Advocating for the Future by Kendree

Advocating for the Future by Kendree - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

In the grand scheme of life, our experiences pave the way for the decisions we make for where we go in life. For me, that path led to the study of Political Science and the dream to become a family lawyer. The experiences I have had in my life have created a never ending commitment for giving a voice to the voiceless.

Growing up, my childhood was colored by the absence of a very important figure: my father. Although his absence was physical, he lingered everywhere ; he lingered through the halls of courtrooms and echoed in the walls of virtual hearings such as Zoom. Raised by a single mother who carried the weight of providing for three children alone, I witnessed firsthand the realities of navigating the legal system in pursuit of justice.

The whispers of child support hearings hovered ominously over our household, each one a painful reminder of broken promises and shattered dreams. My father's deceitful actions, particularly his ability to lie of his income to escape his financial responsibilities and fatherly duties, threw my family into a cycle of financial instability and emotional distress. As I sat through those hearings, listening to the impassioned pleas of my mother and the justifications of my absent father, a seed of determination was planted within me— a determination to ensure that others would not have to endure similar injustices.

My journey to becoming a family lawyer is not only a professional pursuit; it is a deeply personal one, rooted in empathy and fueled by a desire to have a part in positive change. The injustices I witnessed during my childhood years ignited a fire within me — a fire fueled by empathy and a belief in the power of advocacy to right the wrongs of others.

While I am in my undergraduate studies in Political Science, I am seeking not only to understand the intricacies of the legal system but also to discover the underlying societal structures that perpetuate inequality and injustice. Through coursework in constitutional law, public policy, and political theory, I am excited to gain invaluable insights into the mechanisms of power and the role of law in shaping our society.

As I dove deeper into the difficult ways of family law and the nuances of child custody disputes, I found myself drawn to the intersection of law and social justice—a space where legal expertise intersects with human empathy to effect meaningful change.

My decision to pursue a career as a family lawyer is inspired by a desire to be a beacon of hope for those navigating the hardships of familial discord. I envision myself as a voice for the voiceless, and an advocate for the rights of children and families.

Every child deserves the support of both parents, both emotionally and financially. Yet, for far too many, the reality falls short of this ideal. As a future attorney, I am committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with those who have been wronged by a system that often fails to protect the most vulnerable among us.

My journey to becoming a family lawyer is not defined by the personal problems I faced but rather by the resilience and determination with which I confront them.

In conclusion, my journey to selecting Political Science as my major and aspiring to become a family lawyer has been deeply influenced by personal experiences marked by familial strife and legal battles. Through empathy, determination, and a steadfast commitment to justice, I seek to pave a path towards a brighter, more brighter future — one where every little girl and little boy's voice is heard, and every family is afforded the opportunity to have the same chances as anyone else.