Future Detective Coleman to Future Terri Coleman Esquire by Terri

Future Detective Coleman to Future Terri Coleman Esquire by Terri - June 2017 Scholarship Essay

“Amanda, please go visit the vice principal’s office since you insist on continuing to talk after I said be quiet,”
“But wait Ms. Kelly it wasn’t her talking it was James”, I screamed instantly.
“Thank you, Terri, but I need you to be quiet as well”, Ms. Kelly cried with a look of uncertainty. I vividly remember my 1st grade self always going in to be someone’s heroin whether it was defending someone who usually did not have the means to defend themselves, helping those getting bullied, and simply assisting wherever I can.
At this point in my life I wanted to become a Police Officer for my city where I would be “…committed to the protection of life and property; the prevention of crime and the safeguarding of constitutional guarantees.” At such a young age I became attached to crime shows like CSI, New York Undercover and Law and Order: SVU. Specifically, I aspired to be just like Mariska Hargitay’s character Olivia Benson on Law and Order: SVU, she was the epitome of a dedicated, hardworking, and passionate detective and person.
Fast forward twelve years later I am a student at the illustrious Hampton University pursuing a degree in Political Science. After earning my bachelors of Arts in Political Science I plan on attending law school to become an attorney, with hopes of one day becoming an United States Attorney. Though still in the legal/ law enforcement field the profession has changed significantly.
As I got older I began to realize the importance of attorneys, who defend citizens’ rights, whether it is on the federal, state, or even private level. Everyday hundreds of people are prosecuted some wrongly, some without a fair trial and some who are taking plea bargains although they are innocent. What made my career choice evolve was gaining knowledge on both our country and justice system. In my years, I have learned that out justice and trial system is not nor has it ever been based upon truth and justice, but instead which side has the better arguments. Though that is the setup I promise to my future self that I will always be on the side of justice and equality as for what our country stands for.