My Positive Impact by Lauren

My Positive Impact by Lauren - April 2023 Scholarship Essay

As someone who majored in psychology and is now entering law school, I see a world of possibilities in terms of how I could use my education to create a positive impact. If I had unlimited time and money, there are a few different paths I might consider.

One option would be to focus on criminal justice reform. There is so much work to be done in this area, and a deep understanding of psychology could be invaluable in shaping more effective policies. For example, research has shown that people who have experienced trauma are more likely to end up in the criminal justice system. By implementing trauma-informed practices within the criminal justice system, I could potentially reduce the number of people who become involved with the system in the first place. Additionally, understanding the psychological factors that lead to criminal behavior could help us develop more effective interventions and treatments for those who do end up in the system.

Another area I might focus on is mental health. Mental health is a crucial but often overlooked aspect of overall well-being, and there is still so much stigma surrounding mental illness. If I had unlimited time and money, I would love to start a mental health advocacy organization that focuses on education and awareness-raising. I would want to create resources and materials that help people understand the importance of mental health and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. I would also want to work on increasing access to mental health care, especially in underserved communities.

Finally, I believe that the intersection of psychology and law has the potential to create positive change in a variety of other areas as well. For example, understanding the psychological factors that lead to discrimination could help us develop more effective strategies for combating it. Similarly, a deep understanding of the psychology of decision-making could help us create policies that are more effective at encouraging positive behavior.

Overall, if I had unlimited time and money, I would want to use my education in psychology and law to positively impact the world. Whether that meant focusing on criminal justice reform, mental health advocacy, or some other area where psychology and law intersect, I believe that with dedication and resources, I could make a real difference in people's lives.