The moment my brother Jackson entered the world, he was already leaving it. Born with severe heart and brain defects, his life lasted only minutes, but those minutes reshaped mine. Losing him opened my eyes to how deeply medical, legal, and bureaucratic systems affect families during their most vulnerable moments. I saw how overwhelming those systems can feel and how critical it is to have advocates who ensure families are treated with dignity, fairness, and compassion. That experience became the foundation of my academic goals and the work I hope to pursue. Through my degree, I plan to build a career focused on protecting and empowering individuals whose voices are often overlooked. I am especially drawn to civil rights, disability rights, and public interest law because I have seen firsthand how policies and legal decisions shape daily life for families in crisis. My volunteer work with Special Stars and Junior Firebirds, programs supporting children with disabilities, reinforced this commitment. Coaching and mentoring taught me that advocacy begins with listening. It means recognizing barriers that limit opportunity and working intentionally to remove them. I want to extend that impact beyond individual programs and into the broader systems that determine access to justice and equality. Shadowing a civil trial lawyer who represents survivors of abuse and assault further strengthened my resolve. I observed how the legal system can restore dignity when guided by compassionate and skilled representation. I also saw how intimidating and complex the process can be for those without support. With my degree, I intend to pursue work in public interest law or legal aid, where I can stand beside individuals who might otherwise navigate the system alone. I want to help families understand their rights, advocate for fair outcomes, and ensure that justice is accessible. Studying business and law will equip me with both practical and ethical tools to serve effectively. Business will help me understand how institutions operate and how economic systems influence opportunity. Law will strengthen my ability to reason through complex moral questions and evaluate laws not only for legality but for justice. Together, these disciplines will prepare me to analyze policy, challenge inequities, and propose solutions grounded in both logic and compassion. Ultimately, I plan to use my education to work at the intersection of law, policy, and community service. Whether through direct legal representation, policy reform, or nonprofit leadership, my goal is to create systems that protect the vulnerable and expand opportunity. My brother’s life, though brief, gave me a clear sense of purpose. I am committed to using my degree to ensure that families facing hardship encounter advocacy, fairness, and hope instead of confusion and silence.

My youngest brother, Jackson, was born with severe heart and brain defects and lived for only a few minutes. Until that day, I had never experienced loss. In one moment, my family was preparing to welcome a new life, and in the next, we were learning how to live without him. Although Jackson never had the chance to grow up alongside me, his brief life has profoundly shaped who I am today. Experiencing grief at a young age forced me to mature early. I learned that it is not a single moment of sadness but a long journey that reshapes how you see the world. I grieved not only the loss of my brother but also the future we imagined with him. Over time, I realized that grief does not disappear. Instead, it becomes something you carry, something that can either weigh you down or guide you forward. The support my family received after Jackson’s passing showed me the power of compassion. From my parents and grandparents to friends who sent cards and sat with us in silence, I learned how meaningful it is to simply show up for someone in pain. That experience instilled in me a desire to be a source of comfort for others. I want to be the person who offers support during life’s most difficult moments, just as others did for my family. Jackson’s life also sparked my passion for advocacy. Witnessing the challenges faced by children with disabilities and their families made me aware of how often systems fall short of providing care, access, and understanding. To honor my brother, I began volunteering with programs like Special Stars and Junior Firebirds, where I coach and mentor children with disabilities. These experiences taught me that advocacy begins with listening. Helping these children develop confidence and joy showed me that service can transform grief into purpose. Last year in my AP Government class, I discovered my interest in law and government. I enjoy thinking critically, building strong arguments, and examining how systems affect real people. Grief opened my eyes to how overwhelming medical, legal, and educational systems can be for families already facing heartbreak. I want to pursue a career in public interest or civil rights law so I can help families navigate these challenges with empathy and clarity. My goal is to protect those who cannot advocate for themselves. Although Jackson’s life was brief, his impact on me is lasting. My grief has shaped my values, my service, and my career aspirations. Jackson’s memory continues to inspire me in all that I do. I honor him through prayers, visits to his tombstone, candlelight ceremonies, and by adding his initials, "JPD", to our annual family Christmas ornament. But most importantly, I honor him by living a life of compassion and service. His brief existence has taught me the value of love and resilience and has fueled my passion to help others in their moments of need. Your generosity lifts a burden and fuels my determination to serve others. Thank you for investing in and encouraging students.

My youngest brother, Jackson, was born with severe heart and brain defects and lived for only a few minutes. Until that day, I had never experienced loss. In one moment, my family was preparing to welcome a new life, and in the next, we were learning how to live without him. Although Jackson never had the chance to grow up alongside me, his brief life has profoundly shaped who I am today. Experiencing grief at a young age forced me to mature early. I learned that it is not a single moment of sadness but a long journey that reshapes how you see the world. I grieved not only the loss of my brother but also the future we imagined with him. Over time, I realized that grief does not disappear. Instead, it becomes something you carry, something that can either weigh you down or guide you forward. I chose to let it guide me. The support my family received after Jackson’s passing showed me the power of compassion. From my parents and grandparents to friends who sent cards and sat with us in silence, I learned how meaningful it is to simply show up for someone in pain. That experience instilled in me a desire to be a source of comfort for others. I want to be the person who offers support during life’s most difficult moments, just as others did for my family. Jackson’s life also sparked my passion for advocacy. Witnessing the challenges faced by children with disabilities and their families made me aware of how often systems fall short of providing care, access, and understanding. To honor my brother, I began volunteering with programs like Special Stars and Junior Firebirds, where I coach and mentor children with disabilities. These experiences taught me that advocacy begins with listening. Helping these children develop confidence and joy showed me that service can transform grief into purpose. Last year in my AP Government class, I discovered my interest in law and government. I enjoy thinking critically, building strong arguments, and examining how systems affect real people. Grief opened my eyes to how overwhelming medical, legal, and educational systems can be for families already facing heartbreak. I want to pursue a career in public interest or civil rights law so I can help families navigate these challenges with empathy and clarity. My goal is to protect those who cannot advocate for themselves. Although Jackson’s life was brief, his impact on me is lasting. My grief has shaped my values, my service, and my career aspirations. Like Jonathan “JJ” Day, Jackson left behind a legacy of love that continues to guide my choices. Jackson’s memory continues to inspire me in all that I do. I honor him through prayers, visits to his tombstone, candlelight ceremonies, and by adding his initials, "JPD", to our family ornaments. But most importantly, I honor him by living a life of compassion and service. His brief existence has taught me the value of love and resilience and has fueled my passion to help others in their moments of need.

