Gender
Ethnicity
Hobbies and interests
Reading
I read books daily
LOW INCOME STUDENT
FIRST GENERATION STUDENT
Yes
Mariah Strawder
2,905
Bold Points1x
Nominee1x
FinalistMariah Strawder
2,905
Bold Points1x
Nominee1x
FinalistBio
Education
Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets-Health and Sports Medicine
High SchoolGPA:
3.9
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Majors of interest:
- Public Administration
- Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
- Sociology
- African Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Journalism
- Education, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
Career
Dream career field:
Public Policy
Dream career goals:
Volunteering as a tutor throughout high school and working closely with students who face academic challenges has revealed to me the disparities among marginalized youth. I’ve witnessed how a lack of resources, inadequate support systems, and socioeconomic barriers hinder students’ academic progress and outcomes. This has propelled me into mentorship and volunteer work and continues to fuel my passion for educational law and policy. As a lawyer, I will aim to ensure all students’ rights are protected and fight for schools in marginalized communities to have access to the quality resources they need to succeed. As a policymaker, I want to advocate for policies that eliminate the opportunity gap perpetuated by students’ socioeconomic status. Growing up, I had a profound love for reading and writing. My grandma, who always listened to my stories, helped me see that my passion was a gift. Her encouragement motivated me to share my gift by becoming a writer. Outside of law, I plan to keep up with my passion for writing. As a poet, I want my writing to inspire and uplift others. As a children's author, I hope to create enriching stories that nurture kids’ development and spark the imaginations of future leaders. As a journalist, I intend to connect my passion with transformative education studies to investigate educational disparities and their root causes. I plan to raise awareness of critical issues within the education system, advocate for policies that promote educational equity, and share the perspectives of students, teachers, and community members to emphasize the impact of educational policies and practices.
Associate
In-N-Out Burger2023 – Present2 years
Sports
Track & Field
Research
Social Sciences, General
UCLA Vice Provost Initiative for Pre-College Scholars — 18th Cohort Member2023 – 2023Education, Other
UCLA Vice Provost Initiative for Pre-College Scholars — 18th Cohort Member2024 – 2024
Arts
Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets
PaintingPainting Portfolio2024 – 2024
Public services
Volunteering
College Board BigFuture — Ambassador2024 – PresentVolunteering
Alexandria House — After School Childcare Volunteer; Food Pantry Volunteer2023 – PresentAdvocacy
champ444change via instagram — Owner/Founder2024 – Present