Why me? A query that seeks a demanding journey of autonomy and perseverance. It has echoed through numerous challenges and moments of self-discovery, prompting me to confront barriers that test my resilience and reassess my sense of purpose. What began as a source of uncertainty has ultimately evolved into a guiding force, shaping my path with fortitude and clarity. “Why me?” surfaced during the elongated, vulnerable years of my childhood when hearing loss affected both of my ears. Living with permanent ruptured eardrums and impaired hearing in elementary school cast a shadow over my childhood. Speaking up felt embarrassing, and standing up for myself felt hopeless. The inability to hear became a barrier to understanding others and properly learning material. With that, the school was inclined to place me in special education due to my need for distinctive accommodations, reinforcing my feelings of isolation and self-doubt. That was until my first-grade teacher saw beyond my limitations. After she heard about my classroom rearrangements, she immediately pled for an alternative path, tailoring her daily schedule and efforts to address my unique needs. Every morning at 7:15 a.m., before students started to line up for class at 7:45 a.m., she invested her time to teach me English, as Spanish was my first language. My ability to speak proper Spanish was limited as I struggled with articulation. Consequently, my English skills were worse. As my secret advocate, my teacher ensured no one else knew about our early-morning sessions as they were specialized for me. She would emphasize that my disadvantages should not confine me. She recognized the potential I had that surpassed the limits inflicted by my disability and stood up for me when I was most vulnerable. Her commitment extended beyond the morning, as she stayed after school to ensure that I not only heard her lectures but also proceeded to advance my reading and writing skills. Her aim was clear – to break the preconceived notion the school attempted to impose, seeing me solely for my disability. The reassurance and support she offered helped me seek my confidence and find my own voice. To stand up for myself when the world attempts to push me back. Through her advocacy, my journey to navigate through my challenges demanded that I refuse to let a disability define me emotionally. As time unfolded, I confronted my challenges and refused to let them dictate my values. Though the question lingered, it became a familiar companion. It resonated not only within me but also through the voice of another. During my internship at a personal injury firm, I encountered a 50-year-old Hispanic client involved in a catastrophic vehicle accident. Alone in the States, he would send money biweekly across borders to support his family. The man was wholly lost and unsure of what to do. As I was merely an undergraduate student navigating the complex legal realm, the client asked the very same words that were persistent to me. "Why me?." I heard the pervasive hopeless sentiments of my own past. His eyes reflected the torment of a man who had been in a dreadful accident, leaving his only means of transportation totaled and costing him a job termination. By recognizing my vulnerability in his hopeless struggles, I felt an unwavering devotion to dedicate myself to his case. The attorney allowed me to take on his case fully, guiding him through the entirety of the process in Spanish. While language limitations were one barrier for him, understanding the complexity of legal proceedings, even in his native tongue, was another. The insurance adjuster initially confirmed liability on their part. However, it was short-lived. Unexpectedly, their decision was replaced with a denial of coverage and responsibility. I witnessed the rejection of justice for a man who has experienced enough torment. Seeing his suffering as a lone immigrant, he asked again, "Why me?" and this time, I empathized with him on a more profound level. For subsequent months, I dedicated my time to constant negotiations with the adjuster, exhausting my oral advocacy skills. I pleaded for reassignment to his claim, always seeking an alternative path when impediments were confronted. Finally, after I initiated the threat of a lawsuit, it led to a breakthrough – liability was accepted once again, and policy limits of $100,000.00 were offered. The tears of relief in my client's eyes mirrored my own as we secured a settlement pre-suit. This fundamental moment crystallized my purpose. The persistent question converted into a powerful and ringing affirmation. Why me? Because I refuse to surrender in adversity. Despite still facing hearing loss challenges, a threat that used to define me has now shaped me. As I continue to fulfill a commitment I made to myself to use my challenges as an empowerment, I pursue advocacy as the voice for the voiceless. Ensuring their struggles are acknowledged—individualizing efforts and dedicating time to fight for the most unfortunate and vulnerable; that’s my purpose. Standing up for myself in the past was a challenge, but standing up for others became my strength. It is a vow to fight on behalf of my community and for those who feel hopeless and disadvantaged, as I once did. Closing this case filled me with a greater purpose. It made me realize entering law school is not just a personal aspiration; it's a continuation of a journey. Attending law school will arm me with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate legal world. It will provide me with indispensable knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities many encounter and empower me to make a tangible difference in my misfortunate community. Having me as a student at your institution is not only about what I will gain; it’s about what I bring – a divergent prospect and an unyielding commitment to champion the overlooked. The realization of my ability to serve others is not merely theoretical; it is a practical opportunity to empower my community, and it lies in the chance to put it into practice.

alic3romero