As an Afro-Latina woman, my story is a part of the fabric of what made this country successful. I am a proud Latina that wants to share my story with the world. I was raised by a single mother whose family and support system are still in the Dominican Republic. Growing up this way taught me how to build a community of like-minded people that can raise each other up and give each other a helping hand. Every year when we visit our family in the Dominican Republic, I realize just how blessed and fortunate I am for having the opportunities that I have; I get to dream big! I get to help others! I get to make choices that will help my community. I was raised by very strong Latina women, who embraced my strength, my voice and my stubbornness. However, I was also taught obedience, silence, machismo, and isolation. My two worlds collide when I wanted to stand up to my elders; but I know to respect my elders because in a Latino household, a child is rarely allowed to have an opinion. However, I have a high urgency to see social change because I know what it is to fight for a better life. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. She became responsible for the care of her younger siblings and by the age of eleven, she had to leave school. Even though lack of educational resources is very common for many families living in poverty, this did not become my family’s legacy. Instead, this tragic event became the catalyst for making education a priority in my family and has become the foundation in my drive to make education accessible for everyone. By addressing the systemic disparities in access to quality education and focusing on education equity in underserved communities, I honor my grandmother’s legacy. From a very young age, I have been active in my community. In grade school, I tutored younger students struggling with classes. Later, I became the President of the Young Activist Coalition (YAC) and brokered meetings with administrative staff and students to address the need for inclusion, diversity, and acceptance programs in our school and community through educational programs. Our goal was to incorporate diverse voices into our educational curriculum and create a learning environment that validates a students' identities and prepares them to thrive in a multicultural world. We organized and held community forums, conferences, and educational seminars to address climate change concerns, diversity in education, and disparity in mental health access. Education is a powerful tool that positions everyone to create a lasting and meaningful impact in the lives of others. My desire to study law and effectuate change in my community was solidified when I was chosen to attend “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program”. The program’s purpose was to assist high-achieving minority students reach their dreams of attending law school. While I always knew that I wanted significant changes in my community, now for the first time, I saw a clear path to make these changes a reality. As a future attorney, I aspire to make significant changes in marginalized communities in need of resources, educational programs, and access to better opportunities. With a law degree, I will be able to continue to effect change in a major way for the less fortunate. By creating educational programs in underserved communities, I honor the legacy of my grandmother and make the world a better place for all.

My decision to pursue a legal career is driven by my family history and the desire to leave the world a better place by bringing more equitable educational opportunities for those that live in underserved communities. My family history serves as a reminder of the transformative power of education and the importance of addressing educational disparities. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. She became responsible for the care of her younger siblings and by the age of eleven, she had to leave school. Even though lack of educational resources is very common for many families living in poverty, this did not become my family’s legacy. Instead, this tragic event became the catalyst for making education a priority in my family and has become the foundation in my drive to build programs making education accessible for everyone. By addressing the systemic disparities in access to quality education and focusing on education equity in underserved communities, I honor my grandmother’s legacy. I began participating in the Young Activist Coalition (YAC) and eventually was nominated as co-President. Through YAC, I brokered meetings with administrative staff and students to address the need for inclusion, diversity, and acceptance programs in our school and community through educational programs. Our goal was to incorporate diverse voices into our educational curriculum and create a learning environment that validates a students' identities and prepares them to thrive in a multicultural world. We shared valuable insights with community members that enabled all of us to make well informed decisions regarding the important programs needed in our neighborhood. We collaborated with different community members and high school students to raise awareness about global challenges such as environmental issues and racial inequality. I participated in a Community Forum in which fifteen different school districts participated in impactful discussions about how students can improve their communities and schools. I was able to contribute to the conversation that addressed the weaknesses of the American education system, and we created realistic programs for improvement. Our program addressed the need of promoting equity, excellence, and opportunity for all. By creating more inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environments, students from marginalized communities would have the opportunity to thrive academically, and like me, break the cycle of generational poverty and inequality. As a future attorney, I aspire to make significant changes in marginalized communities in need of resources and access to better opportunities. Working in my community to overcome educational disparities has made me more resilient and empathetic. The service I provide to my community directly impacts my neighbors and I feel a sense of pride when I know my commitment positively influence those around me. With a law degree, I will be able to continue to effect change in a major way for the less fortunate. By creating educational programs in underserved communities, I continue to honor the legacy of my grandmother and make the world a better place for all.

As an athlete, volleyball wasn't just a sport—it was my sanctuary and passion. However, what began as a routine pre-season workout quickly turned into a nightmare when I dove for a short ball and came crashing down on my knee. I felt a sharp pain shoot through my leg and in that moment, my world seemed to come crashing down around me as I realized the severity of my injury. I had torn my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and faced a devastating reality that made me doubt my entire sense of self. Suddenly, the sport that had once brought me joy became a source of immense physical and emotional pain. The road to recovery was long and arduous, requiring surgery and months of grueling physical therapy. My once-active lifestyle was replaced by a constant cycle of doctor's appointments, rehabilitation sessions, and the relentless pain that seemed to permeate every aspect of my existence. I was not prepared for the most challenging aspect of my injury which was the toll it took on my mental health. As the physical pain persisted, so too did the emotional anguish. I found myself grappling with feelings of isolation, depression, and a profound sense of loss. The trauma of the injury seemed to overshadow every aspect of my life, leaving me feeling adrift and disconnected from my former self. As the days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into months, I began to realize that if I was going to overcome this setback, I needed to prioritize my mental health as much as my physical recovery. With the support of my family and the guidance of a compassionate therapist, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Slowly but surely, I began to rebuild myself, both physically and mentally. The year of recovery and rehabilitation post-surgery was a period of profound growth and transformation. Through the challenges and setbacks, I discovered a resilience within myself that I never knew existed. As I navigated the ups and downs of my rehabilitation schedule, I also learned valuable lessons in self-advocacy and resilience—skills that would serve me well in college and beyond. Reflecting on this transformative chapter of my life, I recognize the profound impact it has had on shaping my aspirations and outlook. What began as a devastating injury ultimately became a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery. Through perseverance and determination, I emerged from the darkness stronger, more resilient, and more focused on my future than ever before. As I embark on the next chapter of my journey, I carry with me the lessons learned through hardship and the unwavering belief in my ability to overcome whatever obstacles may lie ahead. The mental tenacity that I developed because of my injury will serve as a guiding light through college and eventually law school, empowering me to effect change in a major way for the less fortunate. I am committed to bringing new ideas of diversity, inclusion, and access to mental health care to the table, striving for a more compassionate and equitable community. My journey from setback to strength has been a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and self-discovery. Through adversity, I have learned valuable lessons about perseverance, mental health, and the importance of community support. Armed with these insights, I am confident in my ability to overcome whatever obstacles may lie ahead and to effect positive change in the world around me. As I continue to navigate life's challenges, I am committed to promoting mental wellness, advocating for greater access to resources, and fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and support.

As an Afro-Latina, I am keenly aware of the impact that my race and my gender have on my education. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. She became responsible for the care of her younger siblings and by the age of eleven, she had to leave school. Even though lack of educational resources is very common for many Caribbean families living in poverty, this did not become my family’s legacy. Instead, this tragic event became the catalyst for making education a priority in my family and has become the foundation in my drive to make education accessible for everyone. As I strive to continue to leave the world a better place than I found it, I cannot imagine what I could contribute to my community without the education that I have been fortunate to have received. I have the ability to dream of becoming a lawyer one day and may be able to help others in need because of all the brave ancestors that came before me to make this possible. I appreciate how being able to go to college and achieve my goals of attending law school in the future is not a small miracle that is lost on me. I have access to education when women and children that look like me may still not have the same access. I began participating in the Young Activist Coalition (YAC) and eventually was nominated as co-President. Through YAC, I brokered meetings with administrative staff and students to address the need for inclusion, diversity, and acceptance programs in our school and community through educational programs. Our programs addressed the need of promoting equity, excellence, and opportunity for all. Education is a powerful tool that positions everyone to create a lasting and meaningful impact in the lives of others. The more I was exposed to legal professionals in YAC that were fighting to change my community through education, the more I began seeing significant changes with programs that we created in my community. My desire to study law and effectuate change in my community was solidified when I was chosen to attend “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program”. The program’s purpose was to assist high-achieving minority students reach their dreams of attending law school. While I always knew that I wanted significant changes in my community, now for the first time, I saw a clear path to make these changes a reality. As a future attorney, I aspire to make significant changes in marginalized communities in need of resources, educational programs, and access to better opportunities. Working in my community to overcome educational disparities has made me more resilient and empathetic. By creating educational programs in underserved communities, I honor the legacy of my grandmother and make the world a better place for all.

As an Afro-Latina, I am keenly aware of the impact that my race, my color and my gender have on my education. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. She became responsible for the care of her younger siblings and by the age of eleven, she had to leave school. Even though lack of educational resources is very common for many families living in poverty, this did not become my family’s legacy. Instead, this tragic event became the catalyst for making education a priority in my family and has become the foundation in my drive to make education accessible for everyone. By addressing the systemic disparities in access to quality education and focusing on education equity in underserved communities, I honor my grandmother’s legacy. I know that I may not have been able to get an education had I been born in a different country. As I strive to continue to leave the world a better place than I found it, I cannot imagine what I could contribute to my community without the education that I have been fortunate to have received. I have the ability to dream of becoming a lawyer one day and may be able to help others in need because of all the brave ancestors that came before me to make this possible. I appreciate how being able to go to college and achieve my goals of attending law school in the future is not a small miracle that is lost on me. I have access to education when women and children that look like me may still not have the same access. I began participating in the Young Activist Coalition (YAC) and eventually was nominated as co-President. Through YAC, I brokered meetings with administrative staff and students to address the need for inclusion, diversity, and acceptance programs in our school and community through educational programs. Our programs addressed the need of promoting equity, excellence, and opportunity for all. By creating more inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environments, students from marginalized communities would have the opportunity to thrive academically, and like me, break the cycle of generational poverty and inequality. Education is a powerful tool that positions everyone to create a lasting and meaningful impact in the lives of others. The more I was exposed to legal professionals in YAC that were fighting to change my community through education, the more I began seeing significant changes with programs that we created in my community. My desire to study law and effectuate change in my community was solidified when I was chosen to attend “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program”. The program’s purpose was to assist high-achieving minority students reach their dreams of attending law school. While I always knew that I wanted significant changes in my community, now for the first time, I saw a clear path to make these changes a reality. As a future attorney, I aspire to make significant changes in marginalized communities in need of resources, educational programs, and access to better opportunities. Working in my community to overcome educational disparities has made me more resilient and empathetic. I feel a sense of pride when I know my time and dedication are appreciated and positively influence those around me. With a law degree, I will be able to continue to effect change in a major way for the less fortunate. By creating educational programs in underserved communities, I honor the legacy of my grandmother and make the world a better place for all.

My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school. She was eleven years old when her mother died, and this forever changed the course of her life. At eleven, my grandmother had to leave school and become responsible for the care of her younger siblings. Even though this is a very common fate for so many families living in poverty, this did not become my family’s legacy. Instead, this tragic event became the catalyst for making education a priority and has become the foundation of my drive to make education accessible for everyone. Growing up in a culturally diverse neighborhood, I saw firsthand how resources were disproportionately allocated for students of color. We did not have many resources in our public schools, so I was sent to a school several towns away. While I understood why I attended a school so far from my community, I did not understand why we could not have better educational opportunities in my neighborhood. My favorite quote got me through these years of feeling out of place; “No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." – Matthew 5:14-16. I knew that education would take me to phenomenal places and give me amazing opportunities. I knew that better schools in my neighborhood would lead to better outcomes for families. We could improve our educational system by allocating resources based on student need and ensuring adequate funding for essential services and programs. Lawmakers could design programs to level the playing field and provide all students with the support they need to succeed. These formative experiences deeply impacted me, instilling a passion for creating access to quality education for everyone. Education is a powerful tool that positions everyone to create a lasting and meaningful impact in the lives of others. By fostering a culture of lifelong learning and investing in education, societies can pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all. The more I was exposed to legal professionals in YAC working to change my community through education, the more I saw significant changes from the programs we created. I knew I wanted to be an advocate for the poor in need of equitable programs. My desire to study law and effectuate change in my community was solidified when I was chosen to attend the “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program,” which assists high-achieving minority students in reaching their dreams of attending law school. While I always knew I wanted significant changes in my community, this program showed me a clear path to making these changes a reality. As a future attorney, I aspire to make significant changes in marginalized communities in need of resources, educational programs, and access to better opportunities. Working in my community to overcome educational disparities has made me more resilient and empathetic. The service I provide to my community directly impacts my neighbors and family, giving me a sense of pride knowing my time and dedication are appreciated and positively influence those around me. With a law degree, I will continue to affect change in a major way for the less fortunate. By creating educational programs in underserved communities, I honor my grandmother's legacy and work towards making the world a better place for all.

My grandmother is the most influential person I know. She reminds me that our family history is based on the transformative power of education and the importance of addressing educational disparities. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school. She was eleven years old when her mother died, and this forever changed the course of her life. At eleven, my grandmother had to leave school and become responsible for the care of her younger siblings. Even though this is a very common fate for so many families living in poverty, this did not become my family’s legacy. Instead, this tragic event became the catalyst for making education a priority and has become the foundation of my drive to make education accessible for everyone. Growing up in a culturally diverse neighborhood, I saw firsthand how resources were disproportionately allocated for students of color. We did not have many resources in our public schools, so I was sent to a school several towns away. While I understood why I attended a school so far from my community, I did not understand why we could not have better educational opportunities in my neighborhood. My favorite quote got me through these years of feeling out of place; “No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." – Matthew 5:14-16. Through the years, the Bible has become one of my favorite books to read. I knew that education would take me to phenomenal places and give me amazing opportunities. I knew that better schools in my neighborhood would lead to better outcomes for families. We could improve our educational system by allocating resources based on student need and ensuring adequate funding for essential services and programs. Lawmakers could design programs to level the playing field and provide all students with the support they need to succeed. These formative experiences deeply impacted me, instilling a passion for creating access to quality education for everyone. Education is a powerful tool that positions everyone to create a lasting and meaningful impact in the lives of others. By fostering a culture of lifelong learning and investing in education, societies can pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all. My desire to study law and effectuate change in my community was solidified when I was chosen to attend the “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program,” which assists high-achieving minority students in reaching their dreams of attending law school. While I always knew I wanted significant changes in my community, this program showed me a clear path to making these changes a reality. As a future attorney, I aspire to make significant changes in marginalized communities in need of resources, educational programs, and access to better opportunities. Working in my community to overcome educational disparities has made me more resilient and empathetic. The service I provide to my community directly impacts my neighbors and family, giving me a sense of pride knowing my time and dedication are appreciated and positively influence those around me. With a law degree, I will continue to affect change in a major way for the less fortunate. By creating educational programs in underserved communities, I honor my grandmother's legacy and work towards making the world a better place for all.

"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." – Matthew 5:14-16. Education has always been paramount in my family. My grandmother grew up very poor and did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. She became responsible for the care of her younger siblings and by the age of eleven, she had to leave school. Her commitment to our family, our church and her courage to strive for a better community influenced my decision of becoming a lawyer after college and focus on helping people in need. I know that being successful in college is paramount to achieving my goal of attending law school in the future. During my sophomore year of high school, I was chosen to attend the “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program”. The program’s purpose is to assist underrepresented groups achieve their dreams of attending law school. We participated in debates, read case law, and even prepared a mock trial. I loved every challenge and my desire to pursue the law grew stronger. I always knew that I wanted to be a catalyst to effectuate change in my community, and now for the first time I saw a clear path to make these changes a reality through the study law. One of the first organizations I joined in High School was YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make everyone feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as lack of diversity and inclusion. I wanted students to feel like they could freely express their faith without fear of reprimand. To achieve this, I brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSSD Big Idea; this is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. We created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors to open up the dialogue of change, acceptance and community. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address certain issues at the school. I believe that with a law degree, I will be able to contribute to the type of impactful change we need in our society. I want to be able to help those less fortunate than me and I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table. We live in a very rich and abundant country that I am very proud of and with a law degree, I hope to make life better for those that do not benefit from the abundance of this great country.

My decision to pursue higher education is driven by my family history and the desire to create equitable educational opportunities for underserved communities. My family history serves as a reminder of the transformative power of education and the importance of addressing educational disparities. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died when she was very young. She became responsible for the care of her younger siblings and had to leave school by eleven. Even though this is a very common fate for so many families living in poverty, this did not become my family’s legacy. Instead, this tragic event became the catalyst for making education a priority in my family and has become the foundation of my drive to make education accessible for everyone. I grew up in a neighborhood with failing public schools. It was a very diverse neighborhood, and I saw firsthand how resources were disproportionately allocated for students of color. We did not have many resources in our public schools, so I was sent to a school several towns away. While I understood why I attended a school so far from my community, I did not understand why we could not have better educational opportunities in my neighborhood. Education plays a crucial role in a thriving society, and I knew that better schools in my neighborhood would lead to better outcomes for families. We could improve our educational system by allocating resources based on student need and ensuring adequate funding for essential services and programs. Lawmakers could design programs to level the playing field and provide all students with the support they need to succeed. These formative experiences deeply impacted me, instilling a passion for creating access to quality education for everyone. To put this passion into action, I began participating in the Young Activist Coalition (YAC) and was eventually nominated as co-President. Through YAC, I brokered meetings with administrative staff and students to address the need for inclusion, diversity, and acceptance programs in our school and community. My commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion was further solidified when I became my school’s Student Ambassador for WSSD – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access. In this role, we worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit which is an organization that promotes educational and diversity programs in the community. Our goal was to incorporate diverse voices into our educational curriculum and create a learning environment that validates students' identities and prepares them to thrive in a multicultural world. Education is a powerful tool that positions everyone to create a lasting and meaningful impact in the lives of others. By fostering a culture of lifelong learning and investing in education, societies can pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all. The more I was exposed to legal professionals in YAC working to change my community through education, the more I saw significant changes from the programs we created. I knew I wanted to be an advocate for the poor in need of equitable programs. As a future attorney, I aspire to make significant changes in marginalized communities in need of educational programs and better opportunities. The service I provide to my community directly impacts my neighbors and family, giving me a sense of pride knowing my time and dedication are appreciated and positively influence those around me. With a law degree, I will continue to affect change in a major way for the less fortunate. By creating educational programs in underserved communities, I honor my grandmother's legacy and work towards making the world a better place for all.

