My journey to pursuing a business degree is deeply rooted in personal experiences that shaped my resilience, empathy, and commitment to advocacy. As an afrolatina immigrant woman, a survivor of domestic violence, and a parent who navigated complex legal battles without professional guidance, I intimately understand the systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities. These challenges ignited my passion for law and business, ultimately leading me to the pursuit of a degree that will empower me to bridge the gap between justice and opportunity. My American dream began with an unplanned immersion into the legal system. From filing under the Hague Convention to managing immigration documentation, citizenship applications, and even eviction filings, I learned to navigate a labyrinth of procedures without professional representation. These experiences taught me not only how to advocate for myself and my family but also the importance of creating accessible legal and business resources for others in similar situations. At the age of 16, I aspired to become an attorney, working at a law firm to explore the field. Although life led me into a successful career as an award-winning journalist and public relations professional, my passion for law never faded. Personal hardships and triumphs, including overcoming a paralyzing stroke at 39, reminded me that my journey was preparing me for a greater purpose: to use my experiences to help others access justice and build better lives. Currently, as a judicial assistant to a Superior Court judge, I am gaining invaluable insights into the inner workings of the legal system. I am also pursuing a legal research role with the district attorney’s office to further deepen my understanding. These roles, combined with my pursuit of a business degree, are critical steps in achieving my ultimate goal: earning a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and combining it with an MBA or LL.M. in Law and Business Administration. The synergy between law and business is crucial for addressing many of the challenges faced by individuals and organizations today. A business degree will provide me with the tools to develop sustainable solutions, manage resources effectively, and implement strategic initiatives that empower underserved communities. I am particularly passionate about advocating for immigrants, minorities, and disadvantaged individuals who often lack access to legal and financial resources. Many women, especially those in abusive relationships, struggle to afford legal advice for divorce and protection. By combining my legal and business expertise, I plan to establish programs and clinics that offer affordable legal support and workshops on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and navigating the justice system. Additionally, I envision creating initiatives that address systemic biases and barriers within the legal and corporate sectors. These might include mentorship programs for aspiring professionals from underrepresented backgrounds and advocacy efforts to reform policies that perpetuate inequality. Earning my business degree is not just about advancing my career; it is about fulfilling a lifelong calling to create meaningful change. My experiences as a journalist, publicist, single mother, and legal professional have equipped me with the determination, empathy, and resilience to succeed. By bridging the worlds of law and business, I aim to be a force for justice, equality, and empowerment. This journey is more than an educational pursuit—it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a commitment to leaving a legacy of hope and opportunity for future generations.

My name is Arthia Nixon and I am a four-time stroke survivor, mom, new American citizen and domestic abuse survivor. I had a successful career in journalism but I had to stop after becoming sick. I did not complete my degree earlier because I chose love and unfortunately, the only thing that came out of that marriage was an amazing, talented daughter who has been such strength to me as a caregiver when I was recovering from being paralyzed due to my stroke and recouping from my blood transfusions. My daughter is now 19 and an aspiring actress. She has seen me fill fight for myself without an attorney, she has seen me win journalism awards and she has seen me find a way to not give up in spite of pain and my emotions. During my journey, I have always had a passion for legal studies and I now work in the county court system. I see so many women needing assistance but can't afford to pay attorneys. I also saw how having a degree can increase my income significantly. This scholarship will help me fund my education so that in turn, I can give back to the community and afford to survive in this ever changing economy. I have contributed to to community in many ways, especially with hurricane relief efforts, single mom assistance, and with the NAACP and journalism associations. As for what have I failed in, I have failed in many things. I failed in choosing a good husband, and I failed in reporting domestic abuse, and failed in getting the mental health advice I needed. I learned that in order to help myself, my daughters and women who I came in contact with, I had to follow legal protocols, understand what was needed, and more. I had to put my health first and break the cycles so that I could be better. I especially had to understand mental health and the traumas that it can cause if you do not get treated. My greatest strength is learning to understand that it's not only what you know how to do or what documentation you have, but what you do with the information that will help yourself and other people. I have learned that true joy comes from being in a position to be a listener, a mediator, a researcher and understanding and also empathetic. With all my talents, I never felt so helpless than I did as I was recovering at age 39 from my strokes. I realized that I had another chance at life and in this nation, the one that I became a citizen of, I can be the best citizen by helping others. I plan to continue my education and will go on to get me JD as well. My greatest strength remains the strength to shift and make things happen, regardless of how hard it took to get to that point.

My American dream began with a journey that deepened my understanding of the legal system and the challenges faced by those unfamiliar with American law. As a survivor of domestic violence and the parent of a child wrongfully taken by the other parent, I was thrust into the legal world without guidance. From filing under the Hague Convention to managing immigration documentation and citizenship applications, and even handling eviction filings, I gained firsthand experience in navigating the complexities of the legal system without professional representation. As an afrolatina immigrant woman with an accent, I encountered significant barriers to accessing justice. Financial constraints and systemic biases often left me feeling unsupported. However, I persevered, teaching myself legal processes and developing the resilience needed to advocate for myself and my family. At 16, I dreamed of becoming an attorney and took my first job at a law firm to explore the legal field. Although life took me in a different direction, leading to a successful career as an award-winning journalist and public relations professional, my passion for law never faded. Personal hardships, including a tumultuous marriage and the challenges of being a single mother, further fueled my desire to use my experiences to help others. At 39, I suffered a stroke that left one side of my body paralyzed. While recovering, my neurologist encouraged me to challenge my mind, and I found myself returning to my passion for law. Despite the obstacles I faced, I realized my journey had prepared me to pursue my true calling: becoming a lawyer. Today, I work as a judicial assistant to a Superior Court judge and am applying for a legal research position with our district attorney’s office. These roles have strengthened my understanding of the legal system and affirmed my commitment to making law my lifelong profession. My ultimate goal is to earn my Juris Doctor (J.D.) and combine it with an MBA or LL.M. in Law and Business Administration. This dual expertise will allow me to bridge the gap between law and business, empowering me to assist individuals and organizations in navigating complex legal and corporate landscapes. I'm currently working on my undergraduate degree now. I am particularly passionate about advocating for marginalized communities, including immigrants, minorities, and disadvantaged individuals who face systemic barriers in accessing justice. Many people are left to navigate the legal system without adequate resources or understanding, and I am committed to becoming the attorney who empowers them. Earning my J.D. and advancing my education in law and business administration is more than just a career goal—it is the fulfillment of a lifelong calling. I aspire to be a force for justice, equality, and change, using my legal expertise to make a meaningful impact on individuals and communities, especially as I see women who cant afford legal advice wanting assistance to help with divorce and protection. My journey, though unconventional, has equipped me with the determination, empathy, and resilience needed to succeed in law. I am ready to embrace this next chapter and contribute to the legal field with purpose and passion.