My Childhood Dream by Aniya

My Childhood Dream by Aniya - June 2017 Scholarship Essay

I was born in Columbia, South Carolina to a single mother. Unfortunately, my father was killed when I was six years old and they never caught the suspects who took my father’s life. Even though I was only six at the time of my father’s untimely death, I wanted justice for the perpetrators that took his life. My mother was in college at the time pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, so I knew education was important. That memory was something that lingered with me throughout my life. I wanted justice for my father and victims just like him. At an early age, I made a fundamental decision to pursue a law degree to help people fight injustices that are inflicted upon crime victims.

My mother always instilled education as an important aspect for me and my sisters. She ensured that we understood that obtaining a college degree was very essential and necessary in most career fields today. My sisters and I grew up watching old sitcoms with my mom such as The Cosby Show and a Different World. The Cosby Show was about the Huxtables and their five children. Clair Huxtable was a lawyer and when I saw this African-American mother, wife, and sister portraying a successful lawyer while juggling parenting and being a wife, I knew that becoming a successful African-American woman lawyer was attainable. While I knew it was just a sitcom, the imagery I seen inspired me to reach for the stars and pursue a career in law.
A Different World was a spin-off from The Cosby Show about Clair’s daughter Denise went off to college. It showcased the ups, downs, good and bad of college life. It motivated and inspired me to attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), study hard and maintain good grades and apply to law school in order to achieve my dreams. My mother always stated that whatever my sisters and I put our mind to we could achieve it. She has been an inspiration, taking care of all of us while still pursuing and obtaining her degree.

There have been many other instances throughout my seventeen years that have inspired me to continue to pursue my goal of becoming a lawyer. Specifically, the killings of unarmed black males. Specifically, Trayvon Martin, Freddie Gray, Michael Brown, Philando Castile and Jordan Edwards who was just 15-years old leaving a house party. These types of incidents that has had a profound impact on me. With no one being held accountable is a grave injustice to these young men and their families. I want to be the individual that is able to provide these families a peace of mind and hold those responsible for these crimes accountable and to ensure that the proper sentences are handed down and served accordingly.

When I set my mind to accomplish a goal, my main priority is to ensure that I see it through. I have had this dream since the age of six. I will become a successful lawyer and I will accomplish this goal by any means necessary. With the help from my mother, my extended family and community of friends. I want to thank you for taking the opportunity to review my application and if selected I assure you that I will make the most off the opportunities presented to me.