In the world of sports, especially for athletes of color like me, Jackie Robinson has always been an icon that one aspires to be like. His life, both on and off the field, exemplified what it was to be a true team player even in the face of adversity. He was the catalyst that ended segregation in professional baseball, and he used his celebrity to promote equality beyond the baseball field. Jackie Robinson’s influence after baseball was just as important as his impact during his baseball career. After Mr. Robinson retired from baseball, he joined the civil rights movement and pushed for integration in public school. He sought change through non-violence and persistent advocacy. Mr. Robinson continued to fight for equality and racial justice throughout his life. As an Afro-Latina athlete and socially conscience advocate, I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change and want to contribute to a more compassionate society. The choices I have made have always been geared towards leaving the world a better place than I found it. Just as Jackie Robinson fought to make life better for everyone, I also believe in making an impact in my community. Mr. Robinson made civil rights his focus after retirement from baseball; this was highlighted in a notable marched with that helped overturn the Professional Golfers Association’s color ban. Jackie Robinson also contributed to his community when he chaired a committee to raise funds to rebuild three Georgia churches destroyed by the Ku Klux Klan. I would say that Jackie Robinson's greatest contributions to our community happened off the field. With all the important work that Jackie Robinson did for people of color, in my opinion the most important had to be his involvement in making home ownership possible for his community. Many people do not know that in the 1970s, he created the Jackie Robinson Construction Company whose sole purpose was to build low-income housing for the less fortunate. Through his construction company, Mr. Robinson wanted to invest in under-served communities and help many families of color achieve home ownership. Even though Jackie Robinson was born to share-croppers and was abandoned by his father at a young age, he did not let this tragedy become his legacy. Similar to Jackie Robinson, my grandmother was born into poverty and had to leave school at the age of 11 because her mother died. At such a young age, my grandmother became the primary caretaker for her younger siblings; sadly, this is very common for so many families that live in poverty. Robinson made the possibility of home ownership for a lot of families of color, and this was a step towards breaking the cycle of poverty. This is extremely significant because even in today's economy, many families of color still struggle to attain homeownership. Whether because of lack of credit or income, families of color have historically found themselves unable to attain the dream of homeownership. Jackie Robinson not only had the foresight to understand the importance of homeownership for his community, but he also had the courage to invest in his community's future. This is the type of courage that our current day leaders should have today. Our leaders should invest in our communities by making housing safe and affordable. The vision that Jackie Robinson had for people of color and the under-represented should be a blueprint for our Leaders today.

My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. By the age of eleven, she had to leave school to care for her younger siblings. This was a very common fate for so many young girls living in poverty, but this was not my grandmother's legacy. My grandmother knew the power of education and she instilled in my family a sense of urgency when it came to our studies. As a young woman of color, I know of the barriers that hinder access to educational opportunities. My personal experiences and commitment to justice have fueled my passion for advocacy and propelled me towards a career in law, where I aspire to effect meaningful change in my community and beyond. While I served as the co-President of the Young Activist Coalition (YAC), I was able to address pressing issues of inclusion, diversity, and equity in my school and community. I was able to collaborate as the Student Ambassador for WSSD – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access, and I collaborated with community organizations such as the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) to advocate for educational and diversity programs that empower marginalized populations. By leveraging my voice and influence, I have worked tirelessly to bridge gaps in access and opportunity, striving to create a more inclusive and equitable society. Participating in YAC also equipped me with invaluable skills in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, which I intend to apply in my academic studies and future career endeavors. As I embark on my journey towards higher education, I am committed to leveraging my legal education and training to advocate for marginalized communities in need of resources, educational programs, and access to better opportunities. I was accepted into the Legal Education Accelerated Program (LEAP) at my university, which train me to become an advocate in my community sooner. Through LEAP I hope to continue my dedication to the underserved by striving for access to education. In addition to my academic pursuits, community service and extracurricular activities have played a pivotal role in shaping my personal and professional goals. Through volunteer work and participation in programs such as the "Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program," I have honed my passion for justice and cultivated a commitment to effectuating positive change in my community. By embracing opportunities for growth and learning, I have developed the skills necessary to navigate the challenges inherent in pursuing a career dedicated to social justice and advocacy. My involvement in community service and extracurricular activities are intrinsically linked to my personal and professional goals. Through education and advocacy, I aspire to empower marginalized communities, dismantle systemic inequalities, and contribute to the creation of a more just society for all. As I embark on this journey, I am guided by the belief that education is a powerful tool for social change and that by investing in the potential of individuals, we can create a brighter and more inclusive future for generations to come.

As a future advocate for underserved and marginalized communities, I hope my law degree allows me to make significant change in my community. Volunteering has allowed me to gain invaluable problem-solving skills, as well as improved my leadership and team-building abilities. In the various volunteer groups that I have participated in, I have grown as a compassionate individual. These experiences have guided my career goals towards getting a law degree and working on legislation that changes how the mentally ill are processed through the criminal justice system. One of the most impactful community service programs I participated in promoted social equality and mental health services for the LGBTQ+ community called the Gender Sexuality Alliance group. In this group, we met with school administrators and got gender-neutral bathrooms designated for students and staff. As I navigated the complexity of administrative red tape and meeting the needs of those in the LGBTQ+ community, I saw first-hand the challenges faced by so many that felt unseen. It was very inspiring to see the strength and determination of those in the community as we fought hard for basic dignity. I became passionate about advocating for marginalized communities and I wanted to empower people to improve their lives. I continued my community commitment when I participated in and lead the Young Activist Coalition where I brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion, diversity and acceptance. Through this group, I became my school’s Student Ambassador for WSSD – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access. In this organization, we worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) and participated in forums that dealt with LGBTQ+ and identity issues, climate change concerns, and disparity in mental health access. I was exposed to other legal professionals that were fighting to change the lack of mental health services and access in my community. I quickly developed interpersonal and leadership skills as I participated in community panels that addressed program development in underserved communities. I collaborated with different teams made up of students from other school districts and I was able to appreciate the diverse ideas working together to solve a community problem. These skills will help me in my future career goals because I will have the skill set to collaborate with a diverse community while making meaningful contributions towards significant change. My passion for serving others is an undeniable strength that motivates me to continue my path of becoming an attorney that helps the underserved. I have the leadership and problem-solving skills needed to effectuate change and contribute to policy development in mental health. I want to develop a better mental health care model and preventive services that will address the need of the community in a deeply significant way. My volunteer work has made me passionate about advocating for the needs of those in this marginalized group. The lessons and skills I have gained from community service empower me to make a significant impact in my community and positively effectuate change.

The public schools were failing in my neighborhood, so my parents sent me to a school several towns over because they believed this would afford me better educational opportunities. I always understood why my parents sent me to this school so far away, but I did not understand why we could not have better educational opportunities in my neighborhood. Education plays a crucial role in a thriving society. A community that has access to quality education produces individuals that are more likely to secure better jobs and improved living standards. I saw this firsthand as my community suffered from failing schools and inadequate support programs. I knew that if we had better schools in my neighborhood, families would be better off and this would have a positive impact in our community. With a quality education, we promote tolerance and empathy towards others. This has been the driving force in my passion of being a positive participant in my community by creating access to quality education for everyone. My parents always emphasized the importance of education to achieving my dreams. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. She became responsible for the care of her younger siblings and by the age of eleven, she had to leave school. This tragic event in my family’s history did not cripple us, instead, it gave us the resiliency to work very hard for every opportunity available. I began participating in the Young Activist Coalition (YAC) and eventually was nominated as co-President. Through YAC, I brokered meetings with administrative staff and students to address the need for inclusion, diversity, and acceptance programs in our school and community. I was very excited when I became my school’s Student Ambassador for WSSD – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access. In this organization, we worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU), which is an organization that works directly in the community to promote educational and diversity programs. We shared valuable insights with community members that enabled all of us to make well informed decisions regarding the important programs needed in our neighborhood. I felt empowered to help the people of my community because I had the support of YAC. I knew that the programs we were creating had a positive effect on my community and would make a difference in the lives of so many people in need, moving us closer to an ideal Utopia. Further, I knew the positive work we were doing in my community had a ripple effect of positive influence on those around me. Through my volunteer work I know that I can inspire others to address pressing issues and foster a collective effort towards positive change. YAC gave me the tools and resources to make a difference in my community. We organized and held community forums, conferences, and educational seminars to address climate change concerns, diversity in education, and disparity in mental health access. Through YAC, we collaborated with different community members and high school students to raise awareness about global challenges such as environmental issues and racial inequality. I participated in a Community Forum in which fifteen (15) different school districts participated in impactful discussions about how students can improve their communities and schools. Education is a powerful tool that positions everyone to create a lasting and meaningful impact in the lives of others. By fostering a culture of lifelong learning and investing in education, societies can pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all. The more I was exposed to legal professionals in YAC that were fighting to change my community, the more I began seeing significant changes with programs that we created in my community. I collaborated with different teams made up of students from other school districts and I was able to appreciate the diverse ideas working together to solve my community’s problems. These skills will help me in my future career goals because I will have the skill set to collaborate with a diverse community while making meaningful contributions towards significant change. Volunteering has allowed me to gain invaluable problem-solving skills, as well as improved my leadership and team-building abilities. My desire to study law and effectuate change in my community was solidified when I was chosen to attend “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program”. The program’s purpose was to assist high-achieving minority students reach their dreams of attending law school. While I always knew that I wanted significant changes in my community, now for the first time, I saw a clear path to make these changes a reality. As a future attorney, I aspire to make significant changes in marginalized communities in need of resources, educational programs, and access to better opportunities. I was recently accepted into the “Legal Education Accelerated Program” (LEAP) as an incoming freshman at my university. The LEAP program is an academically challenging curriculum that will allow me to complete college and law school in six years. This will permit me to become an attorney earlier, thus beginning my career of helping those in marginalized communities sooner. Working in my community to overcome educational disparities has made me more resilient and empathetic. The service I provide to my community directly impacts my neighbors and family and I feel a sense of pride when I know my time and dedication are appreciated and positively influence those around me. With a law degree, I will be able to continue to effect change in a major way for the less fortunate. I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table and strive for a more compassionate community. I believe that with a law degree and the creation of educational access programs, I will be able to make an impactful change in our society and contribute to be a positive force in my community. Once my fire for equality was lit inside my heart, there was no putting it out.

My self-confidence and mental health were tested when I suffered a devastating injury playing volleyball. I dove for a short ball and instantly made hard contact with the floor. I heard a pop that traveled the length of my leg. My knee just gave out from under me, and I could not move from the floor. As my coach got me off the ground, I knew something was terribly wrong. After seeing an orthopedic doctor, I was given crutches and told that I tore my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This injury came at the worst time for my family because we were still trying to dig out from mounting medical bills incurred from my father’s kidney transplant surgery. My travel and high school seasons were over. I became depressed and did not feel like my life had a purpose. The trauma of this injury incapacitated me in a way that I was not prepared to deal with. I lost focus on my schoolwork and soon I began making excuses to not socialize with friends or family. I had to depend on others for everything from getting to classes to needing help in the bathroom; my life was not my own. The daily challenges I faced made me retreat into myself and soon my depression prevented me from getting better. Often, we are so focused on getting better physically when a traumatic injury occurs that we forget about the mental health associated with the injury and recovery process. In my case, my family soon recognized that I needed help, and I began speaking to a therapist that helped me get to the bottom of my depression and focus on rebuilding my mental health. Slowly the fog of the past year started disappearing and I started rebuilding myself physically and mentally. The year of recovery and rehabilitation post-surgery gave me a new understanding of determination and perseverance. Speaking to a therapist helped me understand that with or without volleyball, I was still a valuable and strong person that could overcome adversity. The time I spent focusing on getting myself healthy after my injury helped me become a better and more confident person. The stronger I became, the more focused on my future I became. I always knew that I wanted to make a positive impact on my community with a law degree, but I often doubted my capacity to accomplish this goal. While I wanted to effect change in a major way for the less fortunate, I did not think going to law school would be possible for me because I simply lacked the confidence. After working on my mental health, I was able to gain a new perspective on my ability to persevere. It was with this newfound confidence that I applied for and was accepted into the “Legal Education Accelerated Program” (LEAP) as an incoming freshman at my university. The program will allow me to complete college and law school in six years. This will permit me to become an attorney earlier, thus beginning my career of helping those in marginalized communities sooner. Now, I have a plan of bringing new ideas of diversity, inclusion, and access to mental health care to my community and create a more compassionate community. The mental tenacity that I developed during my recovery period will help me through college and eventually law school. During this traumatic experience, I learned that I will never ignore the state of my mental health because my mental health is as important as my physical health in order to live a happy and healthy life.

The public schools were failing in my neighborhood, so my parents sent me to a school several towns over because they believed this would afford me better educational opportunities. I always understood why my parents sent me to this school so far away, but I did not understand why we could not have better educational opportunities in my neighborhood. I saw this firsthand as my community suffered from failing schools and inadequate support programs and I knew that if we had better schools in my neighborhood, families would be better off. This has been the driving force in my passion to positively impact my community by creating access to quality education for everyone. My parents always emphasized the importance of education to achieving my dreams. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. She became responsible for the care of her younger siblings and by the age of eleven, she had to leave school. This tragic event in my family’s history did not cripple us, instead, it gave us the resiliency to work very hard for every opportunity available. I began participating in the Young Activist Coalition (YAC) and eventually was nominated as co-President. Through YAC, I brokered meetings with administrative staff and students to address the need for inclusion, diversity, and acceptance programs in our school and community. I was very excited when I became my school’s Student Ambassador for WSSD – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access. This organization works directly in the community to promote educational and diversity programs. I felt empowered to help the people of my community because I had the support of YAC. I knew that the programs we were creating had a positive effect on my community and would make a difference in the lives of so many people in need. Through my volunteer work I know that I can inspire others to address pressing issues and foster a collective effort towards positive change. YAC gave me the tools and resources to make a difference in my community. We organized and held community forums, conferences, and educational seminars to address climate change concerns, diversity in education, and disparity in mental health access. Through YAC, we collaborated with different community members and high school students to raise awareness about global challenges such as environmental issues and racial inequality. Volunteering has allowed me to gain invaluable problem-solving skills, as well as improved my leadership and team-building abilities. My desire to study law and effectuate change in my community was solidified when I was chosen to attend “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program”. The program’s purpose was to assist high-achieving minority students reach their dreams of attending law school. As a future attorney, I aspire to make significant changes in marginalized communities in need of resources, educational programs, and access to better opportunities. I was recently accepted into the “Legal Education Accelerated Program” (LEAP) as an incoming freshman at my university. The program will allow me to complete college and law school in six years thus beginning my career of helping those in marginalized communities sooner. With a law degree, I will be able to continue to effect change in a major way for the less fortunate. I believe that with a law degree and the creation of educational access programs, I will be able to make an impactful change in our society and contribute to be a positive force in my community. Once my fire for equality was lit inside my heart, there was no putting it out.

The public schools were failing in my neighborhood, so my parents sent me to a school several towns over because they believed this would afford me better educational opportunities. I always understood why my parents sent me to this school so far away, but I did not understand why we could not have better educational opportunities in my neighborhood. I saw this firsthand as my community suffered from failing schools and inadequate support programs and I knew that if we had better schools in my neighborhood, families would be better off. This has been the driving force in my passion to positively impact my community by creating access to quality education for everyone. My parents always emphasized the importance of education to achieving my dreams. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. She became responsible for the care of her younger siblings and by the age of eleven, she had to leave school. This tragic event in my family’s history did not cripple us, instead, it gave us the resiliency to work very hard for every opportunity available. I began participating in the Young Activist Coalition (YAC) and eventually was nominated as co-President. Through YAC, I brokered meetings with administrative staff and students to address the need for inclusion, diversity, and acceptance programs in our school and community. I was very excited when I became my school’s Student Ambassador for WSSD – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access. This organization works directly in the community to promote educational and diversity programs. I felt empowered to help the people of my community because I had the support of YAC. I knew that the programs we were creating had a positive effect on my community and would make a difference in the lives of so many people in need. Through my volunteer work I know that I can inspire others to address pressing issues and foster a collective effort towards positive change. YAC gave me the tools and resources to make a difference in my community. We organized and held community forums, conferences, and educational seminars to address climate change concerns, diversity in education, and disparity in mental health access. Through YAC, we collaborated with different community members and high school students to raise awareness about global challenges such as environmental issues and racial inequality. Volunteering has allowed me to gain invaluable problem-solving skills, as well as improved my leadership and team-building abilities. My desire to study law and effectuate change in my community was solidified when I was chosen to attend “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program”. The program’s purpose was to assist high-achieving minority students reach their dreams of attending law school. As a future attorney, I aspire to make significant changes in marginalized communities in need of resources, educational programs, and access to better opportunities. I was recently accepted into the “Legal Education Accelerated Program” (LEAP) as an incoming freshman at my university. The program will allow me to complete college and law school in six years thus beginning my career of helping those in marginalized communities sooner. With a law degree, I will be able to continue to effect change in a major way for the less fortunate. I believe that with a law degree and the creation of educational access programs, I will be able to make an impactful change in our society and contribute to be a positive force in my community. Once my fire for equality was lit inside my heart, there was no putting it out.

I grew up in a neighborhood where the public schools were failing. I had to travel to a school several towns over in order to get a better education. While I understood why my parents sent me to a school so far away from my community, but I did not understand why we could not have better educational opportunities right where I lived. I saw this firsthand as my community suffered from failing schools and inadequate support programs and I knew that if we had better schools in my neighborhood, families would be better off. This has been the driving force in my passion to positively impact my community by creating access to quality education for everyone. My parents always emphasized the importance of education to achieving my dreams. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. She became responsible for the care of her younger siblings and by the age of eleven, she had to leave school. This tragic event in my family’s history did not cripple us, instead, it gave us the resiliency to work very hard for every opportunity available. I began participating in the Young Activist Coalition (YAC) and eventually was nominated as co-President. Through YAC, I brokered meetings with administrative staff and students to address the need for inclusion, diversity, and acceptance programs in our school and community. I was very excited when I became my school’s Student Ambassador for WSSD – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access. This organization works directly in the community to promote educational and diversity programs. I felt empowered to help the people of my community because I had the support of YAC. I knew that the programs we were creating had a positive effect on my community and would make a difference in the lives of so many people in need. Through my volunteer work I know that I can inspire others to address pressing issues and foster a collective effort towards positive change. YAC gave me the tools and resources to make a difference in my community. We organized and held community forums, conferences, and educational seminars to address climate change concerns, diversity in education, and disparity in mental health access. Through YAC, we collaborated with different community members and high school students to raise awareness about global challenges such as environmental issues and racial inequality. Volunteering has allowed me to gain invaluable problem-solving skills, as well as improved my leadership and team-building abilities. My desire to study law and effectuate change in my community was solidified when I was chosen to attend “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program”. The program’s purpose was to assist high-achieving minority students reach their dreams of attending law school. As a future attorney, I aspire to make significant changes in marginalized communities in need of resources, educational programs, and access to better opportunities. I was recently accepted into the “Legal Education Accelerated Program” (LEAP) as an incoming freshman at my university. The program will allow me to complete college and law school in six years thus beginning my career of helping those in marginalized communities sooner. With a law degree, I will be able to continue to effect change in a major way for the less fortunate. I believe that with a law degree and the creation of educational access programs, I will be able to make an impactful change in our society and contribute to be a positive force in my community. Once my fire for equality was lit inside my heart, there was no putting it out.

