Since I was a little girl, I have always believed that education is the key to freedom. For me, continuing my education is not just a way to achieve a career — it is a way to heal, to grow, and to rebuild my life. When I was very young, I experienced abuse that no child should ever face. The trauma left deep emotional scars and, for a long time, I felt trapped in silence. Later, another act of violence was committed against me by someone I thought I could trust. These experiences affected my sense of safety, my confidence, and my ability to focus in school. I felt broken, alone, and hopeless. There were moments when I thought about ending my life, just to escape the pain. But in the middle of all that darkness, music became my refuge. When words failed me, music helped me speak. I found healing in singing, dancing, and expressing my emotions through rhythm and sound. Music gave me a way to process the things I could not say out loud. It reminded me that I was still alive — that I still had a voice. Art and music helped me rediscover my strength. They reminded me that my life still has meaning, and that I am more than what happened to me. And now, more than anything, I want to use my life to help others. That is why I want to go to college and study criminal justice, and later attend law school. I want to become a lawyer so I can defend the victims — the ones who are too afraid to speak, the ones who were told that their pain doesn’t matter. I know what it feels like to be voiceless, and I refuse to let others stay in that silence. I believe that education will give me the tools to create justice in a world that so often ignores it. I want to stand in courtrooms and speak truth, not only for myself but for those who were never heard. Being a survivor of crime has changed me, but it has also strengthened me. I am not just a victim. I am a fighter, a dreamer, and a future lawyer who will fight for change. This scholarship would not only help me financially — it would honor my journey and support my mission. I carry Brittany McGlone’s story in my heart as I pursue my education, and I promise to use my pain for purpose. Her memory, like mine, deserves justice.

When I first arrived in the United States eight months ago, I stepped into a new world filled with unknowns—new people, a new culture, and a new language. I was 17, far from my birthplace in Haiti, and carrying with me a dream: to become a strong, educated woman who can defend others and make a difference in the world. But the road to that dream has not been easy. My academic journey has been shaped by obstacles that many students in the U.S. may never face. I was born in a small town called Bute Boyer in Haiti, and I lost my mother at birth. I grew up with my father’s family in Haïti, far from my siblings whom I still haven’t met. I have learned to live with distance, grief, and the feeling of being separated from parts of myself. Despite these challenges, I have never stopped believing in the power of education and in my own potential to rise. When I arrived in the U.S., school had already started in August, but I wasn’t able to begin until October. I had missed the first two months of the academic year, which made it difficult to catch up—especially in a language I was still learning. I had to adjust not only to a new school system, but also to speaking, reading, and writing in English. I struggled to express myself and to understand everything happening around me. Because of these circumstances, my GPA is currently a 2.9. However, that number does not reflect how hard I’ve worked or how far I’ve come. Despite these early struggles, I’ve never stopped showing up with determination. I have learned to advocate for myself, ask questions, and stay after school to get help. I am proud of my progress in English and proud of the courage it takes to keep going when everything feels unfamiliar. More importantly, I know that my story is not defined by one school year. It is defined by my resilience, my passion, and my commitment to building a better future—not only for myself, but for others as well. I am excited about college because it represents a new chapter—one where I can truly begin to grow and thrive. In college, I will have access to opportunities, resources, and mentorship that can help me become the lawyer I dream of being. I want to stand up for those who feel powerless, especially immigrants, women, and victims of injustice. My experiences have taught me empathy, strength, and patience—qualities that I believe make me not just a future lawyer, but a future leader. College is not just about academic learning for me; it’s about personal growth, discovering who I am, and becoming the person I’ve always wanted to be. I plan to take advantage of every opportunity—to join clubs, seek internships, ask for guidance, and build relationships with people who can challenge and inspire me. I want to learn everything I can, because I know that knowledge is power. This scholarship would not only help me financially, but it would also be a reminder that my efforts and potential are seen and valued. I may not have had the highest GPA in high school, but I have a heart full of determination, a mind ready to learn, and a soul driven by purpose. I am not afraid of hard work—I welcome it, because I know where I’m going. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students like me who are ready to begin again—with courage, hope, and big dreams.

