I enrolled in the University of New Mexico School of Law because I am deeply committed to creating a more equitable society, particularly for marginalized communities. Growing up, I witnessed the systemic barriers faced by BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals like myself. These experiences fueled my desire to pursue a career in law where I could work to dismantle those barriers. With a background in Sociology and Psychology and a Master’s in Social Justice with a specialization in Gender and Women’s Studies, law school became the natural next step in my journey to becoming a legal advocate for those most in need. My current program equips me with the tools to advocate effectively for systemic change. Through my coursework and hands-on experiences, I have gained a deeper understanding of legal frameworks and their intersections with social inequities. For example, during my time as a law clerk at the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, I contributed to a project to amend the state's anti-discrimination law to explicitly protect Native students' rights to wear tribal regalia at graduation ceremonies. This work reinforced my belief in the power of law as a vehicle for cultural preservation and equity. After completing my degree, I plan to work in public interest law, focusing on education equity and LGBTQ+ rights. By leveraging the skills and knowledge I am acquiring, I aim to advocate for policies that uphold the dignity and rights of vulnerable communities. Working while pursuing a rigorous law school curriculum has been a significant challenge. Balancing my responsibilities as the Program Coordinator for the Women’s Resource Center with the demands of law school has often made it difficult to fully focus on my studies. On some days, I find myself torn between preparing for a critical class discussion and meeting the immediate needs of the students I support in my job. This constant balancing act has taught me resilience and time management, but it has also highlighted the reality that excelling in both areas simultaneously can be incredibly taxing. The financial demands of law school necessitate my working, but it often leaves me with limited time and energy to devote to my academic goals. This is why this scholarship would be very helpful for me. It would alleviate the financial pressures that require me to work while studying, allowing me to dedicate more time to my coursework and professional development. With reduced financial stress, I could focus more deeply on building the legal expertise and advocacy skills I need to achieve my long-term goals. In conclusion, enrolling in law school was a decision rooted in my commitment to advancing social justice. The knowledge and skills I am acquiring will enable me to advocate for systemic change and benefit society by addressing critical issues like education equity and LGBTQ+ rights. Although working while studying has presented challenges, the support of this scholarship would enable me to focus on excelling in my studies and becoming an effective, empathetic advocate for those I serve.

Growing up in a low-income household with a single mother and three siblings, I witnessed the many challenges that families like mine face daily. My mother worked tirelessly to provide for us, but despite her hard work, we still encountered barriers that seemed insurmountable. These challenges were made even more difficult by a justice system that too often failed to protect or support people from marginalized communities. Watching family members and others in our community be treated unfairly by the legal system left a deep impression on me. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be someone who could make a difference for families like mine. As a member of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, I understand the unique struggles that come with navigating a system not built for you. My identity and lived experiences have given me a firsthand understanding of the systemic barriers that so many face. I have felt the sting of being unseen, the frustration of being misunderstood, and the determination to rise above those obstacles. These experiences have fueled my passion for law and my unwavering commitment to advocacy. I want to practice law because I believe in the transformative power of representation. I want people from underserved communities to know that their voices matter and that justice is not a privilege reserved for the few but a right for all. I want to stand in courtrooms and boardrooms advocating for individuals and families who feel powerless against a system that often overlooks their humanity. For me, the law is not just a career—it’s a calling to ensure that no one feels invisible or unheard. Equally important to me is the opportunity to inspire others. Growing up, I didn’t see many people who looked like me in positions of power, and it left me wondering if there was a place for someone like me in the legal profession. I want to change that for the next generation. I want LGBTQ+ and BIPOC boys and girls to see me and know that they belong in every space where decisions about their lives are being made. I want them to believe that they, too, can challenge systems, fight for justice, and create change. My journey toward becoming an attorney is deeply rooted in my family’s struggles and my passion for equity and justice. I am not pursuing this path for myself alone—I am doing it for my mother, who sacrificed so much to give us a better life, for my siblings who looked to me as an example, and for my community, which deserves to be uplifted and empowered. Winning the Phillip Robinson Memorial Scholarship would allow me to continue this journey with the support and resources I need to turn this vision into reality. It would be an investment in my mission to serve as a compassionate advocate and a beacon of hope for those who feel the system has failed them. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting future leaders committed to justice and equality.