My self-confidence and mental health were tested when I suffered a devastating injury playing volleyball. I dove for a short ball and instantly made contact with the floor. I heard a pop that traveled the length of my leg, and I could not move from the floor. I knew something was terribly wrong. After seeing an orthopedic doctor, I was given crutches and told that I tore my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This injury came at the worst time for my family because we were still trying to dig out from mounting medical bills incurred from my father’s kidney transplant surgery. My travel and high school seasons were over. I became depressed and did not feel like my life had a purpose. The trauma of this injury incapacitated me in a way that I was not prepared to deal with. I lost focus on my schoolwork and soon I began making excuses to not socialize with friends or family. I had to depend on others for everything from getting to classes to needing help in the bathroom; my life was not my own. The daily challenges I faced made me retreat into myself and soon my depression prevented me from getting better. Often, we are so focused on getting better physically when a traumatic injury occurs that we forget about the mental health associated with the injury and recovery process. In my case, my family soon recognized that I needed help, and I began speaking to a therapist that helped me get to the bottom of my depression and focus on rebuilding my mental health. Slowly the fog of the past year started disappearing and I started rebuilding myself physically and mentally. The year of recovery and rehabilitation post-surgery gave me a new understanding of determination and perseverance. Speaking to a therapist helped me understand that with or without volleyball, I was still a valuable and strong person that could overcome adversity. The time I spent focusing on getting myself healthy after my injury helped me become a better and more confident person. The stronger I became, the more focused on my future I became. I always knew that I wanted to make a positive impact on my community with a law degree, but I often doubted my capacity to accomplish this goal. While I wanted to effect change in a major way for the less fortunate, I did not think going to law school would be possible for me because I simply lacked the confidence. After working on my mental health, I was able to gain a new perspective on my ability to persevere. It was with this newfound confidence that I applied for and was accepted into the “Legal Education Accelerated Program” (LEAP) as an incoming freshman at my university. The program will allow me to complete college and law school in six years. This will permit me to become an attorney earlier, thus beginning my career of helping those in marginalized communities sooner. Now, I have a plan of bringing new ideas of diversity, inclusion, and access to mental health care to my community and create a more compassionate community. The mental tenacity that I developed during my recovery period will help me through college and eventually law school. During this traumatic experience, I learned that I will never ignore the state of my mental health because my mental health is as important as my physical health in order to live a happy and healthy life.

I commit to my community to end the lack of mental health services for marginalized individuals that get caught up in the penal system. My future goals after college and studying psychology include getting a law degree and working on legislation that changes how the mentally ill are processed through the criminal justice system. I believe I will make a significant impact in the mental health services area with a science degree and a law degree. Not only will I understand the science behind mental illness, but I will have an appreciation of what support services should be created to help those that are most vulnerable. During my sophomore year of high school, I attended “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program” whose purpose was to assist underrepresented students achieve their dreams of attending law school. During this summer program, I learned the importance of taking a leadership role in my community to effectuate significant change. I loved every challenge of the program and my desire to pursue law grew stronger. I always knew that I wanted to be a catalyst for change in my community, and now for the first time, I saw a clear path to make these changes a reality. Growing up my parents always emphasized the importance of education to achieving my dreams. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. She became responsible for the care of her younger siblings and by the age of eleven, she had to leave school. This tragic event in my family’s history did not cripple us, instead, it gave us the resiliency to work very hard for every opportunity available. Even though I loved learning, I had a hard time “fitting in” in a school that was so far away from my friends and community. I always felt like an imposter living one life at school and a different existence in my neighborhood. This clash between academia and real life made me want to change the disadvantages I faced in my community every day. I wanted to fix the problems of failing schools, neglected neighborhoods, and lack of mental health support programs in my community. I wanted to fix these problems, but programs did not exist in my community. We simply did not have the money or investments that I saw other communities enjoy. I began participating in the Young Activist Coalition (YAC) and eventually was nominated as co-President. Through YAC, I brokered meetings with administrative staff and students to address the need for mental health programs, especially in the LGBTQ communities of color. I wanted to bring these ideas to my neighborhood because my community desperately needed these services. I worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit and was chosen to participate in a forum that dealt with LGBTQ+ identity issues, and disparity in mental health access in communities of color. I was exposed to innovative support programs and understood the need for more advocacy in this space. I worked with attorneys that were creating programs to help my community. I knew that I wanted to be an attorney that worked in marginalized and forgotten neighborhoods. As an attorney, I want to represent those in need of mental health services that the penal system cannot address. I want to participate in the policy development process that excludes those that may suffer from mental illness but are caught up in our penal system without supportive services. Once my fire for equality was lit inside my heart, there was no putting it out.

My world came crumbling down around me when we got the news that my father needed a kidney transplant. A simple routine physical led to his diagnosis of C1Q Nephropathy. He desperately needed a kidney transplant but there was a 5 year waiting list in Philly. The stress of this new reality was almost too much for me to bear. As my mother took on more work to keep up with hospital bills, and my father grew weaker, I became less sure of myself, my future and my family. This was the hardest time for my family and I doubted my ability to be a good daughter during this terrible time. I tried to stay brave and strong for my father but deep down inside I was hurting for him. As my family navigated the medical system for my father’s treatment, I was impressed with our Patient Advocate, Mr. Alter. He made sure that my family was heard and every time we had questions, he patiently answered them. We were treated with compassion and respect, which made the whole process a bit more manageable. Since my mother was working more hours, I would often have to accompany my father to his doctor appointments. I started looking forward to seeing my father’s medical team because they treated us so kindly. The day finally came when we found a match for my father and we had to prepare for the big surgery. I got to meet everyone on my father’s medical team and felt a sense of relief when they reassured us that everything would be okay. Facing the uncertainty of my father’s kidney disease made me realize that I could get past doubt to find my purpose. I chose to stop listening to the constant barrage of negative ideas and I began coming up with a game plan to create impactful change in my family and my community. I stopped feeling sorry for my situation and began volunteering my time. I spoke to new people every day, and slowly I felt the fear, anxiety and doubt leave me. I found my purpose by giving of myself to help others. In the process of volunteering, I became more optimistic about the future. I believe my time with our Patient Advocate and all the wonderful people I met during the process helped me find the positive in our situation. This made my family stronger. I would tell anyone going through trauma and adversity that they have to believe in the positive impact they can make in someone else's life. Giving of yourself, your talent and your time will make you feel useful during a time when you feel things are out of control. Community service and staying connected to my family gave me a sense of pride and positively impacted my mental health. This traumatic experience tested my mental health and I knew depression and anxiety were setting in, but staying involved with my community and family alleviated a lot of those negative thoughts. Anyone going through a traumatic family experience must stay connected to people they can talk to about their feelings because isolation can lead to depression. This experience gave me a new understanding of my power to positively impact my community and truly make a difference in the lives of those around me. Facing this hard time with my family made me appreciate life and I now know that I can make a difference in someone else’s life.

The public schools were failing in my neighborhood, so my mom sent me to a school further away because she believed this would afford me better educational opportunities. While I understood why I was sent to this school, I did not understand why we could not have better schools in my own neighborhood. I saw firsthand how quickly families fall apart in my community because of the failing schools and inadequate mental health programs. Growing up in my working-class neighborhood in Philly, my parents always emphasized the importance of education to achieving my dreams. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. She became responsible for the care of her younger siblings and by the age of eleven, she had to leave school. This tragic event in my family’s history did not cripple us, instead, it gave us the resiliency to work very hard for every opportunity available. Even though I loved learning, I had a hard time “fitting in” in a school that was so far away from my friends and community. I felt excluded and depressed. I always felt like an imposter living one life at school and a different existence in my neighborhood. This clash between academia and real life made me want to change the disadvantages I faced in my community every day. I wanted to fix the problems of failing schools, neglected neighborhoods, and lack of mental health support programs in my community. I wanted to fix these problems, but programs did not exist in my community. We simply did not have the money or investments that I saw other communities enjoy. I began participating in the Young Activist Coalition (YAC) and eventually was nominated as co-president. Through YAC, I brokered meetings with administrative staff and students to address the need for mental health programs, especially in the LGBTQ communities of color, in our school and community. I wanted to bring these ideas to my neighborhood because my community desperately needed these services. I worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) and was chosen to participate in a forum that dealt with LGBTQ+ identity issues, and disparity in mental health access in communities of color. Through this program, I was exposed to the lack of mental health services and understood the need for more advocacy in this space. I worked with attorneys who were creating programs to help my community. I knew that I wanted to be an attorney who worked in marginalized and forgotten neighborhoods. As a future attorney, I hope to represent those in need of mental health services. The programs that I want to create in my community will provide access for the underrepresented population that oftentimes gets caught up in our legal system when they need supportive services. I believe that with a law degree and the creation of mental health access programs, I will be able to make an impactful change in our society. My experience with depression and feelings of isolation made me realize that there is still a lot of work to be done in the areas of acceptance and mental health. I don’t want anyone else to feel like they must “fit in” to be successful or valued. For me, the law will break down barriers that have kept down people and will help me achieve my goal of leaving the world a better place. Once my fire for equality was lit inside my heart, there was no putting it out.

The public schools were failing in my neighborhood, so my mom sent me to a school further away because she believed this would afford me better educational opportunities. While I understood why I was sent to this school, I did not understand why we could not have better schools in my own neighborhood. I saw firsthand how quickly families fall apart in my community because of the failing schools and inadequate mental health programs. Growing up in my working-class neighborhood in Philly, my parents always emphasized the importance of education to achieving my dreams. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. She became responsible for the care of her younger siblings and by the age of eleven, she had to leave school. This tragic event in my family’s history did not cripple us, instead, it gave us the resiliency to work very hard for every opportunity available. Even though I loved learning, I had a hard time “fitting in” in a school that was so far away from my friends and community. I felt excluded and depressed. I always felt like an imposter living one life at school and a different existence in my neighborhood. This clash between academia and real life made me want to change the disadvantages I faced in my community every day. I wanted to fix the problems of failing schools, neglected neighborhoods, and lack of mental health support programs in my community. I wanted to fix these problems, but programs did not exist in my community. We simply did not have the money or investments that I saw other communities enjoy. I began participating in the Young Activist Coalition (YAC) and eventually was nominated as co-president. Through YAC, I brokered meetings with administrative staff and students to address the need for mental health programs, especially in the LGBTQ communities of color, in our school and community. I wanted to bring these ideas to my neighborhood because my community desperately needed these services. I worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) and was chosen to participate in a forum that dealt with LGBTQ+ identity issues, and disparity in mental health access in communities of color. Through this program, I was exposed to the lack of mental health services and understood the need for more advocacy in this space. I worked with attorneys who were creating programs to help my community. I knew that I wanted to be an attorney who worked in marginalized and forgotten neighborhoods. As a future attorney, I hope to represent those in need of mental health services. The programs that I want to create in my community will provide access for the underrepresented population that oftentimes gets caught up in our legal system when they need supportive services. I believe that with a law degree and the creation of mental health access programs, I will be able to make an impactful change in our society. My experience with depression and feelings of isolation made me realize that there is still a lot of work to be done in the areas of acceptance and mental health. I don’t want anyone else to feel like they must “fit in” to be successful or valued. For me, the law will break down barriers that have kept down people and will help me achieve my goal of leaving the world a better place. Once my fire for equality was lit inside my heart, there was no putting it out.

My self-confidence and mental health were tested when I suffered a devastating injury playing volleyball. I dove for a short ball and instantly made hard contact with the floor. I heard a pop that traveled the length of my leg. My knee just gave out from under me, and I could not move from the floor. As my coach got me off the ground I knew something was terribly wrong. After seeing an orthopedic doctor, I was given crutches and told that I tore my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This injury came at the worst time for my family because we were still trying to dig out from mounting medical bills incurred from my father’s kidney transplant surgery. My travel and high school seasons were over. I became depressed and did not feel like my life had a purpose. The trauma of this injury incapacitated me in a way that I was not prepared to deal with. I lost focus on my schoolwork and soon I began making excuses to not socialize with friends or family. I had to depend on others for everything from getting to classes to needing help in the bathroom; my life was not my own. The daily challenges I faced made me retreat into myself and soon my depression prevented me from getting better. Often, we are so focused on getting better physically when a traumatic injury occurs that we forget about the mental health associated with the injury and recovery process. In my case, my family soon recognized that I needed help, and I began speaking to a therapist who helped me get to the bottom of my depression and focus on rebuilding my mental health. Slowly the fog of the past year started disappearing and I started rebuilding myself physically and mentally. The year of recovery and rehabilitation post-surgery gave me a new understanding of determination and perseverance. Speaking to a therapist helped me understand that with or without volleyball, I was still a valuable and strong person who could overcome adversity. The time I spent focusing on getting myself healthy after my injury helped me become a better and more confident person. The stronger I became, the more focused on my future I became. I always knew that I wanted to make a positive impact on my community with a law degree but I often doubted my capacity to accomplish this goal. While I wanted to effect change in a major way for the less fortunate, I did not think going to law school would be possible for me because I simply lacked the confidence. After working on my mental health, I was able to gain a new perspective on my ability to persevere. It was with this newfound confidence that I applied for and was accepted into the “Legal Education Accelerated Program” (LEAP) as an incoming freshman at my university. The program will allow me to complete college and law school in six years. This will permit me to become an attorney earlier, thus beginning my career of helping those in marginalized communities sooner. Now, I have a plan to bring new ideas of diversity, inclusion, and access to mental health care to my community and create a more compassionate community. The mental tenacity that I developed during my recovery period will help me through college and eventually law school. During this traumatic experience, I learned that I will never ignore the state of my mental health because my mental health is as important as my physical health in order to live a happy and healthy life.

My self-confidence and mental health were tested when I suffered a devastating injury playing volleyball. I dove for a short ball and instantly made hard contact with the floor. I heard a pop that traveled the length of my leg. My knee just gave out from under me, and I could not move from the floor. As my coach got me off the ground I knew something was terribly wrong. After seeing an orthopedic doctor, I was given crutches and told that I tore my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This injury came at the worst time for my family because we were still trying to dig out from mounting medical bills incurred from my father’s kidney transplant surgery. My travel and high school seasons were over. I became depressed and did not feel like my life had a purpose. The trauma of this injury incapacitated me in a way that I was not prepared to deal with. I lost focus on my schoolwork and soon I began making excuses to not socialize with friends or family. I had to depend on others for everything from getting to classes to using the bathroom; my life was not my own. The daily challenges I faced made me retreat into myself and soon my depression prevented me from getting better. Often, we are so focused on getting better physically when a traumatic injury occurs that we forget about the mental health associated with the injury and recovery process. In my case, my family soon recognized that I needed help, and I began speaking to a therapist who helped me get to the bottom of my depression and focus on rebuilding my mental health. Slowly the fog of the past year started disappearing and I started rebuilding myself physically and mentally. The year of recovery and rehabilitation post-surgery gave me a new understanding of the importance of my mental health. Speaking to a therapist helped me understand that with or without volleyball, I was still a valuable and strong person who could overcome adversity. The time I spent focusing on getting myself healthy after my injury helped me become a better and more confident person. The stronger I became, the more focused on my future I became. I always knew that I wanted to make a positive impact on my community with a law degree but I often doubted my capacity to accomplish this goal. While I wanted to effect change in a major way for the less fortunate, I did not think going to law school would be possible for me because I simply lacked the confidence. After working on my mental health, I was able to gain a new perspective on my ability to persevere. It was with this newfound confidence that I applied for and was accepted into the “Legal Education Accelerated Program” (LEAP) as an incoming freshman at my university. The program will allow me to complete college and law school in six years. This will permit me to become an attorney earlier, thus beginning my career of helping those in marginalized communities sooner. Now, I have a plan to bring new ideas of diversity, inclusion, and access to mental health care to my community and create a more compassionate community. The mental tenacity that I developed during my recovery period will help me through college and eventually law school. During this traumatic experience, I learned that I will never ignore the state of my mental health because my mental health is as important as my physical health in order to live a happy and healthy life.

Being resilient has helped me overcome challenges, obstacles and adversity. I developed the capacity to recover from trauma and inspired those around me to overcome hardship as well. As a high school student, I have been confronted with difficult challenges that I had to overcome in order to live a healthier life. Playing for my high school volleyball team made me an aggressive player who never backed down from a challenge. I used the same determination to excel in my honors classes. Volleyball was my escape from school and playing came naturally to me. In October 2020, my self-confidence was tested when I suffered a devasting injury that kept me off the court for a year. I was at practice, and I was diving after any ball that was coming my way. In one of my plays, I dove for a short ball and instantly made hard contact with the floor. I heard a pop that traveled the length of my leg, and tried to quickly jump back on my feet but immediately came crashing back down to the ground. My knee just gave out from under me, and I could not move from the floor. I looked down at my leg and saw that my knee had blown up to the size of a melon. My coach got me off the ground, but I knew something was terribly wrong. After seeing an orthopedic doctor, I was given crutches and told that I tore my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL is one of the strong bands of tissue that help connect your thigh bone (femur) to your shinbone (tibia). I soon learned that ACL injuries are one of the most common injuries you can suffer during sports that involve sudden stops or changes in direction, jumping and landing. In my case, I would need surgery to repair the damage and face a year of physical therapy before being cleared to play volleyball again. My travel and high school seasons were over. I continued to go to games and cheer my team on, but deep down inside I was having a pity party for myself. I became depressed and did not feel like my life had a purpose. The trauma of this injury incapacitated me in a way that I was not prepared to deal with. I lost focus on my schoolwork and soon I began making excuses to not socialize with friends or family. My family recognized that I needed help and soon I began speaking to a therapist that helped me get to the bottom of my depression and focus on rebuilding my mental health. Slowly the fog of the past year lifted as I rebuilt myself physically and mentally. The year of rehabilitation post-surgery gave me a new understanding of determination and perseverance. I focused on having a positive attitude and began working with younger volleyball players to keep them safe on the court. I stopped feeling sorry for myself and encouraged my teammates to keep fighting even through setbacks. I continued to invest time in getting myself healthy both mentally and physically. This investment in myself in turn made me open to helping those around me. The stronger I became, the more excited I became for my future and wanted to be a positive influence in my community. Maintaining a positive attitude, asking for help when I needed it and showing others how to overcome adversity motivates me to inspire others. The mental tenacity that I developed because of my injury has made me a stronger student, volleyball player and person in general.

The public schools were failing in my neighborhood, so my mom sent me to a school further away because she believed this would afford me better educational opportunities. While I understood why I was sent to this school, I did not understand why we could not have better schools in my own neighborhood. I saw firsthand how quickly families fall apart in my community because of the failing schools and inadequate mental health programs. Growing up in my working-class neighborhood in Philly, my parents always emphasized the importance of education to achieving my dreams. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. She became responsible for the care of her younger siblings and by the age of eleven, she had to leave school. This tragic event in my family’s history did not cripple us, instead, it gave us the resiliency to work very hard for every opportunity available. Even though I loved learning, I had a hard time “fitting in” in a school that was so far away from my friends and community. I felt excluded and depressed. I always felt like an imposter living one life at school and a different existence in my neighborhood. This clash between academia and real life made me want to change the disadvantages I faced in my community every day. I wanted to fix the problems of failing schools, neglected neighborhoods, and lack of mental health support programs in my community. I wanted to fix these problems, but programs did not exist in my community. We simply did not have the money or investments that I saw other communities enjoy. I began participating in the Young Activist Coalition (YAC) and eventually was nominated as co-president. Through YAC, I brokered meetings with administrative staff and students to address the need for mental health programs, especially in the LGBTQ communities of color, in our school and community. I wanted to bring these ideas to my neighborhood because my community desperately needed these services. I worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) and was chosen to participate in a forum that dealt with LGBTQ+ identity issues, and disparity in mental health access in communities of color. Through this program, I was exposed to the lack of mental health services and understood the need for more advocacy in this space. I worked with attorneys who were creating programs to help my community. I knew that I wanted to be an attorney who worked in marginalized and forgotten neighborhoods. As a future attorney, I hope to represent those in need of mental health services. The programs that I want to create in my community will provide access for the underrepresented population that oftentimes gets caught up in our legal system when they need supportive services. I believe that with a law degree and the creation of mental health access programs, I will be able to make an impactful change in our society. My experience with depression and feelings of isolation made me realize that there is still a lot of work to be done in the areas of acceptance and mental health. I don’t want anyone else to feel like they must “fit in” to be successful or valued. For me, the law will break down barriers that have kept down people and will help me achieve my goal of leaving the world a better place. Once my fire for equality was lit inside my heart, there was no putting it out.