My name is Samuela, and I am a determined young woman from Haiti who is passionate about safety, justice, and protecting others. Since arriving in the United States through President Biden’s humanitarian parole program, I’ve faced many challenges—being separated from my siblings, learning a new language, and adjusting to a new culture. These experiences have shaped my desire to pursue a career in law and Loss Prevention, where I can make a real impact by creating safer communities and fairer systems. Academic Achievements Although I’ve only been in the U.S. for a short time, I’ve made strong progress in my education. I am currently learning English while maintaining good grades and actively participating in school. I enjoy subjects like history, civics, and writing—anything that helps me understand justice, law, and human behavior. I have improved quickly thanks to my hard work, my curiosity, and the support of caring teachers. My academic journey is just beginning, but I am committed to going far. Career Goals My long-term goal is to become a lawyer, but I am also deeply interested in the field of Loss Prevention and Safety. I want to help protect both people and businesses—whether that’s by preventing shoplifting, improving workplace safety, or helping companies create smart security policies. I believe this field offers the perfect combination of law, safety, and service. By learning about risk management and retail safety, I will gain valuable skills that will prepare me for a career focused on justice and protection. Community Involvement I believe in helping others, especially those who feel left out or forgotten. At school, I help fellow immigrant students who are struggling to adjust, just like I was. I assist with translation, offer encouragement, and support them when they feel lost. I also participate in community events and volunteer when I can. Giving back reminds me that we are stronger when we support one another. Financial Need Financially, my situation is difficult. I live with limited support and have to manage many basic needs on my own. This scholarship would relieve a huge burden by helping cover school expenses, transportation, and supplies. It would allow me to focus fully on my education without constantly worrying about how to afford it. I am committed to my goals, but I need support to continue. Why I Deserve This Scholarship I believe I deserve this scholarship because of my resilience, my motivation to serve, and my passion for safety and justice. I have not had an easy journey, but I’ve never given up. What sets me apart is my heart—I care deeply about people, and I want to use my future career to protect them. Whether through helping a business reduce theft, working with law enforcement, or making legal reforms, I am committed to using my skills and experience to build a safer, fairer world. This scholarship would not only help me financially, but it would also inspire me to keep going. It would be a sign that someone believes in me, and that means everything to a girl who once felt invisible. I’m ready to grow, to learn, and to give back. I’m ready to be a leader in this field.

Why I Am Passionate About a Career in the Law? From a very young age, I have always felt that my life had a greater purpose. As a young Haitian girl who has overcome many hardships, I have learned what it means to survive and rise above injustice. I lost my mother at birth and was raised by my father’s family in Haiti. Later, I had the opportunity to come to the United States through President Biden’s humanitarian parole program, leaving behind my loved ones . These experiences shaped me—not with bitterness, but with a deep desire to stand up for others. I want to become a lawyer not just to wear a suit and speak in court, but to be the voice for those who are not heard, especially victims of unfair systems. That is why I am passionate about a career in law. The legal field is not just about rules and regulations—it is about people. It is about protecting the vulnerable, defending the innocent, and creating a more equal society. From a young age, I noticed how injustice affects everyday people, especially those who come from poor, immigrant, or minority backgrounds. Whether it’s someone being treated unfairly by an employer, a child stuck in the foster care system, or a single mother being evicted without proper cause, these stories all point to a need for justice. I want to study law so that I can be the one who helps bring justice into people’s lives. When I first started learning about the legal system, I was amazed at how powerful knowledge of the law can be. Lawyers have the ability to change lives. They can fight for someone’s freedom, secure protection for a victim, or even change policies that affect thousands. I am especially interested in human rights and social justice law because I believe in fighting for people who have been pushed aside, forgotten, or silenced. I want to specialize in areas that focus on protecting the rights of immigrants, minorities, and women—people like me, who often do not have the resources to defend themselves. My personal experiences have made me more determined. Moving to a new country, learning a new language, and starting over from scratch was not easy. But every challenge I faced made me stronger, and more passionate. I know what it’s like to feel like you don’t belong, and I want to make sure others don’t feel that way. I want to show young girls, especially Haitian girls, that they can rise up and make a difference. Becoming a lawyer will allow me to be that difference—not just for myself, but for my community and beyond. In school, I’ve always enjoyed subjects that involve reading, writing, critical thinking, and debate. I’m not afraid to speak up or defend what I believe in. I enjoy learning about history, politics, and the systems that shape our society. These interests align perfectly with a pre-law track. I’m ready to work hard, study deeply, and prepare myself for law school in the future. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m not afraid of difficult paths. I’ve been walking one all my life—and I’m still standing. In conclusion, my passion for law comes from my past, my pain, and my dream for a more just world. I want to be a voice for the voiceless, a protector of rights, and a builder of hope. Becoming a lawyer is not just my career goal—it is my mission. And every step I take now, including my education and future legal training, brings me closer to fulfilling that purpose.