Growing up with an older brother who has autism has driven my passion for assisting the marginalized. My brother reminded me that we are all human beings and we're uniquely made for a purpose in this world. I eventually discovered my purpose through him, to be an advocate for others that can’t be advocates for themselves. However, I wasn’t always quite sure how I was going to become such a leader in my community for there were multiple paths for me to take. Nevertheless, I was blessed with many opportunities in high school that demonstrated exactly why law school is the best path for me to further my journey of advocacy.
One thing I am absolutely grateful for, that influenced my future endeavors, was my high school’s Law and Forensics Small Learning Community.This program opened doors of infinite chances for me to explore the law, such as, having law focused electives, meeting Supreme Court Justice , Sonia Sotomayor, engage in internships, and above all, participate in local and international law competitions. For instance, I was chosen among 13 other high school students from New York City Public Schools to travel to The Hague, Netherlands to compete in the Justice Resource Center’s high school International Moot Court competition. This was an experience that liberated me intellectually and beyond, giving me the strength to believe in my capabilities as an aspiring lawyer. My trip to The Hague including other opportunities of mine, collectively are extraordinary for they’ve built a stronger, more confident, courageous young woman that is ready to conquer obstacles that will be present on my road to success.
Not only that, but these opportunities taught me that failure is okay. Too often, as a society, we look at failure as a negative, which I believe should change. I’ve never been a timid individual, though, in front of groups, small and big, I would always shake in fear, imagining the worst because speaking in public felt like a death sentence waiting to happen to me. I realized failing at public speaking, or anything else for that matter, was only natural. After all, failure is the stepping stone of favorable outcomes for what lies ahead. In particular, these circumstances encouraged me towards the path of pursuing law school, because they have illustrated before me that the law is a powerful tool that can make a massive difference in others’ lives. It is quite fascinating to me how having a voice and a pen can positively transform generations in the blink of an eye.
I know law school isn’t an easy experience because I’ve analyzed readings of penal law and statutes. Though I’ll be doing something I truly love and that I find rewarding in all aspects of my life. From the day I decided I wanted to pursue law at the age of 14 years old, I made the conscious commitment to serve my community first, now, and hereafter. Law school is where I will fulfill my aspiration to become a twenty-first century globalized citizen and a relentless advocate for the voices unheard.