Winning a scholarship will alleviate the stresses and pressures associated with the cost I am facing to cover my college education. This scholarship will provide the resources that I need to focus on my studies and continue my community advocacy work. A college education is paramount to advancing my personal growth and will give me access to better job opportunities. However, when you have financial limitations like I do, getting a college education can be very challenging. I was confronted with financial constraints in my college application process that forced me to pivot my efforts and become more creative on how to fund my education. The lessons that I have learned and the challenges that I faced through this process have given me a new sense of resiliency and determination that I will pass on to my younger siblings. Right before I started high school, my father desperately needed a kidney transplant and my parents divorced. Due to extraordinary medical bills and the breakdown of my family, we had to leave our home and drain our savings. We struggled financially but I managed to maintain good grades, and I found solace in my volunteer work. I began participating in the Young Activist Coalition (YAC) and eventually was nominated as co-President. Through YAC, I brokered meetings with administrative staff and students to address the needs of inclusion, diversity, and acceptance in our school and community. I became my school’s Student Ambassador for WSSD – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access, which is an organization that works directly in the community to promote educational and diversity programs, especially in the LGBTQ+ community. We organized and held community forums, conferences, and educational seminars to address diversity in education and disparity in mental health access in the LGBTQ+ community. I was exposed to legal professionals who were fighting to change my community and I collaborated with different students from other school districts to work together to solve our community’s problems. These skills will help me in my future career goals because I will have the skill set to collaborate with a diverse community while making meaningful contributions towards significant change. My experience as an advocate in my community has fueled my passion for becoming an attorney who will help the poor and underserved. Volunteering has allowed me to gain invaluable problem-solving skills, as well as improved my leadership and team-building abilities. I have also grown as a more compassionate individual as well as an empathetic leader. My desire to study law and effectuate change in my community was solidified when I was chosen to attend “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program”. The program’s purpose was to assist high-achieving minority students in reaching their dreams of attending law school. I was beyond excited to have the opportunity to study the laws that directly impact the programs in my community. While I always knew that I wanted significant change in my community, now for the first time, I saw a clear path to make these changes a reality. As a future attorney, I aspire to make significant changes in marginalized communities in need of resources, educational programs, and access to better opportunities. I was recently accepted into the “Legal Education Accelerated Program” (LEAP) as an incoming freshman at my university. The program will allow me to complete college and law school in six years. Even though I know my resources are limited, I do not want that to stop me from reaching my dreams of becoming a lawyer. Once my fire for equality was lit inside my heart, there was no putting it out.

The strong women in my family have fueled my aspiration to become an advocate for the poor. My mother grew up in the Dominican Republic, and the importance of education was instilled in her from an early age. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. By the age of eleven, she had to leave school to care for her younger siblings. This was a very common fate for so many young girls living in poverty. She faced adversity but her unwavering determination for a better life eventually led her to the United States where she earned her high school diploma at the age of 40. As a young woman of color, I understand the impact that my race and gender have on my future. I know that I may not have been able to get an education if I had been born in a different country. I have endless opportunities afforded to me and I want to use these opportunities to impact my community through my advocacy for the less fortunate, especially young girls living in poverty. My passion for serving others comes from the guiding forces of the women in my family. I have devoted myself to fighting for justice because of my grandmother, and my passion for the law is because of her legacy. I was chosen to attend the “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program”, whose purpose was to assist high-achieving minority students in reaching their dreams of attending law school. I always knew that I wanted to be a catalyst to effectuate change in my community, and now for the first time, I saw a clear path to make these changes a reality. I began to participate in the Young Activist Coalition (YAC) and eventually was nominated as co-president. Through YAC, I brokered meetings with administrative staff and students to address the need for inclusion, diversity, and acceptance programs in our school and community. I was very excited when I became my school’s Student Ambassador for WSSD – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access. In this organization, we worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit to promote educational and diversity programs in the community. I felt empowered to help the people of my community because I had the support of YAC. I knew that the programs we were creating had a positive effect on my community and would make a difference in the lives of so many people in need. I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table and strive for a more compassionate community. As I continue advocating in my community, I want to create and implement educational opportunity programs and make quality education available to all communities regardless of economic status. I believe that with a law degree, I will be able to make an impactful change in our society. Once my fire for equality was lit inside my heart, there was no putting it out.

More Women Leading The strong women in my family have fueled my aspiration to become an advocate for the poor. My mother grew up in the Dominican Republic, and the importance of education was instilled in her from an early age. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. By the age of eleven, she had to leave school to care for her younger siblings. This was a very common fate for so many young girls living in poverty. She faced adversity but her unwavering determination for a better life eventually led her to the United States where she earned her high school diploma at the age of 40. As a young woman of color, I understand the impact that my race and gender have on my future. I know that I may not have been able to get an education if I had been born in a different country. I have endless opportunities afforded to me and I want to use these opportunities to impact my community through my advocacy for the less fortunate, especially young girls living in poverty. My passion for serving others comes from the guiding forces of the women in my family. I have devoted myself to fighting for justice because of my grandmother, and my passion for the law is because of her legacy. I was chosen to attend the “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program”, whose purpose was to assist high-achieving minority students in reaching their dreams of attending law school. I always knew that I wanted to be a catalyst to effectuate change in my community, and now for the first time, I saw a clear path to make these changes a reality. I began to participate in the Young Activist Coalition (YAC) and eventually was nominated as co-president. Through YAC, I brokered meetings with administrative staff and students to address the need for inclusion, diversity, and acceptance programs in our school and community. I was very excited when I became my school’s Student Ambassador for WSSD – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access. In this organization, we worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit to promote educational and diversity programs in the community. I felt empowered to help the people of my community because I had the support of YAC. I knew that the programs we were creating had a positive effect on my community and would make a difference in the lives of so many people in need. I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table and strive for a more compassionate community. As I continue advocating in my community, I want to create and implement educational opportunity programs and make quality education available to all communities regardless of economic status. I believe that with a law degree, I will be able to make an impactful change in our society. Once my fire for equality was lit inside my heart, there was no putting it out.

The strong women in my family have fueled my aspiration to become an advocate for the poor. My mother grew up in the Dominican Republic, and the importance of education was instilled in her from an early age. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. By the age of eleven, she had to leave school to care for her younger siblings. This was a very common fate for so many young girls living in poverty. She faced adversity but her unwavering determination for better life eventually led her to the US where she earned her diploma at 40. As a young woman of color, I understand the impact that my race and gender have on my future. I know that I may not have been able to get an education if I had been born in a different country. I have endless opportunities afforded to me and I want to use these opportunities to impact my community through my advocacy for the less fortunate, especially young girls living in poverty. My passion for serving others comes from the guiding forces of the women in my family. I have devoted myself to fighting for justice because of my grandmother, and my passion for the law is because of her legacy. The pivotal point that solidified my desire to study law was when I was chosen to attend the “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program” whose purpose was to assist high-achieving minority students reach their dreams of attending law school. I always knew that I wanted to be a catalyst to effectuate change in my community, and now for the first time, I saw a clear path to make these changes a reality. I continued to advocate in my community when I began working with the Gender Sexuality Alliance group that advocated for the LGBTQ+ community. In this group, I met with school administrators to get gender-neutral bathrooms designated for students and staff. Further, I participated in and lead the Young Activist Coalition where I brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion, diversity, and acceptance. Through this group, I became my school’s Student Ambassador for WSSD – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access. In this organization, we worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit and participated in forums that dealt with LGBTQ+ and identity issues, climate change concerns, and disparity in education access. I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table and strive for a more compassionate community. I want to continue working in my community to develop education access programs. I believe that with a law degree, I will be able to make an impactful change in our society. I want to be able to help those less fortunate than me and bring new ideas of diversity, inclusion, and education to the table. Once my fire for equality was lit inside my heart, there was no putting it out.

The strong women in my family have fueled my aspiration to become an advocate for the poor. My mother grew up in the Dominican Republic, and the importance of education was instilled in her from an early age. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. By the age of eleven, she had to leave school to care for her younger siblings. This was a very common fate for so many young girls living in poverty. She faced adversity but her unwavering determination for better life eventually led her to the US where she earned her diploma at 40. As a young woman of color, I understand the impact that my race and gender have on my future. I know that I may not have been able to get an education if I had been born in a different country. I have endless opportunities afforded to me and I want to use these opportunities to impact my community through my advocacy for the less fortunate, especially young girls living in poverty. My passion for serving others comes from the guiding forces of the women in my family. I have devoted myself to fighting for justice because of my grandmother, and my passion for the law is because of her legacy. The pivotal point that solidified my desire to study law was when I was chosen to attend the “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program” whose purpose was to assist high-achieving minority students reach their dreams of attending law school. I always knew that I wanted to be a catalyst to effectuate change in my community, and now for the first time, I saw a clear path to make these changes a reality. I continued to advocate in my community when I began working with the Gender Sexuality Alliance group that advocated for the LGBTQ+ community. In this group, I met with school administrators to get gender-neutral bathrooms designated for students and staff. Further, I participated in and lead the Young Activist Coalition where I brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion, diversity, and acceptance. Through this group, I became my school’s Student Ambassador for WSSD – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access. In this organization, we worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit and participated in forums that dealt with LGBTQ+ and identity issues, climate change concerns, and disparity in education access. I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table and strive for a more compassionate community. I want to continue working in my community to develop education access programs. I believe that with a law degree, I will be able to make an impactful change in our society. I want to be able to help those less fortunate than me and bring new ideas of diversity, inclusion, and education to the table. Once my fire for equality was lit inside my heart, there was no putting it out.

Being resilient has helped me overcome challenges, obstacles and adversity. I developed the capacity to recover from trauma and inspired those around me to overcome hardship as well. As a high school student, I have been confronted with difficult challenges that I had to overcome in order to live a healthier life. Playing for my high school volleyball team made me an aggressive player that never backed down from a challenge. I used the same determination to achieve good grades and excel in my honors classes. Volleyball was my escape from school and playing came naturally to me. In October 2020, my self-confidence was tested when I suffered a devasting injury that kept me off the court for a year. I was at practice, and I was diving after any ball that was coming my way. In one of my plays, I dove for a short ball and instantly made hard contact with the floor. I heard a pop that traveled the length of my leg, and tried to quickly jump back on my feet but immediately came crashing back down to the ground. My knee just gave out from under me, and I could not move from the floor. I looked down at my leg and saw that my knee blew up to the size of a melon. As my coach got me off the ground, I knew something was terribly wrong. After seeing an orthopedic doctor, I was given crutches and told that I tore my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL is one of the strong bands of tissue that help connect your thigh bone (femur) to your shinbone (tibia). I soon learned that ACL injuries are one of the most common injuries you can suffer during sports that involve sudden stops or changes in direction, jumping and landing. In my case, I would need surgery to repair the damage and face a year of physical therapy before being cleared to play volleyball again. My travel and high school seasons were over. I continued to go to games and cheer my team on, but deep down inside I was having a pity party for myself. I became depressed and did not feel like my life had a purpose. The trauma of this injury incapacitated me in a way that I was not prepared to deal with. I lost focus on my schoolwork and soon I began making excuses to not socialize with friends or family. My family recognized that I needed help and soon I began speaking to a therapist that helped me get to the bottom of my depression and focus on rebuilding my mental health. Slowly the fog of the past year lifted as I rebuilt myself physically and mentally. The year of rehabilitation post-surgery gave me a new understanding of determination and perseverance. I focused on having a positive attitude and began working with younger volleyball players to keep them safe on the court. I stopped feeling sorry for myself and encouraged my teammates to keep fighting even through setbacks. I continued to invest time in getting myself healthy both mentally and physically. This investment in myself in turn made me open to helping those around me. The stronger I became, the more excited I became for my future and wanted to be a positive influence in my community. Maintaining a positive attitude, asking for help when I needed it and showing others how to overcome adversity motivates me to inspire others. The mental tenacity that I developed because of my injury has made me a stronger student, volleyball player and person in general.

I will be able to use my psychology degree to help resolve issues in my community through effective communication and understanding. I want to earn my undergraduate degree in psychology and go to law school after college. My personal and professional aspirations include making significant and impactful changes in marginalized communities in need of mental health services. One of the most impactful community service programs I participated in promoted social equality and mental health services for the LGBTQ+ community called the Gender Sexuality Alliance group. In this group, we met with school administrators and got gender-neutral bathrooms designated for students and staff. As I navigated the complexity of administrative red tape for meeting the needs of those in the LGBTQ+ community, I saw first-hand the challenges faced by so many that felt marginalized. It was very inspiring to see the strength and determination of those in the community as we fought hard for basic dignity. I became passionate about advocating for marginalized communities and I wanted to empower people to improve their lives. I continued my community commitment when I participated in and lead the Young Activist Coalition where I brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion, diversity, and acceptance. I will be using my law degree to create mental health access programs and help those less fortunate than me. I want to bring new ideas for mental health access to the table and leave the world a better place.

Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, my parents always emphasized the importance of education to achieving my dreams. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. She became responsible for the care of her younger siblings and by the age of eleven, she had to leave school. Since the public schools in my neighborhood were classified as “failing” my parents made the financial sacrifice to send me to a local Catholic school because they believed this would afford me better educational opportunities. However, I was instantly confronted with the harsh reality that as a gay woman of color, I was not “fitting in” and I suddenly felt isolated. I was living one life at school and a different existence in my neighborhood. Even though I loved learning, this clash between academia and real life often left me depressed but I wanted to make changes in my school so that no one else ever had to feel this way. I wanted to address the most pressing issue of why anyone lived in a neighborhood with failing schools. I knew that this had to change and that I was going to be the catalyst to effectuate that change. One of the most impactful community service programs I participated in promoted social equality and mental health services for the LGBTQ+ community called the Gender Sexuality Alliance group. In this group, we met with school administrators and got gender-neutral bathrooms designated for students and staff. As I navigated the complexity of administrative red tape for meeting the needs of those in the LGBTQ+ community, I saw first-hand the challenges faced by so many that felt marginalized. It was very inspiring to see the strength and determination of those in the community as we fought hard for basic dignity. I became passionate about advocating for marginalized communities and I wanted to empower people to improve their lives. I continued my community commitment when I participated in and lead the Young Activist Coalition where I brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion, diversity, and acceptance. Through this group, I became my school’s Student Ambassador for Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access. In this organization, we worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) and participated in forums that dealt with LGBTQ+ and identity issues, climate change concerns, and disparity in mental health access. I was exposed to other legal professionals that were fighting to change the lack of mental health services and access in my community. I quickly developed interpersonal and leadership skills as I participated in community panels that addressed program development. I instantly knew I wanted to be a lawyer and help the less fortunate. As a future attorney, I hope to represent those in need of mental health services that the penal system cannot address. The programs that I want to create in my community will provide access for the underrepresented and marginalized population that oftentimes gets caught up in our legal system when they need supportive services. I believe that with a law degree and the creation of mental health access programs, I will be able to make an impactful change in our society. I want to be able to help those less fortunate than me and I want to bring new ideas of diversity, inclusion, and mental health access to the table. Once my fire for equality was lit inside my heart, there was no putting it out.

Throughout history, some of the most influential leaders inspired change. For example, MLK inspired social change, Gandhi inspired spiritual change and JFK inspired political change. As an activist in my community, I exemplify leadership through leading by example, action, communication, and motivation. Leadership is important because our world is consistently evolving and transforming. We want to evolve and transform into better versions of ourselves for future generations. Without strong leadership, people would lack vision and guidance to accomplish positive change. The idea of causing a positive impact in my community motivates me to participate in civic-minded groups that promote social change. I knew early on that I wanted to be a lawyer and focus on helping people in need. One of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I led group meetings, participated in protests, and organized events to spread awareness in our community. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racist and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed to a leadership position within the organization when I was nominated as Co-Vice President. This role motivated me to continue my activism when I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my schools such as the lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. Through my involvement in advocacy at my school I was able to identify a problem facing students today which was the failure to hold students accountable for racially insensitive dialogue. One of the continued problems at my school is racism and the school administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSSD Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSSD Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. As a student leader, I stepped up to the challenge and led student focus groups to effectuate change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school. Leaders, at all levels, should inspire change. A leader should guide people into accomplishing some of the most significant success stories of their lives. I want to be the type of leader that is empathic to the needs of the less fortunate. I want to inspire my community to help those in need and impact the lives of the less fortunate so that everyone can prosper. As a leader in my community, I want to improve my environment and inspire change. I encourage others to be the best versions of themselves and I embrace differences in everyone.

Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, my parents emphasized the importance of education. The public schools were failing in my area, so my parents made the sacrifice of sending me to a Catholic school for a better education but instead, I experienced bigotry for the first time. As a gay minority student, I was confronted with the harsh reality that I was not “fitting in” but I knew that I wanted to live and learn in a community that was fair and just. I had the DETERMINATION to make a significant change in my community. Even though I saw a constant barrage of police officers and crime, I also saw a lot of mental health issues that were not addressed through supportive services and a lack of RESPECT for cultural differences. Through courage, commitment, INNOVATION and leadership, I began participating in community outreach programs that made a significant impact in my community. I knew early on that I wanted to fix how my community struggled with the lack of mental health services for the poor. The lack of VERSATILITY in community programs left a gap in services for individuals that end up in the court system simply because of the lack of mental health services. My future goals after college include getting a law degree and working on legislation that changes how the mentally ill are processed through the criminal justice system. During my sophomore year of high school, I attended “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program” whose purpose was to assist underrepresented students achieve their dreams of attending law school. During this summer program, I learned the importance of taking a leadership role in my community to effectuate significant change. I loved every challenge of the program and my desire to pursue law grew stronger. I always knew that I wanted to be a catalyst for change in my community, and now for the first time, I saw a clear path to make these changes a reality. One of the most impactful programs that I joined to promote social equality and mental health services for the LGBTQ+ community was the Gender Sexuality Alliance group. In this group, we met with school administrators and got gender-neutral bathrooms designated for students and staff. We promoted EQUALITY and respect for all, regardless of gender and sexual orientation. I also participate in and lead the Young Activist Coalition and brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion, diversity, and acceptance. I became my school’s Student Ambassador for Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access. Through this organization, we worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) and participated in forums that dealt with LGBTQ+ and identity issues, climate change concerns, and disparity in mental health access. Through this program, I was exposed to other legal professionals that were fighting to change the lack of mental health services and access in my community. These legal professionals NURTURED the need for advocacy for marginalized individuals. I will make a positive impact on my community with a law degree, and I will be able to effect change in a major way for the less fortunate. As a future attorney, I hope to represent those in need of mental health services that the penal system cannot address. The programs that I want to create in my community will provide access for the underrepresented and marginalized population that oftentimes gets caught up in our legal system when they need supportive services. Once my fire for equality was lit inside my heart, there was no putting it out.

As an Afro-Latina woman, I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change. I grew up in a single-parent household so the choices I have made during my high school career have always been geared toward leaving the world a better place than I found it. As a became more involved in my community, I knew early on that I wanted to be a lawyer and focus on helping people in need. One of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racist and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed Co-Vice President of GSA and it is a title I am very proud of. In addition to GSA, I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. Through my involvement in advocacy at my school I was able to identify a problem facing students today which was the failure to hold students accountable for racially insensitive dialogue. One of the continued problems at my school is racism and the school administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school. I believe that with a law degree, I will be able to help those less fortunate than me. I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table. We live in a very rich and abundant country that I am very proud of. With my law degree, I hope to make life better for those that do not benefit from the abundance of this great country. In addition, winning a scholarship will alleviate the stresses associated with the cost I am facing to cover my college education. The scholarship will provide the resources that I need to focus on my studies and continue my community advocacy. As an attorney, I want to participate in the policy development process that excludes those that may suffer from mental illness but are caught up in our penal system without supportive services.

