As a teenage girl, my journey has been marked by adversity, but it's adversity that fuels my determination to make a difference. Growing up, my family faced the harsh reality of wrongful imprisonment when my father was unjustly incarcerated. Although my mother and father were never together, his imprisonment led my mother single-handedly to raise my twin brother and me. During the years my father was confined behind those unyielding walls, I was but a child, naive to the depth of his trials and tribulations. His struggles, a distant reality, were veiled from my youthful comprehension. Yet, as the hands of time have ushered me into my eighteenth year, my eyes have been pried open to the harsh truths that incarceration bestows upon a person. Witnessing the aftermath of prison's grip on him has been a revelation, stirring within me a profound awakening. It is this very awakening that has ignited a fire in my soul, compelling me to transform the anguish my father endured into a catalyst for purpose, for change, and for hope. Throughout high school, I dedicated myself wholeheartedly to my academic pursuits. I selected courses that promised to construct a robust groundwork for the ambitious future I envisioned. My mother, in the face of financial pressures, became a paragon of tireless effort and unwavering commitment to ensure that my twin brother and I had the resources we needed to thrive. Her relentless dedication and the sacrifices she made served as a powerful lesson in resilience and perseverance, deeply ingrained these values within me. Witnessing her strength and resolve only fortified my determination to not merely succeed, but to excel in honor of her efforts. As graduation approaches, I am overwhelmed with a pressing need to chase after my dreams. After being accepted into many schools, the decision of where I continue my education is crucial as this decision will affect the education I gain while pursuing my bachelor's degree in criminal justice, viewing it as a pivotal step towards my ultimate ambition of specializing in wrongful conviction law as a lawyer. The journey before me may seem intimidating, yet I will not allow trepidation to be an obstacle. My father's steadfast resilience and his unshakeable faith in justice, despite numerous adversities, serve as my wellspring of courage. After his incarceration, my father instilled in me the strength and determination that propels me forward to champion the cause of justice. In my pursuit of justice, I am driven by a desire to ensure that no family has to endure the pain of wrongful imprisonment. I am determined to challenge the systemic injustices that disproportionately affect marginalized communities, and to be a voice for those who have been silenced by a flawed system. But my journey is not just about seeking justice for others—it's also about reclaiming my narrative. My father's imprisonment does not define me, but it has shaped my determination to create a better future, not just for myself, but for those who have been denied justice. Although my father is my number one inspiration, individuals like Bryan Stevenson, who tirelessly advocate for justice and challenge the inequalities embedded in the legal system, inspire my journey as well. Their courage in the face of adversity serves as a beacon of hope, reminding me of the transformative impact one person can have on the lives of many.
It is hard not to hate my mother. She was not there for most of my life, and when she was, it was not pleasant. She and my step-“father,” to this day, battle the ramifications of drug addiction and the distribution of illegal substances. I always knew that I wanted nothing to do with that type of life, which led me to develop a mindset of growth and progressive change; My future is in my hands. I have learned that I have the power to make this world better, not only for me but for the people around me who face similar adversities.
Growing up, I quickly saw the difference between right and wrong. I saw myself as an independent entity – I decided from a young age to separate myself from the lifestyle my mother was leading. That left me to hold my own in most of my endeavors. I was the child who filled out his paperwork, signed his forms, and had to fly solo when starting his projects. Although it was not normal for me, other parents were more immersed in their children’s lives; I quickly realized how my family differed.
I was taken in by my grandparents, who are immigrants from the Dominican Republic, and I began to start living a more “normal” life. Although I upgraded from doing my grandparent's paperwork plus my own, it taught me to be self-sufficient, and I learned how to use my resources. I developed organizational skills and a knack for adaptability in learning situations. I began to see how my ability to problem-solve separated me from other kids. Adversity can be a learning experience, and I am grateful that I get to utilize it positively.
Once I entered middle and high school, my mother was in and out of jail. I distracted myself with my schoolwork. It was hard to be at home for long periods - I would get anxious and stressed if I were not distracted. My academic success seemed to be my coping mechanism – the validation that came through my work was always reassuring for me - it felt like the one right thing. I had ups and downs with my academics as high school progressed, but now I have gotten back into my groove; I learned that success only comes from being my authentic self and letting life go on even when things get heavy.
My past gave me an understanding of the importance of awareness. We have the power to make a change and help others - it’s all about using that power. I aspire to study accounting to become financially literate. From there, I want to assemble a group to lead an organization supporting underprivileged youth - particularly those who feel the impacts of financial illiteracy, environmental racism, and a lack of support from their community. I hate to see others struggling because of a non-existent support system. I hope to do better for myself and others.
As I prepare to leave high school, I see how different paths have influenced our futures. I do not hate my mother. I could not see it then, but I see it now: her path was difficult, and she did not have the resources to help herself in the way some do. I will not take my life for granted – this is my chance to further my education and create a life where I can help others like my mother. Drugs and incarceration added a dent to my life, but dents do not ruin something - they give it its character.