Sometimes life shifts in an instant, and the things that once felt steady suddenly feel out of reach. I learned this when I tore my ACL and meniscus during a soccer game at only sixteen years old. One moment I was sprinting down the field, and the next, part of my identity was gone. Soccer had been more than a sport to me. Losing it left me feeling isolated and searching for purpose. Instead of letting that injury define me, I learned to redefine being part of a team and captain. I cheered from the sidelines, mentored younger players, and stayed committed even when I could not play. This taught me that being part of a team does not always mean being on the field. Sometimes leadership simply means showing up for others. Years earlier, my family faced something more profound: the passing of my younger brother Jackson, born with heart and brain defects. His life lasted only minutes, yet his memory lives on through family traditions and quiet moments of reflection. My parents, grandparents, and friends became a source of strength. In their embrace, I learned that community has the power to keep us moving forward. Jackson’s short life gave me a voice and a purpose. I want to stand up for those with disabilities. Healing often comes through love and service. During my recovery, I volunteered with Special Stars and Junior Firebirds, coaching children with disabilities and special needs. At first, I thought I would be helping the kids build confidence through sports. What I did not expect was how much they would teach me. Many faced challenges far greater than mine, yet their joy, determination, and courage inspired me daily. Watching them fall and try again reminded me that strength is not about avoiding hardship but about support and resilience. These experiences shaped my understanding of advocacy. It is not just about speaking for others. It is about listening, empowering, and helping people discover their own strength. Volunteering transformed my personal pain into purpose, showing me that community impact and personal growth are deeply connected. I have also learned that joy does not come only from winning games or reaching milestones. It comes from the little moments like laughing at practice, helping a younger teammate, or sharing at the dinner table. These experiences with both family and community have shaped how I understand community. My academic path in pre-law will give me the tools to turn this passion into action. Combined with the lessons I have learned so far, it will prepare me for a career in law. Through these experiences, I have developed communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills that I will carry forward into my academic and professional life I want to focus on disability rights, education, and healthcare access, working to ensure that all people are treated with dignity and fairness.

When my brother Jackson entered the world, he was already leaving it. His heart beat for only a few minutes, yet those brief moments altered the course of my life. Jackson was born with multiple brain defects, and although he never had the chance to grow, his life left me with a purpose. My youngest brother Jackson passed away a few years ago. Until October 13, 2015, I had never experienced or understood grief. That morning, we woke up early to go to the hospital, but instead of the excitement of meeting my brother, I was filled with worry and nerves. Jackson’s little life had not developed as it should, and though it was time to meet him, we already knew the heartbreak that awaited. The grief we felt wasn’t just about his passing, it stretched into the past and the future. We mourned not only his final breath but also the months leading up to that moment when we were told he wouldn’t develop properly. Along with that came the painful realization that all our dreams of park days, board games, and birthday celebrations would never come to be. It was an unbelievably hard day for me and my family. Although our time with him was brief it was full of love. Love for Jackson and also love for each other, from the comforting hug of my parents, to the support of my grandparents, and friends' condolence cards. In the embrace of those who cared for me, I found not only comfort but also the courage to continue forward. Although the pain is still present, all of these relationships helped me heal during the bereavement process. I want to be that love and comfort when others need support. Jackson's brief life instilled a passion for advocating for individuals with disabilities. Witnessing the challenges they face has ignited my desire to ensure all voices are heard and represented. I find meaning by volunteering with youth in programs like Special Stars and Create for Kids, which transformed my perspective on resilience and the importance of service. Special Stars engages children with special needs in developing soccer skills. I coached them through drills, offering guidance and encouragement. Watching these children experience the joy of learning new skills despite their challenges is humbling. I also enjoy thinking critically and constructing solid arguments, a skill I am working on in school. This passion aligns seamlessly with a career in law, where the ability to present clear, persuasive cases is crucial. I hope to use this skill to uplift and protect others. I plan to pursue a law degree, focusing on public interest law or civil rights, empowering myself with the knowledge to navigate and advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. I will apply for internships and volunteer opportunities that provide practical experience in legal advocacy, especially in supporting children and families facing challenges. My choice to pursue a career in government and law is personal. I hope to challenge injustices, ensuring fairness, especially those facing the greatest challenges. Jackson’s memory and the lessons I’ve learned through Special Stars and other volunteer experiences inspire me to fight for a world where every child can thrive.