My commitment to my community has shaped my future goals. Volunteering has allowed me to gain invaluable problem-solving skills, as well as improved my leadership and team-building abilities. In the various volunteer groups that I have participated in, I have grown as a compassionate individual. These experiences have guided my career goals towards getting a law degree and working on legislation that changes how the mentally ill are processed through the criminal justice system. One of the most impactful community service programs I participated in promoted social equality and mental health services for the LGBTQ+ community called the Gender Sexuality Alliance group. In this group, we met with school administrators and got gender-neutral bathrooms designated for students and staff. As I navigated the complexity of administrative red tape and meeting the needs of those in the LGBTQ+ community, I saw first-hand the challenges faced by so many that felt unseen. It was very inspiring to see the strength and determination of those in the community as we fought hard for basic dignity. I became passionate about advocating for marginalized communities and I wanted to empower people to improve their lives. I continued my community commitment when I participated in and lead the Young Activist Coalition where I brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion, diversity and acceptance. Through this group, I became my school’s Student Ambassador for Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access. In this organization, we worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) and participated in forums that dealt with LGBTQ+ and identity issues, climate change concerns, and disparity in mental health access. I was exposed to other legal professionals that were fighting to change the lack of mental health services and access in my community. I quickly developed interpersonal and leadership skills as I participated in community panels that addressed program development in underserved communities. I collaborated with different teams made up of students from other school districts and I was able to appreciate the diverse ideas working together to solve a community problem. These skills will help me in my future career goals because I will have the skill set to collaborate with a diverse community while making meaningful contributions towards significant change. My volunteer work has ignited a passion for serving others and influenced my career goal of becoming an attorney that helps the underserved. I want to participate in the policy development process that excludes those that may suffer from mental illness but are caught up in our penal system without supportive services. I want to develop a better mental health care model and preventive services that will address the need of the community in a deeply significant way. My volunteer work has made me passionate about advocating for the needs of those in this marginalized group. The lessons and skills I have gained from community service empower me to make a significant impact in my community and positively effectuate change.

Education has always been paramount in my very large family. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. She became responsible for the care of her younger siblings and by the age of eleven, she had to leave school. My grandmother was extremely tough and very unforgiving when it came to schoolwork and assignments. Her commitment to our family and her courage to strive for a better community influenced my decision of becoming a lawyer after college and focus on helping people in need. I know that being successful in college is paramount to achieving my goal of attending law school in the future. In grade school, I tutored younger students struggling with classes. As I started tutoring more students, I was so happy with the impact I was making in my school and in the lives of the kids I helped. It felt great when a student thanked me for getting their grades up with my help. I was able to take my passion for helping others when I played volleyball as well. I have played travel and high school volleyball for three years. I participate in clinics that help teach skills to the younger players in the district so that they are prepared for the season and tryouts. Volleyball taught me the importance of having high energy to cheer for your team and how to encourage others to be their best. Finally, I am the Co-Vice President of GSA and I am an active member of YAC. GSA stands for “Gender Sexuality Alliance” and its mission is to create a welcoming space for everyone at Strath Haven High School (SHHS), especially the LGBTQ community. YAC stands for “Young Activist Coalition”. YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at my high school feel welcomed, appreciated, and seen. As the Co-Vice President of GSA, I helped organize fundraisers, bake sales, meetings, and the Rainbow Dance. The Rainbow Dance is an important annual event that raises funds for homeless LGBTQ youth. I get inspired to help the LGBTQ community through this organization especially when I know that every dollar I raise can potentially save the life of a teen on the streets. Finally, I have completed a course for QPR Institute Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Program. I believe it’s always a good idea to have someone there for you, and someone to listen and talk with even if you don't know them very well. Even the littlest gesture of kindness is so valuable to someone that is struggling. I believe that with a law degree, I will be able to help those less fortunate than me. I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table. We live in a very rich and abundant country that I am very proud of. With my law degree, I hope to make life better for those that do not benefit from the abundance of this great country.

I am so excited to grow and challenge myself in college. I have recently been accepted to the “Legal Education Accelerated Program” (LEAP) as an incoming freshman at my university. The LEAP program is an accelerated academically challenging curriculum that will allow me to complete college and law school in six years. This framework will permit me to become an attorney earlier, thus begin my career of helping those in marginalized communities sooner. Embarking on this challenging educational journey will force me to do certain things differently. Maintaining a balance between physical health, mental well-being and academics is paramount to my success in college. Playing for my high school volleyball team made me an aggressive player that never backed down from a challenge. Volleyball was my escape from school and playing came naturally to me. In October 2020, my self-confidence was tested when I suffered a devasting injury that kept me off the court for a year. I was at practice, and I was diving after any ball that was coming my way. In one of my plays, I dove for a short ball and instantly made hard contact with the floor. I heard a pop that traveled the length of my leg, and tried to quickly jump back on my feet but immediately came crashing back down to the ground. My knee just gave out from under me, and I could not move from the floor. I looked down at my leg and saw that my knee blew up to the size of a melon. I knew something was terribly wrong. After seeing an orthopedic doctor, I was given crutches and told that I tore my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL is one of the strong bands of tissue that help connect your thigh bone (femur) to your shinbone (tibia). I soon learned that ACL injuries are one of the most common injuries you can suffer during sports that involve sudden stops or changes in direction, jumping and landing. In my case, I would need surgery to repair the damage and face a year of physical therapy before being cleared to play volleyball again. My travel and high school seasons were over. The trauma of this injury incapacitated me in a way that I was not prepared to deal with. I lost focus on my schoolwork and soon I began making excuses to not socialize with friends or family. My family recognized that I needed help and soon I began speaking to a therapist that helped me get to the bottom of my depression and focus on rebuilding my mental health. Slowly the fog of the past year lifted as I rebuilt myself physically and mentally. The year of rehabilitation post-surgery gave me a new understanding of determination and perseverance. I focused on having a positive attitude and began working with younger volleyball players to keep them safe on the court. The investment in myself is a life-long journey that I will take to college and beyond. Finally, I had to manage my stress and anxiety. I prioritized balancing school work and physical health because it all affects my mental health. The stronger I became, the more excited I became for my future and wanted to be a positive influence in my community. Maintaining a positive attitude, asking for help when I needed it and showing others how to overcome adversity motivates me to inspire others. The mental tenacity that I developed because of my injury has made me a stronger student, volleyball player and person in general.

As a future advocate for underserved and marginalized communities, I hope my law degree allows me to make significant change in my community. Volunteering has allowed me to gain invaluable problem-solving skills, as well as improved my leadership and team-building abilities. In the various volunteer groups that I have participated in, I have grown as a compassionate individual. These experiences have guided my career goals towards getting a law degree and working on legislation that changes how the mentally ill are processed through the criminal justice system. One of the most impactful community service programs I participated in promoted social equality and mental health services for the LGBTQ+ community called the Gender Sexuality Alliance group. In this group, we met with school administrators and got gender-neutral bathrooms designated for students and staff. As I navigated the complexity of administrative red tape and meeting the needs of those in the LGBTQ+ community, I saw first-hand the challenges faced by so many that felt unseen. It was very inspiring to see the strength and determination of those in the community as we fought hard for basic dignity. I became passionate about advocating for marginalized communities and I wanted to empower people to improve their lives. I continued my community commitment when I participated in and lead the Young Activist Coalition where I brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion, diversity and acceptance. Through this group, I became my school’s Student Ambassador for Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access. In this organization, we worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) and participated in forums that dealt with LGBTQ+ and identity issues, climate change concerns, and disparity in mental health access. I was exposed to other legal professionals that were fighting to change the lack of mental health services and access in my community. I quickly developed interpersonal and leadership skills as I participated in community panels that addressed program development in underserved communities. I collaborated with different teams made up of students from other school districts and I was able to appreciate the diverse ideas working together to solve a community problem. These skills will help me in my future career goals because I will have the skill set to collaborate with a diverse community while making meaningful contributions towards significant change. My passion for serving others is an undeniable strength that motivates me to continue my path of becoming an attorney that helps the underserved. I have the leadership and problem-solving skills needed to effectuate change and contribute to policy development in mental health. I want to develop a better mental health care model and preventive services that will address the need of the community in a deeply significant way. My volunteer work has made me passionate about advocating for the needs of those in this marginalized group. The lessons and skills I have gained from community service empower me to make a significant impact in my community and positively effectuate change.

Maintaining a balance between physical health, mental well-being and academics is paramount to my success in college. Playing for my high school volleyball team made me an aggressive player that never backed down from a challenge. Volleyball was my escape from school and playing came naturally to me. In October 2020, my self-confidence was tested when I suffered a devasting injury that kept me off the court for a year. I was at practice, and I was diving after any ball that was coming my way. In one of my plays, I dove for a short ball and instantly made hard contact with the floor. I heard a pop that traveled the length of my leg, and tried to quickly jump back on my feet but immediately came crashing back down to the ground. My knee just gave out from under me, and I could not move from the floor. I looked down at my leg and saw that my knee blew up to the size of a melon. As my coach got me off the ground, I knew something was terribly wrong. After seeing an orthopedic doctor, I was given crutches and told that I tore my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL is one of the strong bands of tissue that help connect your thigh bone (femur) to your shinbone (tibia). I soon learned that ACL injuries are one of the most common injuries you can suffer during sports that involve sudden stops or changes in direction, jumping and landing. In my case, I would need surgery to repair the damage and face a year of physical therapy before being cleared to play volleyball again. My travel and high school seasons were over. The trauma of this injury incapacitated me in a way that I was not prepared to deal with. I lost focus on my schoolwork and soon I began making excuses to not socialize with friends or family. My family recognized that I needed help and soon I began speaking to a therapist that helped me get to the bottom of my depression and focus on rebuilding my mental health. Slowly the fog of the past year lifted as I rebuilt myself physically and mentally. The year of rehabilitation post-surgery gave me a new understanding of determination and perseverance. I focused on having a positive attitude and began working with younger volleyball players to keep them safe on the court. I came up with a rountine for working out and continued to invest time in getting myself healthy both mentally and physically. This investment in myself in turn made me open to helping those around me. I came up with a healthier food plan and made sure that I got off my phone and computer an hour before bedtime. Finally, I had to manage my stress and anxiety. I prioritized balancing school work and physical health because it all affects my mental health. The stronger I became, the more excited I became for my future and wanted to be a positive influence in my community. Maintaining a positive attitude, asking for help when I needed it and showing others how to overcome adversity motivates me to inspire others. The mental tenacity that I developed because of my injury has made me a stronger student, volleyball player and person in general.

"Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve." (Martin Luther King, Jr.) This selfless call to service resonates with me as a community activist and leader. The meaning of service incorporates not only helping others but also giving of your time and talents for the benefit of your community. Service means being compassionate and putting someone else’s needs above your own. Being of service also has countless benefits to oneself when you see the fruits of your dedication and commitment to your community. Volunteering has allowed me to gain invaluable problem-solving skills, as well as improved my leadership and team-building abilities. These experiences have guided my career goals towards getting a law degree and working on legislation that changes how the mentally ill are processed through the criminal justice system. One of the most impactful community service programs I participated in promoted social equality and mental health services for the LGBTQ+ community called the Gender Sexuality Alliance group. In this group, we met with school administrators and got gender-neutral bathrooms designated for students and staff. As I navigated the complexity of administrative red tape and meeting the needs of those in the LGBTQ+ community, I saw first-hand the challenges faced by so many that felt unseen. It was very inspiring to see the strength and determination of those in the community as we fought hard for basic dignity. I continued my community commitment when I participated in and lead the Young Activist Coalition where I brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion, diversity, and acceptance. Through this group, I became my school’s Student Ambassador for Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access. In this organization, we worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) and participated in forums that dealt with LGBTQ+ and identity issues, climate change concerns, and disparity in mental health access. I was exposed to other legal professionals that were fighting to change the lack of mental health services and access in my community. I quickly developed interpersonal and leadership skills as I participated in community panels that addressed program development in underserved communities. I collaborated with different teams made up of students from other school districts and I was able to appreciate the diverse ideas working together to solve a community problem. These skills will help me in my future career goals because I will have the skill set to collaborate with a diverse community while making meaningful contributions towards significant change. I am driven by a passion and desire to improve the lives of those in the community. My volunteer work has ignited an excitement for serving others and influenced my career goal of becoming an attorney that helps the underserved. I want to participate in the policy development process that excludes those that may suffer from mental illness but are caught up in our penal system without supportive services. I want to develop a better mental health care model and preventive services that will address the need of the community in a deeply significant way. My volunteer work has made me passionate about advocating for the needs of those in this marginalized group. The lessons and skills I have gained from community service empowers me to make a significant impact in my community and positively effectuate change.

My commitment to my community has shaped my future goals. Volunteering has allowed me to gain invaluable problem-solving skills, as well as improved my leadership and team-building abilities. In the various volunteer groups that I have participated in, I have grown as a compassionate individual. These experiences have guided my career goals towards getting a law degree and working on legislation that changes how the mentally ill are processed through the criminal justice system. One of the most impactful community service programs I participated in promoted social equality and mental health services for the LGBTQ+ community called the Gender Sexuality Alliance group. In this group, we met with school administrators and got gender-neutral bathrooms designated for students and staff. As I navigated the complexity of administrative red tape and meeting the needs of those in the LGBTQ+ community, I saw first-hand the challenges faced by so many that felt unseen. It was very inspiring to see the strength and determination of those in the community as we fought hard for basic dignity. I became passionate about advocating for marginalized communities and I wanted to empower people to improve their lives. I continued my community commitment when I participated in and lead the Young Activist Coalition where I brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion, diversity and acceptance. Through this group, I became my school’s Student Ambassador for Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access. In this organization, we worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) and participated in forums that dealt with LGBTQ+ and identity issues, climate change concerns, and disparity in mental health access. I was exposed to other legal professionals that were fighting to change the lack of mental health services and access in my community. I quickly developed interpersonal and leadership skills as I participated in community panels that addressed program development in underserved communities. I collaborated with different teams made up of students from other school districts and I was able to appreciate the diverse ideas working together to solve a community problem. These skills will help me in my future career goals because I will have the skill set to collaborate with a diverse community while making meaningful contributions towards significant change. My volunteer work has ignited a passion for serving others and influenced my career goal of becoming an attorney that helps the underserved. I want to participate in the policy development process that excludes those that may suffer from mental illness but are caught up in our penal system without supportive services. I want to develop a better mental health care model and preventive services that will address the need of the community in a deeply significant way. I hope that this scholarship will also alleviate some of the pressures associated with the high cost of college and allow me to focus on my schoolwork. I believe that this scholarship will empower me with the financial resources needed to not only continue studying and achieving good grades, but it will also help my family since my sister is also in college. I know that my family will struggle even more once I start college in the fall. This scholarship will also allow me to look for internships and continue to give back to my community.

I commit to my community to end the lack of mental health services for marginalized individuals that get caught up in the penal system. My future goals after college and studying psychology include getting a law degree and working on legislation that changes how the mentally ill are processed through the criminal justice system. I believe I will make a significant impact in the mental health services area with a science degree and a law degree. Not only will I understand the science behind mental illness, but I will have an appreciation of what support services should be created to help those that are most vulnerable. During my sophomore year of high school, I attended “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program” whose purpose was to assist underrepresented students achieve their dreams of attending law school. During this summer program, I learned the importance of taking a leadership role in my community to effectuate significant change. I loved every challenge of the program and my desire to pursue law grew stronger. I always knew that I wanted to be a catalyst for change in my community, and now for the first time, I saw a clear path to make these changes a reality. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, my parents always emphasized the importance of education. Because the public schools were failing in my area, my parents made the sacrifice of sending me to a local Catholic school for a better education but instead, I experienced bigotry for the first time. I was confronted with the harsh reality that I was not “fitting in” because of the apparent divide that I was not “one of them.” I wanted to live and learn in a community that was fair, equal and just but what I saw needed to change. In my community, I saw a constant barrage of police officers and crime. I also saw a lot of mental health issues that were not being addressed through supportive services. Through courage, commitment, and leadership, I began participating in community outreach programs that made a significant impact in my community. One of the programs that I joined that promoted social equality and mental health services for the LGBTQ+ community was the Gender Sexuality Alliance group. In this group, we met with school administrators and got gender-neutral bathrooms designated for students and staff. I also participate in and lead the Young Activist Coalition and brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion, diversity, and acceptance. I became my school’s Student Ambassador for Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access. Through this organization, we worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) and participated in forums that dealt with LGBTQ+ and identity issues, climate change concerns, and disparity in mental health access. Through this program, I was exposed to other legal professionals that were fighting to change the lack of mental health services and access in my community. As an attorney, I want to represent those in need of mental health services that the penal system cannot address. I want to participate in the policy development process that excludes those that may suffer from mental illness but are caught up in our penal system without supportive services. Once my fire for equality was lit inside my heart, there was no putting it out.

I hope to make a positive impact in the world with my education in law by representing marginalized people, especially those with mental health issues. During my sophomore year of high school, I attended “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program” whose purpose was to assist underrepresented groups achieve their dreams of attending law school. During this summer program, I experienced many of the challenges associated with being a law student. I loved every challenge and my desire to pursue law grew stronger. I always knew that I wanted to be a catalyst to effectuate change in my community, and now for the first time, I saw a clear path to make these changes a reality. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, my parents emphasized the importance of education to achieving my dreams. Because the public schools were failing in my area, my parents made the sacrifice of sending me to a local Catholic school for a better education but instead, I experienced bigotry for the first time. I was confronted with the reality that I was not “fitting in” because of the apparent divide that I was not “one of them.” The inequality, injustice, and discrimination that I saw made me want to change the disadvantages suffered by so many in my community. Why was a failing public school the only option in my neighborhood? Why was I forced to go to a school that made me feel excluded? I knew that this had to change and that I was going to be the catalyst to effectuate that change. I began participating in community advocacy programs that promoted social equality, mental health services, educational access, and LGBTQ+ education. I joined the Gender Sexuality Alliance group whose mission is to create a safe space for students, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community. In this group, we met with school administrators and got gender-neutral bathrooms designated for students and staff. I also participate in and lead the Young Activist Coalition. I brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and diversity. I became my school’s Student Ambassador for Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access. Through this organization, we worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) and participated in forums that dealt with LGBTQ+ and identity issues, climate change concerns, and disparity in mental health access. Through this program, I was exposed to the lack of mental health services and access that are desperately needed in my community. As an attorney, I want to represent those in need of mental health services that the penal system cannot address. I want to participate in the policy development process that excludes those that may suffer from mental illness but are caught up in our penal system without supportive services. I believe that with a law degree and the creation of mental health access programs, I will be able to make an impactful change in our society. I want to be able to help those less fortunate than me and I want to bring new ideas of diversity, inclusion, and mental health access to the table. My experience in my small Catholic school made me realize that there is still a lot of work to be done in the areas of diversity and inclusion. I don’t want anyone else to feel like they must “fit in” to be valued. The law will break down barriers that have kept down people and will help me achieve my ultimate goal of leaving the world a better place. Once my fire for equality was lit inside my heart, there was no putting it out.

