I have always been interested in the idea of justice not as a hypothetical conceptualization, but as a real force that influences people's lives. Being raised in an immigrant family, I saw personally how the immigration system can both open doors and become a barrier to them. I understood how important it is to have access to an attorney and how beneficial it can be via my parents' experience navigating the complexity of immigration law. Their experiences and my love of activism have strengthened my desire to practice law and defend the rights of people whose voices are frequently disregarded. I want to be a lawyer because I think that the legal system can be used to empower people. Frequently, justice is only available to those who can afford it, and many underprivileged groups face financial barriers that keep them from receiving equal opportunities. By offering legal representation to those in most need, I hope to close this gap and ensure that no one is denied justice based only on their financial situation. Everyone should have the right to the law, not just a select few. My professional and academic pursuits are strongly associated with my interest in law. As a student majoring in Criminology, Law, and Justice with a Spanish for the Professions minor, I have learned a lot about how various populations are affected by legal frameworks. I've been able to examine the inequalities in the legal system due to my studies, particularly with regards to due process rights and immigration law. My dedication to supporting people with legal issues, no matter whether they are immigrants looking for legal status or those navigating the challenges of the criminal justice system, has also been deepened by volunteering with disadvantaged populations. My ultimate professional goals involve becoming an attorney in immigration law and policy reform. Like my own family, immigrant families have experienced uncertainty, legal issues, and anxiety about being separated. I want to work with them. I can assist them in defending their rights and securing their future by offering them knowledgeable legal assistance. I also want to advocate for policies that solve the systemic problems that make the immigration system so challenging to understand. Since the law is dynamic and always changing, I hope to be among the next generation of lawyers who advocate for changes that uphold inclusivity, justice, and dignity. In addition to immigration law, I understand how legal access relates to other fields including healthcare, workers' rights, and education. Until they are in a legal emergency, many people are unaware of how much the law affects their day-to-day lives. In order for individuals to know their rights and be able to confidently navigate the system, I want to empower and educate them. I'm committed to making sure that the law is a tool for protection rather than a means for exclusion, whether that is achieved through direct representation, policy reform, or voluntary work. I want to be a lawyer because I think that justice has the ability to change people's lives. I aim to be the lawyer who defends the silenced, gives hope to those in doubt, and applies the law to bring about significant change rather than merely interpreting the law. I'll be one step closer to accomplishing this dream with the help of this scholarship.

My name is Daniela Vazquez and I am a determined Criminology, Law, and Justice major on the pre-law track, with a minor in Spanish for the Professions at the University of Illinois Chicago with an immigrant past and deep love for volunteering. Accountability is present in everything I do, I like to keep myself on track by considering outcomes of my actions. For example, when I don’t feel like waking up early for my 9am class, I remind myself that I am investing in my future by paying for my degree. Skipping class would not only waste that investment but also would create difficulty in my ability to succeed in my future career as a lawyer. This mindset has opened up numerous opportunities that have helped me stay on track with my education. Whether it’s setting up a reward system for completing tasks or simply being disciplined this approach has been essential to my growth and long-term success. One of the most impactful ways I have applied this sense of accountability is through my volunteer work. I have volunteered with several organizations that focus on helping communities in need, including children and women. These experiences have deepened my love for helping others volunteering has taught me the importance of showing up, being reliable, and holding myself accountable to people who rely on my support. In one of my volunteering experiences, I’ve had the privilege of tutoring younger students academically and even personally, I’ve helped guide them through their academic journeys, offering advice on everything from college applications to managing difficult personal challenges. Supporting these younger students has given me a deeper understanding of how important accountability and showing up is not just for my success, but for others as well. Accountability extends to my academic pursuits as well. As a pre-law student, I’ve set clear goals for myself in terms of academic performance, community involvement, and preparation for law school as there are no specific deadlines for studying the LSAT or specific classes I must take to get into law school. Being accountable to these goals has required a lot of discipline and time management, but it has brought me closer to achieving my dream of becoming an immigration lawyer. My minor in Spanish for the Professions is another way I’m preparing to make a meaningful impact. I want to ensure that I can communicate professionally to Spanish speaking clients, as many face language barriers that make navigating the legal system even more challenging then it should be from the start. Through accountability, I have achieved success not only in my academic journey but also personally. Keeping myself accountable for my actions in the classroom or while volunteering, has provided me with a deeper sense of responsibility. I understand that my success is not just for me, but also for my family, and the community I help when volunteering. With the support of the Harvest Goal Collective scholarship, I will be able to take the next step in my academic goals, prepared to give back to the communities that have shaped me and to help others reach their potential.

