Division and intolerance are common words in the American political system. However, acknowledging bipartisanship and the strength of democracy can only benefit this nation's future. I desired a track in political science. It began with my love for fun facts about the Supreme Court. John Marshall, an established chief justice, is only one of two justices to appear on United States currency. Another fascinating piece that caught my eye was Justice David J. Brewer, born in the Ottoman Republic in 1837. I loved constitutional law since I started mastering facts of the Supreme Court at thirteen. I expanded my view to reading cases like Brown v. The Board of Education of Topeka and Shaw v. Reno, which continue to shape the American image and will shape the American future. The Supreme Court is where political ideologies collaborate, seek ideas and exchange disagreements. Like so many stories taken to the Supreme Court, I want to uplift the story of my local Native American tribe, the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area. Growing up, I was lucky to learn cultural dances and understand their relationship with Mother Earth. But their political history grew a dear issue to me and my community. The Ohlone is not a federally recognized tribe. I will use this scholarship to financially support my collaboration and research into the Department of the Interior's relationship with the Ohlone and the historical attitude toward recognizing Native American tribes in California. This research project not only highlights my deep interest in the interworkings of the federal government, but it also brings light to the voices of the tribe members who raised me and celebrate culture and using voices for good. It is that message I hope to further with this opportunity, and that mission will further my career in political science. I believe that my contributions to my university’s scholarly community will invite others to share stories of Native American history. Particularly, those lands who are home to many of the world’s largest corporations, like Apple’s headquarters on sacred land of the Ohlone Tribe. Also encouraging my voice as the voice of my classmates, I hope to use this scholarship to help further my studies of student government as a representative for the Class of 2028. With my ear to their educational needs, I hope to further my developing projects such as adding a neuroscience major to my university’s curriculum, creating new political entrepreneurial opportunities, and creating new financial aid services. My goal in my educational platform is to bolster new conversation and contributions to a growing American democracy. Thank you for this opportunity and for considering my application.

Division and intolerance are common words in the American political system. However, acknowledging bipartisanship and the strength of democracy can only benefit this nation's future. I desired a track in political science. It began with my love for fun facts about the Supreme Court. John Marshall, an established chief justice, is only one of two justices to appear on United States currency. Another fascinating piece that caught my eye was Justice David J. Brewer, born in the Ottoman Republic in 1837. I loved constitutional law since I started mastering facts of the Supreme Court at thirteen. I expanded my view to reading cases like Brown v. The Board of Education of Topeka and Shaw v. Reno, which continue to shape the American image and will shape the American future. The Supreme Court is where political ideologies collaborate, seek ideas and exchange disagreements. Like so many stories taken to the Supreme Court, I want to uplift the story of my local Native American tribe, the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area. Growing up, I was lucky to learn cultural dances and understand their relationship with Mother Earth. But their political history grew a dear issue to me and my community. The Ohlone is not a federally recognized tribe. I will use this scholarship to financially support my collaboration and research into the Department of the Interior's relationship with the Ohlone and the historical attitude toward recognizing Native American tribes in California. This research project not only highlights my deep interest in the interworkings of the federal government, but it also brings light to the voices of the tribe members who raised me and celebrate culture and using voices for good. It is that message I hope to further with this opportunity, and that mission will further my career in political science. I believe that my contributions to my university’s scholarly community will invite others to share stories of Native American history. Particularly, those lands who are home to many of the world’s largest corporations, like Apple’s headquarters on sacred land of the Ohlone Tribe. Also encouraging my voice as the voice of my classmates, I hope to use this scholarship to help further my studies of student government as a representative for the Class of 2028. With my ear to their educational needs, I hope to further my developing projects such as adding a neuroscience major to my university’s curriculum, creating new political entrepreneurial opportunities, and creating new financial aid services. My goal in my educational platform is to bolster new conversation and contributions to a growing American democracy. Thank you for this opportunity and for considering my application.

Representation. A word that has shaped the United States of America. It is after all some of the first words of protest, it's a word standing for a dream to feel understood. This word means everything to me. I notice how little, in the political field, LGBTQ+ experiences are underrepresented. As a gay individual, I've found myself confused. People I look up to, governors, senators, and scholars of law, and wonder why since the beginning of the country, so feel LGBTQ+ voices stand in government. The narratives we hear often overlook the rich tapestry of identities and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. While strides have been made, it feels as though the progress is slow and uneven, often limited to symbolic movements rather than meaningful (tangible) change. Representation matters not only in politics but in shaping a culture that embraces diversity. When I see leaders who claim to advocate for equality but fail to include LGBTQ+ perspectives, it raises questions about the authenticity of their commitment. The lack of visibility can lead to a feeling of isolation, making it difficult for young people like myself to envision a future where we are fully accepted and celebrated. This has fueled a lot of my work with the San Mateo County Library system in the Bay Area, California, where I am committed to creating places where queer youth can seek counselors, guidance, and career advice. I plan to expand these initiatives to engage with local political structures, advocating for policies that recognize and support the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. By bridging the gap between community resources and political advocacy, I aim to ensure that our voices are not just heard but actively shape the policies that affect queer lives. I believe that true representation goes beyond numbers; it requires a commitment to amplifying voices that have historically been silenced. It means creating spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals can participate actively in shaping the policies that affect their lives. Only then can we move towards a society that truly values every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. As I continue to navigate my own journey as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I hold onto the hope that I can be an advocate of these diverse stories of the community and create tangible change. Then, the word "representation" will no longer be a dream our founding fathers saw it as, but a vibrant reality.