Being resilient has helped me overcome challenges, obstacles and adversity. I developed the capacity to recover from trauma and inspired those around me to overcome hardship as well. As a high school student, I have been confronted with difficult challenges that I had to overcome in order to live a healthier life. Playing for my high school volleyball team made me an aggressive player that never backed down from a challenge. I used the same determination to achieve good grades and excel in my honors classes. Volleyball was my escape from school and playing came naturally to me. In October 2020, my self-confidence was tested when I suffered a devasting injury that kept me off the court for a year. I was at practice, and I was diving after any ball that was coming my way. In one of my plays, I dove for a short ball and instantly made hard contact with the floor. I heard a pop that traveled the length of my leg, and tried to quickly jump back on my feet but immediately came crashing back down to the ground. My knee just gave out from under me, and I could not move from the floor. I looked down at my leg and saw that my knee blew up to the size of a melon. As my coach got me off the ground, I knew something was terribly wrong. After seeing an orthopedic doctor, I was given crutches and told that I tore my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL is one of the strong bands of tissue that help connect your thigh bone (femur) to your shinbone (tibia). I soon learned that ACL injuries are one of the most common injuries you can suffer during sports that involve sudden stops or changes in direction, jumping and landing. In my case, I would need surgery to repair the damage and face a year of physical therapy before being cleared to play volleyball again. My travel and high school seasons were over. I continued to go to games and cheer my team on, but deep down inside I was having a pity party for myself. I became depressed and did not feel like my life had a purpose. The trauma of this injury incapacitated me in a way that I was not prepared to deal with. I lost focus on my schoolwork and soon I began making excuses to not socialize with friends or family. My family recognized that I needed help and soon I began speaking to a therapist that helped me get to the bottom of my depression and focus on rebuilding my mental health. Slowly the fog of the past year lifted as I rebuilt myself physically and mentally. The year of rehabilitation post-surgery gave me a new understanding of determination and perseverance. I focused on having a positive attitude and began working with younger volleyball players to keep them safe on the court. I stopped feeling sorry for myself and encouraged my teammates to keep fighting even through setbacks. I continued to invest time in getting myself healthy both mentally and physically. This investment in myself in turn made me open to helping those around me. The stronger I became, the more excited I became for my future and wanted to be a positive influence in my community. Maintaining a positive attitude, asking for help when I needed it and showing others how to overcome adversity motivates me to inspire others. The mental tenacity that I developed because of my injury has made me a stronger student, volleyball player and person in general.

My chronic medical condition greatly affects every aspect of my life. I cannot leave my house without my life-saving medication and I must avoid certain triggers that could land me in the emergency room. My condition requires constant monitoring and disrupts my ability to live a normal life. Not only do I have daily battles with the pain of injections, but I also have to combat the mental toll this illness has on me as well. My emotional well-being is constantly challenged when I oftentimes just want to live a “normal” life. My condition is apparent, and in a society that emphasizes beauty and outward appearances, I deal with a barrage of unkind and ignorant words daily. However, I am undeterred by these limitations and challenges because I find strength in the amazing support system that is my family. I learned early on the importance of a strong support system as I navigated a slew of specialized doctors to treat my condition. I quickly became resilient and did not want to be defined by my medical condition. The resilience that I gained helped me in other areas of my life where I was tasked to overcome adversity and trauma. My medical condition gave me the framework and foundation to deal with any hardship life threw at me and allowed me to learn how to bounce back from difficult situations and disappointments. My medical condition helped me realize that I had to figure out how to have a happy life despite setbacks and challenges. My motivation to live a happy life lead me to start giving back to my community through volunteer work that effectuated social change. Volunteering soon put things into perspective in my life and I realized that I could help others that struggled as well. Through my work in my community, I realized that even though my situation was challenging, I could always find something to be grateful for. I joined GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”) whose mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. Through my activism, I contributed to the creation of gender-neutral restrooms in our school and was appointed Co-Vice President. I became my school’s Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity. Finally, during my sophomore year of high school, I was chosen to attend the “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program”. The program’s purpose was to assist high-achieving underrepresented minority groups reach their dreams of attending law school. I knew that I wanted to be a lawyer and help my community overcome adversity. I felt a sense of pride and belonging when my work inspired others to be kind and empathic in their community. As a community advocate with a chronic medical condition, I can empower and reach a larger audience of people that might feel powerless because of their limitations. I can create a more compassionate community with each person I speak to and can effectuate change because my community sees firsthand that a person with a medical condition is capable of making impactful change. While my chronic medical condition has been hard to deal with, it has also given me a different perspective on life that makes me strong, compassionate and resilient. These traits have positively impacted me and my community.

In the dream version of my future self, I am a highly respected lawyer who is passionate about fighting for equal rights and justice for underrepresented and disadvantaged communities.

The Pandemic put a spotlight on the disparity that exists in our society. This disparity is mostly centered around income inequality, housing differences, lack of educational access, food insecurity and racial discrimination. It is imperative that Society change its response to the problems faced by the disadvantaged as these problems affect all of us in one way or another. Everyone, regardless of economic status, deserves the opportunity to live to their full potential and prosper. Systematic and historical obstacles prevent marginalized groups from experiencing the benefits of many advantageous programs because they simply do not have access to them. This obvious inequality has created a society of the “haves” and “have-nots” that need to be addressed and corrected. Everyone deserves a chance to prosper; it’s a basic human dignity. If Society does not change its response to the problems of the disadvantaged, we are doomed to live in a chaotic world that is not sustainable for the long term. Lack of adequate educational access and poverty go hand in hand. This cycle keeps marginalized people from attaining a better life and thus impacts future generations in their quest for a better life as well. We need to change our approach to these significant problems by addressing what has caused these issues to begin with. Our Society needs to revamp our educational system in poor neighborhoods and get serious about addressing failing schools in these neighborhoods. We need to focus on good-paying jobs, training programs, apprenticeship opportunities and affordable colleges for those that cannot access of these opportunities but so desperately need them. According to the Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey, “in households with incomes below $35,000, 47 percent of adults report being behind on housing payments, and 25 percent say they struggle to put food on the table. Thirty-two percent of low-income adults said they had felt depressed.” It is important and essential for Society to change its way of responding to the problems of the disadvantaged in order to succeed as a People. By addressing income inequality and giving everyone a decent living wage, we empower people to be productive members of society. When we make housing affordable for families, we allow the disadvantaged to independently raise their families in a safe environment and thus have pride in home ownership. Fixing the broken and failing educational system in poor communities will result in a more creative and diverse workforce that will contribute to our Society on a global scale. By investing in our future through education, we create a more knowledgeable and better-qualified workforce. With more educated people contributing to our Society, we show up on the international stage as an innovative and inclusive People. And finally, by recognizing and speaking transparently about racial discrimination we allow ourselves the opportunity to have the dialogue so desperately needed to effectuate change. We allow ourselves to speak candidly about the cause of many disparities facing our Society today. By allowing ourselves to address these issues, only then can we forge ahead with a more productive and inclusive Society.

Throughout history, some of the most influential leaders inspired change. For example, MLK inspired social change, Gandhi inspired spiritual change and JFK inspired political change. As an activist in my community, I exemplify leadership through leading by example, action, communication, and motivation. Leadership is important because our world is consistently evolving and transforming. We want to evolve and transform into better versions of ourselves for future generations. Without strong leadership, people would lack vision and guidance to accomplish positive change. The idea of causing a positive impact in my community motivates me to participate in civic-minded groups that promote social change. I knew early on that I wanted to be a lawyer and focus on helping people in need. One of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I led group meetings, participated in protests, and organized events to spread awareness in our community. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racist and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed to a leadership position within the organization when I was nominated as Co-Vice President. This role motivated me to continue my activism when I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my schools such as the lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. Through my involvement in advocacy at my school I was able to identify a problem facing students today which was the failure to hold students accountable for racially insensitive dialogue. One of the continued problems at my school is racism and the school administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSSD Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSSD Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. As a student leader, I stepped up to the challenge and led student focus groups to effectuate change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school. Leaders, at all levels, should inspire change. A leader should guide people into accomplishing some of the most significant success stories of their lives. I want to be the type of leader that is empathic to the needs of the less fortunate. I want to inspire my community to help those in need and impact the lives of the less fortunate so that everyone can prosper. As a leader in my community, I want to improve my environment and inspire change. I encourage others to be the best versions of themselves and I embrace differences in everyone.

Resilience is the capacity to recover from adversity or trauma. One’s ability to bounce back from difficult situations is key to a happy life because we are all going to face challenges. As a high school student, I have been confronted with difficult challenges that I had to overcome to live a healthier life. Playing for my high school volleyball team made me an aggressive player that never backed down from a challenge. I used the same determination to achieve good grades and excel in my honors classes. Volleyball was my escape from the academic pressures of school and playing came naturally to me. In October 2020, my self-confidence was tested when I suffered a devasting injury that kept me off the court for a year. It was my second year on the team, and we were in pre-season practices. As usual, I was chasing and diving after any ball that was coming my way. In one of my plays, I dove for a short ball and instantly made hard contact with the floor. I heard a pop that traveled the length of my leg. I tried to quickly jump back on my feet and immediately came crashing back down to the ground. My knee just gave out from under me, and I could not move from the floor. I looked down at my leg and saw that my knee blew up to the size of a melon. As my coach got me off the ground, I knew something was wrong. After seeing an orthopedic doctor, I was given crutches and told that I tore my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL is one of the strong bands of tissue that help connect your thigh bone (femur) to your shinbone (tibia). I soon learned that ACL injuries are one of the most common injuries you can suffer during sports that involve sudden stops or changes in direction, jumping and landing. In my case, I would need surgery to repair the damage and face a year of physical therapy before being cleared to play volleyball again. My travel and high school seasons were over. I continued to go to games and cheer my team on, but deep down inside I was having a pity party for myself. I became depressed and did not feel like my life had a purpose. The trauma of this injury incapacitated me in a way that I was not prepared to deal with. I lost focus on my schoolwork and soon I began making excuses to not socialize with friends or family. My family soon recognized that I needed help and soon I began speaking to a therapist that helped me get to the bottom of my depression and focus on rebuilding my mental health. Slowly the fog of the past year started disappearing and I started rebuilding myself physically and mentally. The year of recovery and rehabilitation post-surgery gave me a new understanding of determination and perseverance. The time I spend focusing on getting myself healthy after my injury helped me become a better person. The stronger I became, the more focused on my future I became. I know that I want to make a positive impact on my community with a law degree, and I will be able to effect change in a major way for the less fortunate. I want to bring new ideas of diversity, inclusion, and access to mental health care to the table and strive for a more compassionate community. The mental tenacity that I developed because of my injury will help me through college and eventually law school.

I knew early on that I wanted to be a lawyer and focus on helping people in need. One of the first organizations I joined in high school was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racist and homophobic speech I heard in my school. One of the most significant impacts in my community has been as the Co-Vice President of GSA. An issue that we faced at my High School was that we did not have gender-neutral restrooms. A gender-neutral student would have to get permission from a teacher to use the restroom at the nurse’s office. This, in essence, “outed” a student because everyone knew why you would ask to use the restroom in the nurse’s office. In my leadership role, we petitioned school administrators to designate certain restrooms in the school as gender-neutral so students could protect their sexual identity. In addition to GSA, I joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel included and heard. In YAC, I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I became my school’s Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity. Finally, during my sophomore year of high school, I was chosen to attend the “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program”. The program’s purpose was to assist high-achieving underrepresented groups reach their dreams of attending law school. Through this summer program, I got a glimpse of what it would be like to be a law school student and was exposed to all the stresses of that life. The more case law I read and analyzed, the more I saw my life as an attorney and advocate. I continued to hone the skills I gained in this pre-law program and found more opportunities to challenge myself. I worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) and was chosen to participate in a forum that dealt with LGBTQ+ and identity issues, climate change concerns, and disparity in mental health access. I am very proud of all the positive work I have done at my school to promote a more inclusive community for everyone. My community is made up of many different people, ideas, interests, and concerns. The time I spend volunteering in my community helps me stay connected to the people around me. The service I provide to my community directly impacts my neighbors and family. I feel a sense of pride and positive mental health when I know my time and dedication are appreciated and positively influence those around me. I will make a positive impact on my community with a law degree, and I will be able to effect change in a major way for the less fortunate. I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table and strive for a more compassionate community. We live in a very rich and abundant country that I am very proud of. Giving my time and talents makes a positive impact in my community. The skills that I have gained from my community involvement will make it possible for me to make life better for those around me.

"Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve." (Martin Luther King, Jr.) This call to action by MLK resonates with me as a community activist and future advocate for the underserved. I always had a passion for social justice and diversity in my community and through my activism, I have improved my ability to bring different people together. This passion was nurtured when I became my high school’s Student Ambassador for WSSD Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”) and participated in equity forums that promoted diversity. WSSD is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity. Through this social justice organization, I participated in round-table discussions on racial inequities in our community. One of the most significant changes we made through WSSD was creating action plans to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, encompassing fifteen different school districts. This type of impactful change is what I want my legacy to be. The skill that I possess which is the ability to bring people together has improved my community tremendously, I saw a clear path to my vision of helping the needy when in my sophomore year of high school, I was chosen to attend the “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program” whose purpose was to assist underrepresented groups achieve their dreams of attending law school. We participated in debates, read case law, and even prepared a mock trial. I loved every challenge and my desire to pursue law grew stronger. I always knew that I wanted to be a catalyst to effectuate change in my community, and now for the first time, I saw my path to make these changes a reality. By becoming a lawyer, I will break down barriers that have kept down people and will help me achieve my goal of leaving the world a better place. Once my fire for equality was lit inside my heart, there was no putting it out. There is no limit to who I can help or what I can do. Volunteering in my community and effectuating social change helps me stay connected to the people around me, who are made up of many different people, ideas, interests, and concerns. By giving of my time and talent, I feel a sense of pride and positive mental health. My love and passion for social justice will continue to grow and deepen as I go through college and eventually go to law school. I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table and strive for a more compassionate community. The power of community service impacts those around me and creates a more compassionate community for everyone.

The burning feeling when your skin is attacking you was something that no words in the English dictionary could ever properly describe. My eczema was one of the worst cases ever seen at my dermatologist’s office, but it wasn’t going to kill me. You see, eczema is not deadly, but it impacts every aspect of my life. Eczema affects my ability to play on my high school volleyball team because I am constantly scratching on the court and miss a ball. The constant itch distracts me while I am singing in my a cappella group and when my hands are cracked and bleeding, it affects my ability to write. I have dealt with people not wanting to shake my hands because they were “gross” or asking me if I was a burn victim because eczema caused hyperpigmentation on my face. My skin condition has tested my confidence and self-esteem more than I can ever explain. No one understood that I did not cause this and that all I wanted was to get better, but nothing seemed to work. I suffered from eczema, asthma, and food allergies my whole life. The amount of doctor appointments made me resilient at a very young age. Resilience is the capacity to recover from adversity or trauma. I learned early on that my ability to bounce back from difficult situations will be key to a happy life because we are all going to face challenges. I knew that to have a happy life, I had to figure out how to overcome the difficult challenges I was suffering. I began volunteering to put things in perspective in my life. I knew that as bad as my situation was, I can find something to be grateful for. I joined GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”) whose mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. Through my activism, I contributed to the creation of gender-neutral restrooms in our school and was appointed Co-Vice President. I became my school’s Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity. Finally, during my sophomore year of high school, I was chosen to attend the “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program”. The program’s purpose was to assist high-achieving underrepresented minority groups reach their dreams of attending law school. I knew that I wanted to be a lawyer and help my community overcome adversity. I feel a sense of pride and positive mental health when I know my time and dedication are appreciated and positively influence those around me. I will make a positive impact on my community with a law degree, and I will be able to effect change in a major way for the less fortunate. I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table and strive for a more compassionate community.

Education has always been paramount in my very large family. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. She became responsible for the care of her younger siblings and by the age of eleven, she had to leave school. This traumatic experience fueled her passion to make education available to everyone in our family. My grandmother was extremely tough when it came to schoolwork but always did everything in her power to give our family every educational opportunity imaginable. Her commitment to our family and her courage to strive for a better community influenced my decision of becoming a lawyer after college and focus on helping people in need. I know that being successful in college is paramount to achieving my goal of attending law school in the future. The Curtis Holloway Memorial Scholarship will help me achieve my educational and ultimately my future goals of becoming an attorney. My grandmother’s strength has always been inspirational to me. Even though she had very little growing up, she always found a way to share what little she had with others. My grandmother is the reason why my family is very involved in volunteer work in our community. I enjoy participating in civic-minded groups that promote social change. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. This exposed me to the importance of having a strong support system to accomplish your goals. By myself, I had a lot of ideas on how to help in my community, but once I became a Student Ambassador, I was able to put my ideas into action. I know that this scholarship will enable me to continue my work in my community as well as pursue my education. Being in college to study law will require a lot of time and dedication. I hope that this scholarship will also alleviate some of the pressures associated with the high cost of college and allow me to focus on my schoolwork. I believe that this scholarship will empower me with the financial resources needed to not only continue studying and achieving good grades, but it will also help my family since my sister is also in college. I come from a single-mother household, and I know that my family will struggle even more once I start college in the fall. My family has always been very involved in our community and I grew up knowing that I wanted to leave the world a better place for future generations. This scholarship will also afford me the opportunity to look for internships and continue to give back to my community. The Curtis Holloway Memorial Scholarship will empower me to continue my grandmother’s legacy of courage and education.

"Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve," Martin Luther King, Jr. I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change. The choices I have made during my high school career have always been geared toward leaving the world a better place than I found it. As I became more involved in my community, I knew early on that I wanted to be a lawyer and focus on helping people in need. During my sophomore year, I was chosen to attend “Just the Beginning Pre-Law Program”. The program’s purpose was to assist high-achieving underrepresented groups reach their dreams of attending law school. Through this summer program, I got a glimpse of what it would be like to be a law school student and was exposed to all the stresses of that life. We were reading and analyzing case law while sharpening our study skills in order to stay organized for the demands of law school. In the program, I was tasked with preparing an opening statement for trial, while balancing depositions for a separate assignment. The more case law I read and analyzed, the more I saw my life as an attorney. I loved every challenge and my desire to pursue law grew stronger. I always knew that I wanted to be a catalyst to effectuate change in my community, and now for the first time, I saw a clear path to make these changes a reality. Education was always very important in my family. My parents sent me to a local Catholic school because they believed this would afford me better opportunities. Coming from a more diverse environment, I was instantly confronted with the harsh reality that I was not “fitting in.” I was living one life at school and a different existence in my neighborhood. This clash between academia and real-life created a sense of survival that made me want to change the disadvantages I faced every day at this school. I started by participating in groups that promoted social change. By the time I graduated, diversity programs were in place and my love for advocacy was born. In high school, I had a hunger to continue my journey of advocacy. I fulfilled this by joining the Gender Sexuality Alliance and the Young Activist Coalition, these two clubs strove to make marginalized students at our high school feel as though we had a place and a people that would stand up for us and provide us a setting where we could feel at peace within our own school. Towards the later part of high school, I began working with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU). I was chosen to participate in a forum that dealt with LGBTQ+ and identity issues, climate change concerns, and disparity in mental health access. At DCIU, I met a local queer lawyer whose story resonated with me. He made me see myself as a lawyer. I want to make significant changes in my community through advocacy and law. My experience in my small Catholic school made me realize that there is still a lot of work to be done in the areas of diversity and inclusion. I don’t want anyone else to feel like they have to “fit in” in order to be successful. For me, the law will break down barriers that have kept down people and will help me achieve my ultimate goal of leaving the world a better place. Once my fire for equality was lit inside my heart, there was no putting it out.

