My desired career path in law is rooted in a passion for justice, advocacy, and creating lasting change. I am particularly drawn to public interest law, focusing on civil rights, social justice, and addressing systemic inequality. I believe law has the power to dismantle barriers and provide a voice to those who have been marginalized, and I am committed to using my legal career to fight for these communities and ensure that justice is accessible to all. To achieve my goals, I have already taken concrete steps that align with my values and aspirations. During my undergraduate studies in political science, I developed a deep understanding of the dynamics of governance, law, and policy, which I see as fundamental to becoming an effective advocate. I have also had the opportunity to participate in Mock Trial, which has been invaluable in honing my public speaking, critical thinking, and legal analysis skills. Through Mock Trial, I have gained experience in constructing persuasive arguments, preparing witnesses, and presenting complex legal issues in front of judges and juries. This hands-on experience has solidified my desire to pursue a career in law, particularly in areas where advocacy can directly impact people’s lives. In addition to my academic and Mock Trial experience, I’ve spent time learning from those who have navigated the legal system themselves, listening to their stories, and understanding the complexities of their struggles. I’ve also engaged in discussions about policy reform, specifically focusing on criminal justice, racial equality, and access to essential resources like healthcare. These conversations and experiences have shaped my vision of the kind of lawyer I want to be—one who combines legal expertise with a deep sense of empathy and commitment to equity. As I continue on my path toward law school, my goal is to gain further experience and knowledge that will help me make a significant impact in the legal profession. I am focused on honing the necessary skills to advocate effectively for those who need it most, particularly in areas where systemic injustice persists. I plan to attend law school to refine my legal expertise, and after graduating, I hope to work for a public interest law firm or nonprofit organization, dedicating myself to meaningful reform in areas like criminal justice or civil liberties. This scholarship will play an important role in my educational journey by alleviating the financial burden of law school, allowing me to fully commit to my studies and continue my development as a future advocate for change. With this support, I can pursue my goal of becoming a lawyer who uses her knowledge and skills to advance justice and create a more equitable society.

The adversities I’ve faced in my life have often felt like challenges meant to test my spirit, pushing me to grow beyond what I thought were my limits. As the youngest in my family, I have always been aware of how deeply the actions of those around me—my parents, my siblings, and even my peers—could impact my journey. But the adversity that stands out most in my educational path is the responsibility I’ve carried in helping care for a loved one during their health struggles. The emotional and physical toll this took on me, particularly during high school and early college years, meant balancing the pressure of academics with the weight of real-world responsibility. This experience shifted my perspective on education and life. I began to see adversity not just as something to be overcome, but as an opportunity to align with the deeper currents of the universe, to cultivate resilience and empathy that are often overlooked in traditional academic settings. It’s in this space of challenge that I discovered my passion for understanding systems—how they break, how they heal, and how they can evolve. This metaphysical view of interconnectedness drove me toward political science, where I could explore the way human systems of law, policy, and governance mirror larger universal principles of order, chaos, and balance. While my academic interests initially gravitated toward the social sciences, the more I learned about STEM, the more I realized that this field offers a unique lens through which to understand the very nature of existence. STEM disciplines delve into the mechanics of the world around us, offering both practical tools and deep philosophical questions about our place in the universe. Whether it’s the ethics of technology or the scientific process that underpins everything from healthcare to artificial intelligence, STEM provides the tangible means to affect real change—something that fuels my desire to pursue law with an understanding of both the tangible and intangible forces shaping our world. As for my financial circumstances, they’ve been marked by both sacrifice and determination. Coming from a family where financial resources are limited, I’ve worked tirelessly to fund my education, often juggling part-time jobs while maintaining a rigorous academic schedule. Every dollar that helps further my studies feels like an investment not just in my future, but in my ability to contribute meaningfully to society. The scholarship would not only ease the financial burden but also allow me the time and space to deepen my understanding of STEM, particularly its intersection with policy, law, and ethics. The coincidence that Richard and Rebecca Whiddon passed away on my birthday feels profound to me, as though the universe is subtly nudging me to honor their legacy and passion for making the world a better place. They too faced challenges, and through their intellect and perseverance, they contributed meaningfully to fields that have direct implications on the lives of so many. Like them, I want to combine my academic pursuits with a drive to help others, particularly those who face obstacles that seem insurmountable. This scholarship would be a pivotal moment in my journey, a symbol of both personal resilience and a broader cosmic order that encourages me to use my education not just for personal advancement, but to help shape a more just and compassionate world. It would allow me to continue studying, to keep learning, and to push forward with the belief that, even in the face of adversity, we are all part of something much larger than ourselves.

