stress, but lack of misunderstanding shouldn't determine the unfair treatment in the justice system. We must take into consideration that people get vulnerable and the push to solve crime should be from having treatment to those with social issues. There are alternatives into realizing many problems on the court systems side as well. Jurors and judges don't recognize mental illness enough. There is bias and inequality which strictly emerges a disadvantage with defendants. The push for solutions instead of finding the cause in mental health is what needs to be addressed. I truly believe that my contribution in the justice system can help provide a fairer chance to individuals with rehabilitation, counseling and even reform. I am determined to be the voice that fights for equal rights and change. In final, my name is Joshua Villarreal and am a first-generation high school and college graduate in Associates of Arts in Criminal Justice. I soon will enter the University of Texas at San Antonio in where I will earn my bachelor's in politics and law. I have a passion for dedicating my life in the legal field and have set a goal that I will be an attorney. My academic knowledge learned throughout my life and actively serving my community has given me a reason to make a positive impact to not just my community, but the world. I plan to progress and advocate for the clients I sought to represent in court with my integrity. As a future attorney, I stand for fairness, protect rights, advocate for the innocent, & fulfill my duty to defend and uphold the law.

Since the start of my law enforcement class in High school, I was extremely fascinated by the legal system and its law. I grew a passion for criminal justice and set a journey in college to a career I love. One of my favorite books, Criminology: Theory, Research, and Policy by Vito & Maahs gave me a new perspective on the different theories of crime. In my community college class CRIJ 1307, this book shaped my goals in understanding. Many factors of crime aren't just from individuals, but economic and social aspects as a whole. I gained knowledge on how string theory and social theory played a part in the general causes of a criminal's actions. One of my main aspirations is compassion, and it involves my many experiences within my community. I have overcome many obstacles in my life and self-discipline was a factor of conquering struggles to achieve my goals. Ever since I had volunteering service at my local community center, I had learned to build connections with individuals of different cultures and backgrounds. I was self-aware that having empathy with anyone, can eventually form relationships and provide a sense that I am actively listening and show that I can brighten moods. This strengthened my steps towards pursuing my career in law/legal studies in which I'm able to advocate and fight for people in the justice systems. This is important because there is a connection between law and mental health in the field. Furthermore, I plan to address the social issues within mental health in the legal system. There have been many cases of unfair treatment with defendants based on their behaviors and emotional responses. My firsthand service with my community showed me that rehabilitation and health resources is needed. Yes, the court systems can be intimidating to a person with mental health and can potentially cause stress, but lack of misunderstanding shouldn't determine the unfair treatment in the justice system. We must take into consideration that people get vulnerable and the push to solve crime should be from having treatment to those with social issues. There are alternatives into realizing many problems on the court systems side as well. Jurors and judges don't recognize mental illness enough. There is bias and inequality which strictly emerges a disadvantage with defendants. The push for solutions instead of finding the cause in mental health is what needs to be addressed. I truly believe that my contribution in the justice system can help provide a fairer chance to individuals with rehabilitation, counseling and even reform. I am determined to be the voice that fights for equal rights and change. In final, my name is Joshua Villarreal and am a first-generation high school and college graduate in Associates of Arts in Criminal Justice. I soon will enter the University of Texas at San Antonio in where I will earn my bachelor's in politics and law. I have a passion for dedicating my life in the legal field and have set a goal that I will be an attorney. My academic knowledge learned throughout my life and actively serving my community has given me a reason to make a positive impact to not just my community, but the world. I plan to progress and advocate for the clients I sought to represent in court with my integrity. As a future attorney, I stand for fairness, protect rights, advocate for the innocent, & fulfill my duty to defend and uphold the law.

As a first-generation Hispanic student, I thoroughly understood asking for help isn't uncertainty ,but a sign of strength. I overcame many challenges in being the only person in my family to earn a High school diploma and recently my Associates degree in criminal justice at SWTXC. I had no guidance and was pressured all my life to others into making a change to show that my family has potential... potential to make it and not live in poverty. In my life, education wasn't a care from my family and I felt alone because I wanted to chase a academic life. In many instances, I felt that asking for help meant that i wasn't smart enough or capable to do anything. I knew then and there that seeking support mattered and shows courage to others that I want to succeed. My story of my educational path was the hardest thing I ever had to face. I was facing a life of drama and chaos in my family. I had to deal with my house burning down twice and never had stability. Growing up I never had a room, toys or even clothes. I would always get shoes and clothes from the shelters and always relied from the food pantry. Issues like this caused my two older siblings coming from a sibling of four, to either drop out of school or do drugs. I was raised from a poverty lifestyle and my mother was never in my life. No one in my household had the ways of showing me academic success or passion. It was never a prioritized thing and I always felt alone to purse a path that I had no knowledge of. I had no guidance in FAFSA information, college explanations and who can help me with my journey I dream to have. It felt like I was driving on a road with no map, no destination or gps to lead the way. It was me against the world to prove everyone wrong and beat the odds and it happened....I was the first person in my family to earn a high school diploma and just recently made history. I now have an associates degree in criminal justice which not only is that the end ,but will transfer to UTSA to earn a bachelor's in politics and law. My dream is to go to law school after and be a licensed attorney for civil rights. It is a bumpy road, but not a roadblock to impossible. However, through completing part of my journey, I realized extraordinary things. I had determination to try and navigate myself in a place I had no knowledge of. I visioned potential and never doubted myself. I felt like I never belonged and in some ways gave me strength. My experiences made me resilient and a purpose to challenge what comes ahead. I am the resource that broke a generation of poverty and limits because I embraced on a journey by myself. I saw that my guidance came and it wasn't my family, it was my counselors, professors, and advisors. With the support I received, I was able to build a foundation of understanding. Never be afraid to ask for help and I understood that no matter your status in life, there is a way to succeed and help is one ask away. My advice is, don't carry the burden alone. Have expectations for yourself and learn to not fear weakness. Always prove to yourself that you matter and is just as capable to anyone that has it easy. Be the lesson in your courageous journey.