Resilience is the capacity to recover from adversity or trauma. One’s ability to bounce back from difficult situations is key to a happy life because we are all going to face challenges. As a high school student, I have been confronted with difficult challenges that I had to overcome in order to live a healthier life. Playing for my high school volleyball team made me an aggressive player that never backed down from a challenge. I used the same determination to achieve good grades and excel in my honors classes. Volleyball was my escape from the academic pressures of school and playing came naturally to me. In October 2020, my self-confidence was tested when I suffered a devasting injury that kept me off the court for a year. It was my second year on the team, and we were in pre-season practices. As usual, I was chasing and diving after any ball that was coming my way. In one of my plays, I dove for a short-ball and instantly made hard contact with the floor. I heard a pop that traveled the length of my leg, but for a second, I thought nothing of it. I tried to quickly jump back on my feet and immediately came crashing back down to the ground. My knee just gave out from under me, and I could not move from the floor. I looked down at my leg and saw that my knee blew up to the size of a melon. As my coach got me off the ground and tried to comfort me, I knew something was terribly wrong. After seeing an orthopedic doctor, I was given crutches and told that I tore my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). I would need surgery to repair the damage and faced a year of physical therapy before being cleared to play volleyball again. My travel and high school seasons were over. I continued to go to games and cheer my team on, but deep down inside I was having a pity party for myself. I became depressed and did not feel like my life had a purpose. The trauma of this injury incapacitated me in a way that I was not prepared to deal with. I lost focus on my schoolwork and soon I began making excuses to not socialize with friends or family. My family soon recognized that I needed help and soon I began speaking to a therapist that helped me get to the bottom of my depression and focus on rebuilding my mental health. Slowly the fog of the past year started disappearing and I started rebuilding myself physically and mentally. The year of recovery and rehabilitation post-surgery gave me a new understanding of determination and perseverance. The time I spend focusing on getting myself healthy after my injury helped me become a better person. The stronger I became, the more focused on my future I became. I know that I want to make a positive impact on my community with a law degree, and I will be able to effect change in a major way for the less fortunate. I want to bring new ideas of diversity, inclusion, and access to mental health care to the table and strive for a more compassionate community. The mental tenacity that I developed because of my injury will help me through college and eventually law school.

As an Afro-Latina woman, I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change. The choices I have made during my high school career have always been geared toward leaving the world a better place than I found it. As a became more involved in my community, I knew early on that I wanted to be a lawyer and focus on helping people in need. One of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racist and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed Co-Vice President of GSA and it is a title I am very proud of. In addition to GSA, I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my schools such as the lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. Through my involvement in advocacy at my school I was able to identify a problem facing students today which was the failure to hold students accountable for racially insensitive dialogue. One of the continued problems at my school is racism and the school administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school. I will make a positive impact on the world with a law degree, and I will be able to effect change. I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table. We live in a very rich and abundant country that I am very proud of. With my law degree, I hope to make life better for those that do not benefit from the abundance of this great country.

As an Afro-Latina woman, I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change. The choices I have made during my high school career have always been geared toward leaving the world a better place than I found it. As a became more involved in my community, I knew early on that I wanted to be a lawyer and focus on helping people in need. One of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racist and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed Co-Vice President of GSA and it is a title I am very proud of. In addition to GSA, I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as the lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. Through my involvement in advocacy at my school I was able to identify a problem facing students today which was the failure to hold students accountable for racially insensitive dialogue. One of the continued problems at my school is racism and the school administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school. I will make a positive impact on the world with a law degree, and I will be able to effect change. I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table. We live in a very rich and abundant country that I am very proud of. With my law degree, I hope to make life better for those that do not benefit from the abundance of this great country.

I began playing volleyball as a way to escape the academic pressures of school, it was my release and happy place. When I first started the sport, I was still in elementary school but already had the label of academic “over-achiever.” I was constantly feeling pressure to get good grades, but I was also putting a lot of pressure on myself. When I went to my first practice, I met a group of girls that were supportive and amazing. If I made a mistake, I got encouraged to do better. If someone else did something wrong, the whole team rallied around her and cheered her up. When we scored a point, we celebrated like we were the Olympic Volleyball team. It was so inspiring and motivating to feel a part of a team and community. We were not just a CYO Team, were felt like we were so much more important and valuable. Once I graduated Elementary school, I knew I would play volleyball for my High School team. Even though I was so nervous trying out for the team, everyone encouraged me to go for it! I made the team and felt such a wonderful sense of accomplishment. However, my love of the sport was challenged when in October 2020, I suffered a devasting injury. I tore my ACL while at practice for my High School Volleyball team. I was devasted. I had to stop my life as I knew it and undergo surgery and rehabilitation. My travel and high school season were over. I continued to go to games and cheer my team on, but deep down inside I was having a pity party for myself. I became depressed and did not feel like my life had a purpose. One day, I was especially feeling sorry for myself and told my mother that I did not want to continue going to games and cheering my team on because really, what’s the point? I remember my mother turned and looked at me and said, “ok but it’s a shame that Keyarra won’t get to brag about you being on the High School Volleyball team anymore.” Keyarra was my neighbor and was several years younger than me. She always followed me around and eventually became the person I would practice bumping the ball back and forth with. After the surgery, she would still come over to practice even though I would be sitting down and volleying the ball back to her. Well, I did not know that Keyarra made it onto her volleyball team because of me! She was telling everyone that I was the reason she made the team and that I inspired her to try out even though she was so nervous! I had no idea. My mother said to me that sometimes we inspire people by the love we pour into what we do. I truly love the sport of volleyball and it had helped me grow as a strong athlete both mentally and physically. I am very proud that I inspired someone to pursue the sport that I love and I know that volleyball will always have a positive impact on my life. Playing volleyball has taught me so much about myself and my resilience. While the injury I suffered tested my commitment to the game I love, the support of my team helped me overcome any doubt that I had in myself. I am back to playing volleyball, and love being on the court. This is a sport that is so much more than just a game, for me, it's my safe place to land.

Throughout history, some of the most influential leaders inspired change. For example, Martin Luther King inspired social change, Mahatma Gandhi inspired spiritual change and President John F. Kennedy inspired political change. To me, leadership means inspiring change and leaving the world a better place than you found it. Leadership is important because our world and its people are consistently evolving and transforming. We want to evolve and transform into better versions of ourselves for future generations. Without strong leadership, people would lack vision and guidance to accomplish positive change. The idea of causing a positive impact in my community motivates me to participate in civic-minded groups that promote social change. As a became more involved in my community, I knew early on that I wanted to be a lawyer and focus on helping people in need. One of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I began to participate in the club by decorating for the annual rainbow dance, organizing group meetings, and participating in protests, and events to spread awareness in our community. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racist and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed to a leadership position within the organization when I was nominated as Co-Vice President. This role motivated me to continue my activism when I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my schools such as the lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. Through my involvement in advocacy at my school I was able to identify a problem facing students today which was the failure to hold students accountable for racially insensitive dialogue. One of the continued problems at my school is racism and the school administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSSD Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSSD Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school. Leaders, at all levels, should inspire change. A leader should guide people into accomplishing some of the most significant success stories of their lives. I want to be the type of leader that is empathic to the needs of the less fortunate. I want to inspire my community to help those in need and impact the lives of the less fortunate so that everyone can prosper.

Education has always been paramount in my very large Caribbean family. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. She became responsible for the care of her younger siblings and by the age of eleven, she had to leave school. My grandmother was extremely tough and very unforgiving when it came to schoolwork and assignments. Her commitment to our family and her courage to strive for a better community influenced my decision of becoming a lawyer after college and focus on helping people in need. I know that being successful in college is paramount to achieving my goal of attending law school in the future. One of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I began to participate in the club by decorating for the annual rainbow dance, organizing group meetings, participating in protests, and events to spread awareness in our community. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racists and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed to a leadership position within the organization when I was nominated as Co-Vice President. This role motivated me to continue my activism when I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. Through my involvement in advocacy at my school I was able to identify a problem facing students today which was the failure to hold students accountable for racially insensitive dialogue. One of the continued problems at my school is racism and the school’s administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSSD Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSSD Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school. I believe that with a law degree, I will be able to contribute to the type of impactful change we need in our society. I want to be able to help those less fortunate than me and I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table. We live in a very rich and abundant country that I am very proud of. With my law degree, I hope to make life better for those that do not benefit from the abundance of this great country.

Throughout history, some of the most influential leaders inspired change. For example, Martin Luther King inspired social change, Mahatma Ganghi inspired spiritual change and President John F. Kennedy inspired political change. To me, leadership means inspiring change and leaving the world a better place than you found it. Leadership is important because our world and its people are consistently evolving and transforming. We want to evolve and transform into better versions of ourselves for future generations. Without strong leadership, people would lack vision and guidance to accomplish positive change. The idea of causing a positive impact in my community motivates me to participate in civic-minded groups that promote social change. As a became more involved in my community, I knew early on that I wanted to be a lawyer and focus on helping people in need. One of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I began to participate in the club by decorating for the annual rainbow dance, organizing group meetings, and participating in protests, and events to spread awareness in our community. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racist and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed to a leadership position within the organization when I was nominated as Co-Vice President. This role motivated me to continue my activism when I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as the lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. Through my involvement in advocacy at my school I was able to identify a problem facing students today which was the failure to hold students accountable for racially insensitive dialogue. One of the continued problems at my school is racism and the school administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSSD Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSSD Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school. Leaders, at all levels, should inspire change. A leader should guide people into accomplishing some of the most significant success stories of their lives. I want to be the type of leader that is empathic to the needs of the less fortunate. I want to inspire my community to help those in need and impact the lives of the less fortunate so that everyone can prosper.

Education has always been paramount in my very large Caribbean family. My grandmother did not have the opportunity to go to school because her mother died at a very young age. She became responsible for the care of her younger siblings and by the age of eleven, she had to leave school. My grandmother was extremely tough and very unforgiving when it came to schoolwork and assignments. Her commitment to our family and her courage to strive for a better community influenced my decision of becoming a lawyer after college and focus on helping people in need. I know that being successful in college is paramount to achieving my goal of attending law school in the future. My grandmother has greatly influenced my family's commitment to social justice and active participation in public service. I am very proud of my Caribbean heritage, and I want to share my story with the world. I come from a family of strong women that have paved the way for me to dream big and not let any obstacles get in my way. My mother was first generation High School graduate in the United States. These steps paved the way for me to believe that anything is possible, even the idea of becoming a lawyer. I believe that with a law degree, I will be able to contribute to the type of impactful change we need in our society. I want to be able to help those less fortunate than me and I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table. We live in a very rich and abundant country that I am very proud of. With my law degree, I hope to make life better for those that do not benefit from the abundance of this great country.

As an Afro-Latina woman, I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change. The choices I have made during my high school career have always been geared toward leaving the world a better place than I found it. As a became more involved in my community, I knew early on that I wanted to be a lawyer and focus on helping people in need. I know that being successful in college is paramount to achieving my goal of attending law school in the future. As a socially conscious student, one of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I began to participate in the club by decorating for the annual rainbow dance, organizing group meetings, and participating in protests, and events to spread awareness in our community. The more I participated, the more I fell in love with the mission. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racist and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed Co-Vice President of GSA and it is a title I am very proud of. In addition to GSA, I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my schools such as the lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. As I begin my college search with a very detailed plan on how to get to law school in four (4) years, I keep myself engaged in what I am passionate about which is social justice. Through my involvement in advocacy at my school I was able to identify a problem facing students today which was the failure to hold students accountable for racially insensitive dialogue. One of the continued problems at my school is racism and the school administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school. I believe that with a law degree, I will be able to help those less fortunate than me. I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table. We live in a very rich and abundant country that I am very proud of. With my law degree, I hope to make life better for those that do not benefit from the abundance of this great country.

Making a difference inspires me to give back to my community. When I see the result of my hard work, I get energized to do more. From a very young age, I have been involved in civic-minded organizations and lend a hand wherever I am needed. Being respectful and sensitive of others’ feelings has always come natural to me. I get inspired to give back to my community through my leadership ability specifically by excelling academically, playing sports and participating in clubs. Through my academics and advanced classes, I have been able to tutor those students that have struggled in certain subjects. I give of my time voluntarily because it makes me feel good to know that I helped another student do well in school. In addition, I have played travel and high school volleyball for three years. I participate in clinics that help teach skills to the younger players in the district so that they are prepared for the season and tryouts. Through volleyball, I have learned how to be a supportive team player. Last year during volleyball there were new girls that didn't know anyone. I took the initiative of getting everyone’s number to create a team group chat, where we could all introduce ourselves and be friends. Volleyball taught me the importance of having high energy to cheer for your team and how to encourage others to be their best. Finally, I am the Co-Vice President of GSA and I am an active member of YAC. GSA stands for “Gender Sexuality Alliance” and its mission is to create a welcoming space for everyone at Strath Haven High School (SHHS), especially the LGBTQ community. YAC stands for “Young Activist Coalition”. YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at SHHS feel welcome, appreciated, and seen. As the Co-Vice President of GSA, I helped organize fundraisers, bake sales, meetings, and the Rainbow Dance. The Rainbow Dance is an important annual event that raises funds for homeless LGBTQ youth. I get inspired to help the LGBTQ community through this organization especially when I know that every dollar I raise can potentially save the life of a teen on the streets. Finally, I have completed a course for QPR Institute Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Program. I believe it’s always a good idea to have someone there for you, and someone to listen and talk with even if you don't know them very well. Even the littlest gesture of kindness is so valuable to someone that is struggling.

I began playing volleyball as a way to escape the academic pressures of school, it was my release and happy place. My team was so inspiring and motivating. It felt good to be part of a team and community. We were not just a CYO Team, were felt like we were so much more important. Once I graduated Elementary school, I knew I would play volleyball for my High School team. Even though I was so nervous trying out for the team, everyone encouraged me to go for it! I made the team and felt such a wonderful sense of accomplishment. However, my love of the sport was challenged when in October 2020, I suffered a devasting injury. I tore my ACL while at practice for my High School Volleyball team. I was devasted. I had to stop my life as I knew it and undergo surgery and rehabilitation. My travel and high school season were over. I continued to go to games and cheer my team on, but deep down inside I was having a pity party for myself. I became depressed and did not feel like my life had a purpose. At this time, we had an elderly rescue dog from Puerto Rico named Maria; she was named after the catastrophic Hurricane Maria that hit the island. I loved Maria, and she would comfort me when I felt down about my situation. Maria's love was unconditional, but my mother noticed that Maria and I would spend hours in bed without getting much exercise. One day my mother came home with a rescue puppy named Maximo. Maximo was rescued from the snowstorm that hit Texas and he was very needy. My mother told me that this was my puppy now and that I had to think about his well-being and stop feeling sorry for myself. I NEVER wanted a puppy, and I told my mother that Maria and I were happy without him, but she said that Maximo is mine now and I just had to figure out how to deal with it. But how? How can I walk Maximo with the ACL leg brace? How can play with him or even feed him? I decided that we all would stay in bed until my mother gave up on her ridiculous plan. Well, that did not last long! Maximo was so little and just wanted to play. I played with him until he peed in my bed! Now I had to clean the sheets and change my clothes! Once I started cleaning up, I noticed it was time for him to eat, so I hobbled to the kitchen and put food down for him, but Maria ran over and ate it! Now I had to hobble over to the bowl and separate the dogs so Maximo could eat in peace. Maximo devoured his food and started crying again because he needed to go outside. I got everyone organized with leashes, poop bags and headed out for a walk. This had been the first time since my surgery that I was outside! The weather was crisp, and the dogs were playing in the grass. I found myself smiling and feeling like this was the best day of my life. Maxino taught me strength, maturity, patience and unconditional love. I thought I was given my dog Maximo as a punishment, but he has been a wonderful gift. He got me out of my own self-pity and made me see how much I have to be grateful for. He is my best friend, and I cannot imagine my life without him.

As an Afro-Latina woman, I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change. The choices I have made during my high school career have always been geared towards leaving the world a better place than I found it. As a became more involved in my community, I knew early on that I wanted to be a lawyer and focus on helping people in need. I know that being able to afford college is something that my family will struggle with and that is why this scholarship would be paramount to my future. As a socially conscience student, one of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I began to participate in the club by decorating for the annual rainbow dance, organizing group meetings, participating in protests, and events to spread awareness in our community. The more I participated, the more I fell in love with the mission. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racists and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed Co-Vice President of GSA and it is a title I am very proud of. In addition to GSA, I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. As I begin my college search with a very detailed plan on how to get to law school in four (4) years, I keep myself engaged in what I am passionate about which is social justice. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school. I want to be able to help those less fortunate than me and I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table. We live in a very rich and abundant country that I am very proud of. With my law degree, I hope to make life better for those that do not benefit from the abundance of this great country.

I am a civic-minded individual who gets inspired impacting change in my community. From a very young age, I have been involved in my community and lend a helping hand whenever I can. Being respectful of the differences around me and appreciating these differences always has come naturally to me. I give back to my community through my leadership ability specifically by excelling academically, playing sports and participating in clubs. Through my academics and advanced classes, I have been able to tutor those students that have struggled in certain subjects. I give of my time voluntarily because it makes me feel good to know that I helped another student do well in school. In addition, I have played travel and high school volleyball for three years. I participate in clinics that help teach skills to the younger players in the district so that they are prepared for the season and try-outs. Through volleyball, I have learned how to be a supportive team player. Last year during volleyball some new girls didn't know anyone. I took the initiative of getting everyone’s number to create a team group chat, where we could all introduce ourselves and be friends. Volleyball taught me the importance of having high energy to cheer for your team and how to encourage others to be their best. I am also the Co-Vice President of GSA and I am an active member of YAC. GSA stands for “Gender Sexuality Alliance” and its mission is to create a welcoming space for everyone at Strath Haven High School (SHHS), especially the LGBTQ community. YAC stands for “Young Activist Coalition”. YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at SHHS feel welcome, appreciated, and seen. As the Co-Vice President of GSA, I helped organize fundraisers, bake sales, meetings, and the Rainbow Dance. The Rainbow Dance is an important annual event that raises funds for homeless LGBTQ youth. I get inspired to help the LGBTQ community through this organization especially when I know that every dollar I raise can potentially save the life of a teen on the streets. Finally, I have completed a course for QPR Institute Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Program. I believe it’s always a good idea to have someone there for you, and someone to listen and talk with even if you don't know them very well. Even the littlest gesture of kindness is so valuable to someone that is struggling. I want to use all the skills that I have learned throughout the years and apply them to a major in psychology. I am fascinated with how the mind works and why people behave the way they do. I eventually want to go to law school and be an advocate for those underserved communities. As an Afro-Caribbean, I understand how certain members of my community are isolated and left out of the community. My goal is to help those that have no voice and demand a better future for all.