Understanding the nature of our universe is not just a pursuit of knowledge, but a quest to unravel the very fabric of existence. From a metaphysical standpoint, the universe is not a passive space simply for us to observe, but a dynamic, interconnected whole that reflects both the complexity and simplicity of life itself. As we venture deeper into understanding its mysteries, we begin to engage with questions of meaning, purpose, and our place within it. I believe that it is essential to pursue this understanding because it allows us to bridge the gap between the material and immaterial, the known and the unknown. Too often, we become entrenched in the boundaries of what is immediately observable, ignoring the greater truths that lie beneath the surface. Our universe is more than a collection of atoms and galaxies; it is a living, breathing organism—where every action, every choice, reverberates across time and space. By seeking to understand it, we are also seeking to understand ourselves, our consciousness, and our interconnectedness with all things. As I pursue my studies in political science and, eventually, law, I hope to bring this metaphysical awareness into practical application. Political systems, too, are manifestations of the broader universal principles of balance, justice, and harmony. However, when we operate solely within the constraints of the physical world, we often lose sight of these deeper connections. Concepts like justice, freedom, and equality are not merely human constructs—they are natural principles that exist within the fabric of the universe itself. In my work, I aspire to employ ideas that acknowledge the inherent interconnectedness of all life. Systems, whether legal, political, or societal, are not isolated entities; they are webs of relationships, each part influencing the other. I hope to explore concepts such as the law of cause and effect, which underpins much of metaphysical thought. Every decision, every law passed, has ripple effects that extend far beyond the immediate. Understanding this interconnectedness, I believe, will allow us to create more empathetic, just, and sustainable systems that resonate with the true nature of the universe. Ultimately, it is important that we understand the universe not simply for the sake of knowledge, but to guide our actions, deepen our understanding of our role in the world, and ensure that our creations align with the underlying order and balance of the cosmos. In this way, our work on Earth can serve as a reflection of the harmony we seek in the greater universe.

According to the Legal Services Corporation, 92% of low-income Americans do not receive adequate or any legal help for their civil legal needs, such as issues with child custody, eviction, and veterans' benefits. Additionally, 71% of low-income households experienced at least one civil legal problem in the past year (LSC, 2022). These statistics are striking, and to put them into perspective, approximately 38 million Americans are considered low-income. Given these figures, around 24.8 million Americans are not receiving proper legal representation annually due to financial constraints—just within low-income households. This lack of access to legal representation is a pressing crisis in our nation. My name is Abbey Santos, and I am currently in my second year at the University of Oregon, studying political science with a minor in criminology. After graduating with my undergraduate degree in spring 2026, I plan to attend law school to pursue a career as a criminal justice attorney. Underrepresentation is just one of the many issues plaguing our justice system, and I am deeply committed to working toward reform. As the youngest of six siblings, my family has instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Whether I ultimately become a family law attorney or a criminal defender, my goal is to help people navigate our flawed legal system, and my educational path is key to achieving that goal. The average cost of law school today exceeds $230,000, not including living expenses. This scholarship would greatly ease the financial burden of my undergraduate education, allowing me to avoid taking out more loans and potentially accumulating significant debt before even beginning law school. Being one of six children means I do not receive financial support from my family for educational expenses. I have been funding my education independently through a combination of small federal loans and scholarships. However, as I progress through university, the costs continue to rise. In addition to tuition, the law school application process often requires extensive experience and networking, which typically comes through unpaid internships. This scholarship would allow me to focus on my academics and build connections that will place me in the best possible position when applying to law schools next year. I am incredibly grateful for your consideration of my application. This scholarship would significantly help me pursue my dream of becoming an attorney and contributing to the improvement of our justice system. Thank you for the opportunity you are providing to students like me.