Since the start of my law enforcement class in High school, I was extremely fascinated by the legal system and its law. I grew a passion for criminal justice and set a journey in college to a career I love. One of my favorite books, Criminology: Theory, Research, and Policy by Vito & Maahs gave me a new perspective on the different theories of crime. In my community college class CRIJ 1307, this book shaped my goals in understanding. Many factors of crime aren't just from individuals, but economic and social aspects as a whole. I gained knowledge on how string theory and social theory played a part in the general causes of a criminal's actions. One of my main aspirations is compassion, and it involves my many experiences within my community. I have overcome many obstacles in my life and self-discipline was a factor of conquering struggles to achieve my goals. Ever since I had volunteering service at my local community center, I had learned to build connections with individuals of different cultures and backgrounds. I was self-aware that having empathy with anyone, can eventually form relationships and provide a sense that I am actively listening and show that I can brighten moods. This strengthened my steps towards pursuing my career in law/legal studies in which I'm able to advocate and fight for people in the justice systems. This is important because there is a connection between law and mental health in the field. Furthermore, I plan to address the social issues within mental health in the legal system. There have been many cases of unfair treatment with defendants based on their behaviors and emotional responses. My firsthand service with my community showed me that rehabilitation and health resources is needed. Yes, the court systems can be intimidating to a person with mental health and can potentially cause stress, but lack of misunderstanding shouldn't determine the unfair treatment in the justice system. We must take into consideration that people get vulnerable and the push to solve crime should be from having treatment to those with social issues. There are alternatives into realizing many problems on the court systems side as well. Jurors and judges don't recognize mental illness enough. There is bias and inequality which strictly emerges a disadvantage with defendants. The push for solutions instead of finding the cause in mental health is what needs to be addressed. I truly believe that my contribution in the justice system can help provide a fairer chance to individuals with rehabilitation, counseling and even reform. I am determined to be the voice that fights for equal rights and change. In final, my name is Joshua Villarreal and am a first-generation high school and college graduate in Associates of Arts in Criminal Justice. I soon will enter the University of Texas at San Antonio in where I will earn my bachelor's in politics and law. I have a passion for dedicating my life in the legal field and have set a goal that I will be an attorney. My academic knowledge learned throughout my life and actively serving my community has given me a reason to make a positive impact to not just my community, but the world. I plan to progress and advocate for the clients I sought to represent in court with my integrity. As a future attorney, I stand for fairness, protect rights, advocate for the innocent, & fulfill my duty to defend and uphold the law.

In the United Sates, the financial stability of individuals in the legal system has been an issue for decades. The criminal Justice system has had inequality within Someone's wealth in court. A great example of this would be lawyers. Many wealthy people hire lawyers that can dedicate their experience in law to defend in any resource possible. For many low-income individuals, it's a risk of having to hire lawyers or judge appointed that may not represent the client correctly. The justice system and its principles are deeply misinterpreted and due to many individuals have unfair trials in courts due to their financial stability. I have worked in various community service centers that have paved a way in my psychological theories and not quite yet with legal system. I have served my community in multiple ways that shaped who I am today. My service hours gave me an opportunity to interact with cognitive and psychological behaviors of individuals, similar to lawyer's skills. I learned many key features in that communication is important to everyone. I provided customer service and contributed to active listening of one's issues. Many cultural and backgrounds pertain to different moods every time someone would walk into the front desk, and it was my job to help. Even though I have not yet had any experience within the legal system, these kinds of interactions with diverse crowds, helped me reflect and sustain a Passion able knowledge of the legal field. I picture these opportunities that I have received, as a milestone towards the start of my Law career. I have proven my abilities of patience and organization through my service. This help strengthen my understanding of the basic system of law. Since I have completed my Associates of Arts in Criminal Justice, and plan to obtain my bachelor's in politics and law at the University of San Antonio, it can benefit my knowledge of law. I can experience roughly the diversity, cognitive and psychological theories within individuals which can help me understand the justice system as a whole. I can guide my skills to fair and equal advocation for clients and people of all backgrounds. Most importantly, professionalism has given me the development of compassion for others. My act towards communicating and understand people's needs and wants in a careful manner, has showed to many people that I truly care. These reflections I have learned is useful for lawyers and courts when dealing with defendants or clients. It's extremely important in a sense that advocating for inequality can help change the legal system for the better. I plan to take a big responsibility in life and that's to serve the people. I am slowly building the foundation towards my law career and every step I gain knowledge that has contributed to my success. I plan to give fair and equal proceedings as a future attorney which illustrates a reform for the justice system to be empathetic. These experiences will soon develop me and help my ability to become a lawyer of the people.