I have been an athlete my whole life, specifically playing volleyball since 3rd grade. Through sports, I have learned about how to demand and give the very best of myself. I enjoy being in a team sport and strive to contribute to the team’s overall success. I learned that even though I practice hard and plan for every possible outcome, sometimes things don’t go as planned. In 2020, I suffered a devastating injury when I tore my ACL at volleyball practice. I was so lost without volleyball. I knew that this was a new challenge that I had to overcome. I began taking my rehabilitation time as moments of not only physical healing but also mental healing. I was always a strong student academically and now I had the time to rekindle my love of activism in my community. I became more involved in my community, and I knew early on that I wanted to be a lawyer and focus on helping people in need through a major in social sciences. Through sports and my love of competition, I was able to appreciate the need for hard work, dedication and passion when working in community activism. I became more involved in different organizations and tackled some very tough issues facing my community such as lack of diversity. I was able to broker meetings with community administrator to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. As I begin my college search with a very detailed plan on how to get to law school in four (4) years, I keep myself engaged in what I am passionate about which is social justice. Through my involvement in advocacy at my school I was able to identify a problem facing students today which was the failure to hold students accountable for racially insensitive dialogue. One of the continued problems at my school is racism and the school’s administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. As a Latina and minority in the school, I believe there needs to be harsher punishment for racial and homophobic slurs. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school. I believe that with a law degree, I will be able to contribute the type of impactful change we need in our society. I want to be able to help those less fortunate than me and I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table. We live in a abundant country that I am very proud of. With my law degree, I hope to make life better for those that do not benefit from the abundance of this great country.

As an Afro-Latina woman, I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change. The choices I have made during my high school career have always been geared towards leaving the world a better place than I found it. As a became more involved in my community, I knew early on that I wanted to be a lawyer and focus on helping people in need through a major in social sciences. As a socially conscience student, one of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. The more I participated, the more I fell in love with the mission. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racists and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed Co-Vice President of GSA and it is a title I am very proud of. In addition to GSA, I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. As I begin my college search with a very detailed plan on how to get to law school in four (4) years, I keep myself engaged in what I am passionate about which is social justice. Through my involvement in advocacy at my school I was able to identify a problem facing students today which was the failure to hold students accountable for racially insensitive dialogue. One of the continued problems at my school is racism and the school’s administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. As a Latina and minority in the school, I believe there needs to be harsher punishment for racial and homophobic slurs. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school. I believe that with a law degree, I will be able to contribute the type of impactful change we need in our society. I want to be able to help those less fortunate than me and I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table. We live in a very rich and abundant country that I am very proud of. With my law degree, I hope to make life better for those that do not benefit from the abundance of this great country.

As an Afro-Latina woman, I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change. The choices I have made during my high school career have always been geared towards leaving the world a better place than I found it. As a became more involved in my community, I knew early on that I wanted to be a lawyer and focus on helping people in need through a major in social sciences. As a socially conscience student, one of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. The more I participated, the more I fell in love with the mission. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racists and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed Co-Vice President of GSA and it is a title I am very proud of. In addition to GSA, I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. As I begin my college search with a very detailed plan on how to get to law school in four (4) years, I keep myself engaged in what I am passionate about which is social justice. Through my involvement in advocacy at my school I was able to identify a problem facing students today which was the failure to hold students accountable for racially insensitive dialogue. One of the continued problems at my school is racism and the school’s administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. As a Latina and minority in the school, I believe there needs to be harsher punishment for racial and homophobic slurs. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school. I believe that with a law degree, I will be able to contribute the type of impactful change we need in our society. I want to be able to help those less fortunate than me and I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table. We live in a very rich and abundant country that I am very proud of. With my law degree, I hope to make life better for those that do not benefit from the abundance of this great country.

As an Afro-Latina woman, I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change. I come from a very large Dominican family that believes in social justice and encourages active participation in public service. My mother has worked for the federal government for over 20 years promoting a safer work environment for the American worker. As a socially conscience student, one of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I began to participate in the club by decorating for the annual rainbow dance, organizing group meetings, participating in protests, and events to spread awareness in our community. The more I participated, the more I fell in love with the mission. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racists and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed Co-Vice President of GSA and it is a title I am very proud of. In addition to GSA, I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. One of the continued problems facing my High School is racism and the school’s administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. As a Latina and minority in the school, I believe there needs to be harsher punishment for racial and homophobic slurs. Currently the “slap on the wrist” approach by the school was just contributing to the offending student’s attitude that “it’s no big deal” to spread hate speech. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school.

As an Afro-Latina woman, I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change. I come from a very large Dominican family that believes in social justice and encourages active participation in public service. My mother has worked for the federal government for over 20 years promoting a safer work environment for the American worker. As a socially conscience student, one of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I began to participate in the club by decorating for the annual rainbow dance, organizing group meetings, participating in protests, and events to spread awareness in our community. The more I participated, the more I fell in love with the mission. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racists and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed Co-Vice President of GSA and it is a title I am very proud of. In addition to GSA, I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. One of the continued problems facing my High School is racism and the school’s administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. As a Latina and minority in the school, I believe there needs to be harsher punishment for racial and homophobic slurs. Currently the “slap on the wrist” approach by the school was just contributing to the offending student’s attitude that “it’s no big deal” to spread hate speech. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school.

As an Afro-Latina woman, I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change. I come from a very large Dominican family that believes in social justice and encourages active participation in public service. My mother has worked for the federal government for over 20 years promoting a safer work environment for the American worker. As a socially conscience student, one of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I began to participate in the club by decorating for the annual rainbow dance, organizing group meetings, participating in protests, and events to spread awareness in our community. The more I participated, the more I fell in love with the mission. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racists and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed Co-Vice President of GSA and it is a title I am very proud of. In addition to GSA, I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. One of the continued problems facing my High School is racism and the school’s administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. As a Latina and minority in the school, I believe there needs to be harsher punishment for racial and homophobic slurs. Currently the “slap on the wrist” approach by the school was just contributing to the offending student’s attitude that “it’s no big deal” to spread hate speech. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school.

As an Afro-Latina woman, I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change. I come from a very large Dominican family that believes in social justice and encourages active participation in public service. My mother has worked for the federal government for over 20 years promoting a safer work environment for the American worker. As a socially conscience student, one of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I began to participate in the club by decorating for the annual rainbow dance, organizing group meetings, participating in protests, and events to spread awareness in our community. The more I participated, the more I fell in love with the mission. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racists and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed Co-Vice President of GSA and it is a title I am very proud of. In addition to GSA, I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. One of the continued problems facing my High School is racism and the school’s administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. As a Latina and minority in the school, I believe there needs to be harsher punishment for racial and homophobic slurs. Currently the “slap on the wrist” approach by the school was just contributing to the offending student’s attitude that “it’s no big deal” to spread hate speech. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school.

As an Afro-Latina woman, I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change. I come from a very large Dominican family that believes in social justice and encourages active participation in public service. My mother has worked for the federal government for over 20 years promoting a safer work environment for the American worker. As a socially conscience student, one of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I began to participate in the club by decorating for the annual rainbow dance, organizing group meetings, participating in protests, and events to spread awareness in our community. The more I participated, the more I fell in love with the mission. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racists and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed Co-Vice President of GSA and it is a title I am very proud of. In addition to GSA, I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. One of the continued problems facing my High School is racism and the school’s administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. As a Latina and minority in the school, I believe there needs to be harsher punishment for racial and homophobic slurs. Currently the “slap on the wrist” approach by the school was just contributing to the offending student’s attitude that “it’s no big deal” to spread hate speech. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school.

For a long time, my brother, sister and I only had my mother to rely on for everything. We grew up in a single parent household and we understood our role in making our family function effectively so that my mother did not have to work too hard. We come for a very large family, so we always had someone to talk to, we always knew that our impact on the world was very important. I began participating in social activism because everyone in my family was involved in making our predominately Hispanic barrio a better place. As a socially conscience student, one of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racists and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed Co-Vice President of GSA and it is a title I am very proud of. In addition to GSA, I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. My activism in my community will not end with college. I hope to not only continue my work in my community through college, but I hope to eventually go to learn school and really impact change.

The broken immigration system has torn families apart; immigrants are put in danger, and some are deported back to violent countries. One thing that I am currently doing to help alleviate the immigration crisis in the US is being involved in my community through outreach events. I believe these community-based programs are very much needed to help with the immigration crisis and I ultimately want to go to law school in order to help immigrants navigate the American legal system - I want to be an advocate that fights for immigrant rights.

From a very young age, I have been involved in civic-minded organizations and lend a hand wherever I am needed. Being respectful and sensitive of others’ feelings has always come natural to me. I get inspired to give back to my community through my leadership ability specifically by excelling academically, playing sports and participating in clubs. Through my academics and advanced classes, I have been able to tutor those students that have struggled in certain subjects. I give of my time voluntarily because it makes me feel good to know that I helped another student do well in school. In addition, I have played travel and high school volleyball for three years. I participate in clinics that help teach skills to the younger players in the district so that they are prepared for the season and try-outs. Through volleyball, I have learned how to be a supportive team player. Last year during volleyball there were new girls that didn't know anyone. I took the initiative of getting everyone’s number to create a team group chat, where we could all introduce ourselves and be friends. Volleyball taught me the importance of having high energy to cheer for your team and how to encourage others to be their best. Finally, I am the Co-Vice President of GSA and I am an active member of YAC. GSA stands for “Gender Sexuality Alliance” and its mission is to create a welcoming space for everyone at Strath Haven High School (SHHS) especially the LGBTQ community. YAC stands for “Young Activist Coalition”. YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at SHHS feel welcome, appreciated, and seen. As the Co-Vice President of GSA, I helped organize fundraisers, bake sales, meetings, and the Rainbow Dance. The Rainbow Dance is an important annual event that raises funds for homeless LGBTQ youth. I get inspired to help in the LGBTQ community through this organization especially when I know that every dollar I raise can potential save the life of a teen on the streets. Finally, I have completed a course for QPR Institute Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Program. I believe it’s always a good idea to have someone there for you, and someone to listen and talk with even if you don't know them very well. Even the littlest gesture of kindness is so valuable to someone that is struggling.

In October 2020, I suffered a devasting injury when I tore my ACL while playing on my High School Volleyball team. I was devasted. I had to stop my life as I knew it and undergo surgery and rehabilitation. I became depressed and did not feel like my life had purpose. At this time, we had an elderly rescue dog from Puerto Rico named Maria; she was named after the catastrophic Hurricane Maria that hit the island. I loved Maria, and she would comfort me when I felt down about my situation. Maria's love was unconditional, but my mother noticed that Maria and I would spend hours in bed without getting much exercise. Maria was soothing me, and she was making sure that I was ok. One day my mother came home with a rescue puppy named Maximo. Maximo was rescued from the snowstorm that hit Texas and he was very needy. My mother told me that this was my puppy now and that I had to think about his well-being and stop feeling sorry for myself. I NEVER wanted a puppy, and I told my mother that Maria and I were happy without him, but she said that Maximo is mine now and I just had to figure out how to deal with it. But how? How can I walk Maximo with the ACL leg brace? How can play with him or even feed him? My felt that my mother was a monster and both Maximo, Maria and I will just stay in bed until my mother gave up on her ridiculous plan. Well, that did not last long! Maximo was so little and just wanted to play. I played with him until he peed in my bed! Now I had to clean the sheets and change my clothes! Once I started cleaning up, I noticed it was time for him to eat, so I hobbled to the kitchen and put food down for him, but Maria ran over and ate it! Now I had to hobble over to the bowl and separate the dogs so Maximo could eat in peace. Maximo devoured his food and started crying again because he needed to go outside. I got everyone organized with leashes, poop bags and headed out for a walk. This had been the first time since my surgery that I was outside! The weather was crisp, and the dogs were playing in the grass. I found myself smiling and feeling like this was the best day of my life. Maxino taught me strength, maturity, patience and unconditional love. I thought I was given my dog Maximo as a punishment, but he has been a wonderful gift. He got me out of my own self-pity and made me see how much I have to be grateful for. He is my best friend, and I cannot image my life without him.

As an Afro-Latina woman, I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change. The choices I have made during my high school career have always been geared towards leaving the world a better place than I found it. As a became more involved in my community, I knew early on that I wanted to be a lawyer and focus on helping people in need. I know that being successful in college is paramount to achieve my goals of attending law school in the future. As a socially conscience student, one of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I began to participate in the club by decorating for the annual rainbow dance, organizing group meetings, participating in protests, and events to spread awareness in our community. I was appointed Co-Vice President of GSA and it is a title I am very proud of. In addition to GSA, I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. As I begin my college search with a very detailed plan on how to get to law school in four (4) years, I keep myself engaged in what I am passionate about which is social justice. Through my involvement in advocacy at my school I was able to identify a problem facing students today which was the failure to hold students accountable for racially insensitive dialogue. One of the continued problems at my school is racism and the school’s administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. As a Latina and minority in the school, I believe there needs to be harsher punishment for racial and homophobic slurs. Currently the “slap on the wrist” approach by the school was just contributing to the offending student’s attitude that “it’s no big deal” to spread hate speech. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school. I believe that with a law degree, I will be able to contribute the type of impactful change we need in our society. I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table. We live in a very rich and abundant country that I am very proud of. With my law degree, I hope to make life better for those that do not benefit from the abundance of this great country.

As an Afro-Latina woman, I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change. I come from a very large Dominican family that believes in social justice and encourages active participation in public service. My mother has worked for the federal government for over 20 years promoting a safer work environment for the American worker. As a socially conscience student, one of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I began to participate in the club by decorating for the annual rainbow dance, organizing group meetings, participating in protests, and events to spread awareness in our community. The more I participated, the more I fell in love with the mission. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racists and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed Co-Vice President of GSA and it is a title I am very proud of. In addition to GSA, I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. One of the continued problems facing my High School is racism and the school’s administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. As a Latina and minority in the school, I believe there needs to be harsher punishment for racial and homophobic slurs. Currently the “slap on the wrist” approach by the school was just contributing to the offending student’s attitude that “it’s no big deal” to spread hate speech. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school.

As an Afro-Latina woman, I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change. I come from a very large Dominican family that believes in social justice and encourages active participation in public service. My mother has worked for the federal government for over 20 years promoting a safer work environment for the American worker. As a socially conscience student, one of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I began to participate in the club by decorating for the annual rainbow dance, organizing group meetings, participating in protests, and events to spread awareness in our community. The more I participated, the more I fell in love with the mission. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racists and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed Co-Vice President of GSA and it is a title I am very proud of. In addition to GSA, I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. One of the continued problems facing my High School is racism and the school’s administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. As a Latina and minority in the school, I believe there needs to be harsher punishment for racial and homophobic slurs. Currently the “slap on the wrist” approach by the school was just contributing to the offending student’s attitude that “it’s no big deal” to spread hate speech. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school.

As an Afro-Latina woman, I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change. The choices I have made during my high school career have always been geared towards leaving the world a better place than I found it. As a became more involved in my community, I knew early on that I wanted to be a lawyer and focus on helping people in need. I come from a very large Dominican family that believes in social justice and encourages active participation in public service. My mother has worked for the federal government for over 20 years promoting a safer work environment for the American worker. As a socially conscience student, one of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I began to participate in the club by decorating for the annual rainbow dance, organizing group meetings, participating in protests, and events to spread awareness in our community. The more I participated, the more I fell in love with the mission. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racists and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed Co-Vice President of GSA and it is a title I am very proud of. In addition to GSA, I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. As I begin my college search with a very detailed plan on how to get to law school in four (4) years, I keep myself engaged in what I am passionate about which is social justice. Through my involvement in advocacy at my school I was able to identify a problem facing students today which was the failure to hold students accountable for racially insensitive dialogue. One of the continued problems at my school is racism and the school’s administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. As a Latina and minority in the school, I believe there needs to be harsher punishment for racial and homophobic slurs. Currently the “slap on the wrist” approach by the school was just contributing to the offending student’s attitude that “it’s no big deal” to spread hate speech. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school.

As an Afro-Latina woman, I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change. The choices I have made during my high school career have always been geared towards leaving the world a better place than I found it. As a became more involved in my community, I knew early on that I wanted to be a lawyer and focus on helping people in need. I come from a very large Dominican family that believes in social justice and encourages active participation in public service. My mother has worked for the federal government for over 20 years promoting a safer work environment for the American worker. As a socially conscience student, one of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I began to participate in the club by decorating for the annual rainbow dance, organizing group meetings, participating in protests, and events to spread awareness in our community. The more I participated, the more I fell in love with the mission. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racists and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed Co-Vice President of GSA and it is a title I am very proud of. In addition to GSA, I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. As I begin my college search with a very detailed plan on how to get to law school in four (4) years, I keep myself engaged in what I am passionate about which is social justice. Through my involvement in advocacy at my school I was able to identify a problem facing students today which was the failure to hold students accountable for racially insensitive dialogue. One of the continued problems at my school is racism and the school’s administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. As a Latina and minority in the school, I believe there needs to be harsher punishment for racial and homophobic slurs. Currently the “slap on the wrist” approach by the school was just contributing to the offending student’s attitude that “it’s no big deal” to spread hate speech. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school.

As an Afro-Latina woman, I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change. I come from a very large Dominican family that believes in social justice and encourages active participation in public service. My mother has worked for the federal government for over 20 years promoting a safer work environment for the American worker. As a socially conscience student, one of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. I began to participate in the club by decorating for the annual rainbow dance, organizing group meetings, participating in protests, and events to spread awareness in our community. The more I participated, the more I fell in love with the mission. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racists and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed Co-Vice President of GSA and it is a title I am very proud of. In addition to GSA, I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. One of the continued problems facing my High School is racism and the school’s administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. As a Latina and minority in the school, I believe there needs to be harsher punishment for racial and homophobic slurs. Currently the “slap on the wrist” approach by the school was just contributing to the offending student’s attitude that “it’s no big deal” to spread hate speech. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school.

As an Afro-Latina woman, I have always participated in civic-minded groups that promote social change. The choices I have made during my high school career have always been geared towards leaving the world a better place than I found it. As a became more involved in my community, I knew early on that I wanted to be a lawyer and focus on helping people in need through a major in social sciences. As a socially conscience student, one of the first organizations I joined in High School was GSA (“Gender Sexuality Alliance”); its mission is to create a safe space for students, especially the LGBTQ community. The more I participated, the more I fell in love with the mission. I knew that through my activism I was contributing to ending the racists and homophobic speech I heard in my school. I was appointed Co-Vice President of GSA and it is a title I am very proud of. In addition to GSA, I also joined YAC (“Young Activist Coalition”); YAC’s mission is to strive to make minorities at school feel welcomed and appreciated. I made it my goal to tackle some very difficult issues facing my school such as lack of diversity and inclusion. I have brokered meetings with administrative staff to start a dialog about inclusion and acceptance. I am very proud of the work I have done at my school to promote social justice. As I begin my college search with a very detailed plan on how to get to law school in four (4) years, I keep myself engaged in what I am passionate about which is social justice. Through my involvement in advocacy at my school I was able to identify a problem facing students today which was the failure to hold students accountable for racially insensitive dialogue. One of the continued problems at my school is racism and the school’s administrator’s failure to hold offending students accountable. As a Latina and minority in the school, I believe there needs to be harsher punishment for racial and homophobic slurs. In 2019, I was chosen as a Student Ambassador for WSS Big Idea (“Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access”). This is a social change group made up of community professionals, student representatives and town leaders whose mission is to promote diversity and change. I brought my concerns about the prevalent racism in my school to WSS Big Idea. Together, we created an action plan and petition to bring to the School District Board of Directors. I led student focus groups so that everyone could share in the experience of the change that was needed to make our school a better place for everyone. I spoke to school staff, teachers and administrators and I gave a voice to the students of color who felt isolated and alone. As a group, we were able to enact change through our action plan. We got the school to implement education programs to address racial issues at the school. I believe that with a law degree, I will be able to contribute the type of impactful change we need in our society. I want to be able to help those less fortunate than me and I want to bring new ideas of diversity and inclusion to the table. We live in a very rich and abundant country that I am very proud of. With my law degree, I hope to make life better for those that do not benefit from the abundance of this great country.