Watching my mother go from a struggling single-parent to graduating with a master’s degree from Georgetown University instilled in me a work ethic and appreciation for education that I don’t believe I could have gotten any other way. She was a first-generation college student determined to further her education in order to make a better life for our two-person family. She never took handouts or shortcuts, even though she deserved them. She refused to be pitied by the system or those around her. I was four years old when we walked up and down university campuses together, sat in lecture halls about healthcare administration, and read her textbooks at night as if they were bedtime stories. Now, twelve years later, I am following in her footsteps on the path she paved for me. However, I now have an immense advantage for which she was never awarded: a best friend, role model, and mentor. My mother always says that she struggled so I didn't have to and she made mistakes for me to learn from. Looking back over my childhood, I do not think I could have had a better mother or family dynamic, even though it wasn't stereotypical. Growing up I was surrounded by things that needed to be changed. I saw oppression in our communities, global turmoil, and our world citizens suffering. Eventually, I got tired of waiting around for those already in power to save the day. Drawing on my life circumstances, I became a more empathetic person. My mother inspired me to work for something bigger than myself and to work until I achieved. Thus, I decided to put in the work myself. I want to make this world a better place: dismantling systemic racism, bettering world relations, and easing global crises. There is no one better to advocate and make change than politicians and lawyers. Based on these realizations, I decided to major in Political Science and International Relations, before going to law school. Winning this scholarship means that I get to follow my dream of going into politics and law. Just like my mother, I won't stop working towards my goals until I accomplish them. Currently, I volunteer with the American Civil Liberties Union, Teen Link Mental Health Services, and the Grassroots Law Project. Experience in these positions has served to deepen my passions for social justice and mental health. I am a good candidate for scholarships because I will use my successes to give back to my society and my community. Continuing my education means that I will gain knowledge and insight into not only making this world a better place but also making connections to people across the globe. Ultimately, I want to make an impact. I want to leave this world more unified, more just, and more touched.

Something that has always caused me much pain in my life is my relationship with my biological father, or the absence thereof. I know I am not alone in this type of situation, but it hurts nonetheless. Until recently, I blamed myself for his actions. He has only met me a few times in my life, and never wanted a relationship with me as his daughter. For years I thought it was my fault or that I had failed in some way. I considered it to be my biggest failure. Perhaps the most liberating moment of my life is when I realized that this failure brought so many amazing things into my life. If it weren't for him leaving, my mother and I would not have the incredible bond we have, if it weren't for him leaving, I would not be quite as resilient and strong as I am today. Redirecting my immense heartbreak into something positive and beautiful, I let go of the pent up emotions and resentment I had towards him. As I let it go, I felt a weight lifted from my shoulders. Forgiveness is a powerful element in the human experience, with the power to heal even the deepest wounds. I think that my journey with this circumstance gave me power. On the surface, I lost a father, but digging deeper I gained strength, resilience, and the ability to reframe my most painful experience into something even more valuable and beautiful. I will forever be thankful that he left.