Immigrating to a country is not just a physical challenge, but an emotional journey that requires resilience, determination, and an aspiration for the future. As a first-gen immigrant, I understand these challenges firsthand. My family and I left our ranchito and family with hope of building a better life in the United States. It has come with obstacles that have tested my perseverance, shaping me who I am today and creating a solid commitment to my future career. Arriving in the U.S. everything was new to me. I faced having to adapt to a new education system, new language, and dealing with something new called discrimination. Learning English was one of the greatest challenges I faced as I had only grown up speaking Spanish. Through determination and hours of studying, I developed the skills to succeed academically. Furthermore, facing these challenges I knew my education would be the key to success in this new country and I had to make the most of the opportunities available to me. My journey has influenced my aspirations to become a lawyer, specifically to support immigrants navigating their immigration legal process. My experience going through the immigration process opened my eyes to barriers immigrants face, from language to lack of understanding their rights and often overwhelming bureaucracy of the legal system. Many immigrants are at a disadvantage simply because they don't know where to go for help or how to advocate for themselves. I want to change that. My career aspiration is to become an immigration lawyer so I can be able to guide and support individuals and families who are trying to build a better life. I believe immigrants are essential to the growth of this country, it is crucial they have access to the legal resources they need to succeed. Whether it is helping families reunite, or assisting individuals in gaining legal status, I want to make a difference for them. I see myself as an advocate who understands the immigration experience and committed to helping others overcome the same obstacles I went through. However, I face financial trouble that is a significant hurdle in my pursuit of this dream. My family works hard to build a stable life, although their hard work, the cost of higher education remains a difficulty to surpass. This scholarship would help me achieve my goal of becoming an attorney and help serve the immigrant community. With this financial support, I will be able to continue my education and complete my future degrees that will prepare me to be an effective and compassionate lawyer. Beyond my career aspirations, I aim to be a role model for other immigrant students. I want to show them that despite the obstacles of either someone thinking less of you or feeling out of place, it is possible to achieve your dreams through determination. Immigrants bring a unique perspective and strength to this country, and I am committed to using my education and future career to assist others who are going through the same path I went.

One of my favorite aspects of Minecraft is the limitless potential for building any dream houses. Taking the saying, the sky's the limit, as it truly is in this game. The freedom to create in any location whether on a hillside, beside a sparkling ocean, or in a dense forest covered in snow. This flexibility allows me to tap into my creativity and design a space that truly reflects my personality and vision. The variety of building materials and architectural styles available in the game is outstanding. I can construct a cozy cottage with warm wooden accents, a more modern hacienda with concrete walls, or even an underground house that blends into the natural surroundings. Each choice I make ties it into the ideal home, and experimenting with different materials keeps the process fresh and exciting. What makes this aspect of Minecraft particularly fulfilling is seeing the progress that comes with building. At the start of each project, I brainstorm my ideas, deciding on the layout and how tall or wide something has to. Gathering resources mining for stone, chopping wood, or farming for food I feel the anticipation building. Every block placed represents a step forward, and with each completed section I become more invested in the project. The effort and dedication required to bring my dream house to life are what make the experience truly special. Each building session takes time, planning, and trial and error. There are moments when I miscalculate the dimensions or realize that a design doesn’t quite work as I envisioned. However, these challenges only add to the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles and refining my creations. Once my dream house is complete, I take a moment to appreciate my work. The feeling of accomplishment is felt as I walk through the rooms, exploring every nook and cranny. Each detail from the carefully placed make-shifted furniture to the vibrant gardens outside with carefully placed flowers serves as a testament to my creativity and hard work. It becomes a representation of my efforts reminding me that, much like in real life, dreams take time to build. The act of building in Minecraft allows for personal reflection and expression. I find myself from time to time thinking about what “home” means to me as I design my houses. It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about creating a home that feels safe and welcoming, a bed to come home to when it gets dark. This makes the building process even more meaningful, as I add my emotions and experiences into the architecture. The limitless possibilities for building my dream house in Minecraft encapsulates why I love the game so much every year as I grow up. The freedom to create, the variety of options, and the rewarding nature of hard work come together to create an experience that is both enjoyable and fulfilling. Every structure I build tells a story and reflects my journey when looking back from when I first started playing back in 2014 to now.