From advocating for accessible traffic lights in my community to testing digital applications for inclusivity, I have always been driven by a commitment to equity and justice. These experiences taught me that change is possible when you combine dedication with a thorough understanding of systems and a desire to serve others. Practicing law offers the tools and framework to make a profound, lasting impact on people's lives, empowering individuals to navigate societal structures and ensuring that justice is accessible to everyone. My journey toward this path has been shaped by personal experiences, advocacy efforts, and a relentless pursuit of fairness. Growing up as a visually impaired individual, I encountered challenges that required self-advocacy at an early age. When I was told I couldn’t take an Advanced Placement class because of visual demands, I fought for accommodations and succeeded in enrolling. When my safe passage home was questioned by those who doubted my independence, I worked with local government officials to install an auditory traffic signal. These moments were transformative, showing me the power of standing up for myself and others. Yet, they also revealed systemic gaps that could be addressed more effectively through legal channels. The law is not just about enforcing rules; it is about creating avenues for people to lead fuller, freer lives. I want to be part of that process. My work with Nedal Gyro, a Greek food truck and restaurant in Pittsburgh, further solidified my desire to use the law to empower others. In this unpaid internship, which I balanced during the school year and summer months, I handled financial transactions, coordinated teams, and developed a successful social media strategy that grew the business's following to over 15,000. But my role extended beyond operational tasks—I built relationships with customers, some of whom were small business owners themselves, struggling with challenges like navigating local regulations or handling workplace disputes. Seeing the barriers these entrepreneurs faced underscored the need for legal expertise in building equitable systems that support economic growth and community development. Additionally, my work as an accessibility app tester exemplifies my dedication to using legal frameworks to create inclusive environments. Collaborating with developers, I helped refine apps used by over 1,000 blind users, ensuring that updates adhered to accessibility standards. This role deepened my understanding of the intersection between technology and law, particularly in advocating for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and similar regulations. These efforts confirmed my belief that the law can be a vehicle for innovation and equity, bridging gaps that hinder societal progress. My identity as a first-generation immigrant further fuels my aspiration to practice law. When my parents left Jordan for the United States, they carried with them the hope of providing me with better opportunities. Watching their resilience as they navigated unfamiliar systems inspired me to use my education to help others in similar situations. Immigrants and minorities often face legal and systemic barriers that stifle their potential. I want to use the law to break down these barriers, advocating for policies that protect their rights and ensure equal opportunities for all. Law is not simply a career for me; it is a calling rooted in my lived experiences and driven by a desire to create meaningful change. Whether advocating for accessibility, supporting small businesses, or amplifying marginalized voices, my goal is to ensure that justice is not an abstract ideal but a tangible reality for everyone. As a lawyer, I hope to empower individuals, uphold fairness, and contribute to a society where equity prevails.

I have chosen to study political science because I believe in the power of policy to transform lives. My experiences have taught me that effective governance can create opportunities and remove barriers, especially for marginalized communities. Political science provides the tools to not only understand these systems but to actively shape them for the better. This realization struck me during a walk home from Quiz Bowl practice, my white cane tapping against the uneven sidewalk. At the auditory traffic light, I smiled, knowing my advocacy with local government had resulted in this crossing being made accessible—not just for me, but for others. This was my first encounter with how policy could directly impact everyday lives, and it deepened my resolve to pursue political science as a means of driving change. Through my work as a cashier at a Greek food truck, I’ve seen how technology and inclusion can empower individuals to contribute meaningfully. Using an iPhone app to identify bills, I quickly manage up to 75 customers a night, demonstrating how accessible tools can level the playing field. Later, while editing the writing of international students, I use my screen reader to help them communicate effectively, fostering inclusion in academic spaces. These experiences connect to my belief that good policy should be about empowering people to thrive in any environment. Growing up, I witnessed how systemic barriers disproportionately affect individuals with disabilities. Teachers doubted my ability to handle AP coursework because of visual challenges, but I advocated for myself, addressing issues like inaccessible mathematical graphs with my instructors. When my parents moved us from Jordan to the United States in 2014, they did so believing I could achieve more in a society where policies could be adapted to meet my needs. This upbringing instilled in me a drive to prove that systemic change is possible—and necessary. In high school, I arranged meetings with local officials to improve pedestrian safety after a neighbor voiced concerns about my walking route. Seeing those changes implemented reinforced my commitment to policymaking. My interest in advocacy grew further when I performed at a poetry and music night, where I met an author whose work I helped edit and publish. Each of these experiences underscored how individual voices, when amplified through systemic change, can create ripple effects far beyond their origins. Political science allows me to bridge my lived experiences with a broader vision for equity. I want to craft policies that challenge assumptions about what individuals with disabilities—or anyone marginalized by society—can achieve. When someone once told me blind people couldn’t attend college, I knew my answer would one day be, “Look at me now.” Through political science, I aspire to not only say those words for myself but to ensure others can say them too.