Every community faces unique challenges, and in the inner-city Kansas City area, one of the most pressing needs is the lack of proper support and opportunities for young people, particularly those who become entangled in the juvenile justice system. Many youth in my community struggle with unstable home environments, underfunded schools, and limited access to positive role models.

As a result, they choose to do things that land them in legal difficulties. Instead of being told to turn over new leaves and having second chances, these individuals are too frequently being met with stringent punishments that wreck their futures even before they are given an opportunity to be productive. In order to fix this issue, both legal activism and education reform are necessary—two areas where I plan on effecting change. After high school, I plan to pursue a career in juvenile defense, eventually transitioning into education.
My overall goal is to speak for youth in the system, ensuring that they are treated equally and offered rehabilitative services rather than punitive measures. The majority of juveniles in the system are poor and are not offered the quality legal representation they require. Through my study of law with a focus in juvenile defense, I aim to represent these youth and work towards a system that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment.

Beyond the courtroom, I also recognize that much of the struggle youth face begins far before they ever come into contact with the justice system. Education plays a large role in deciding the destiny of a community, and a huge number of schools in inner-city communities are under-funded and not capable of providing students with the assistance they need to succeed. Once a good foothold in the practice of law, I will transition my career into education to attempt to transform the school system from within. My dream is to create programs that offer mentorship, legal education, and career paths for students who might otherwise be lost or discouraged about their futures. A quality education system can be the start of prevention of engagement of youth with the justice system. Schools must focus not only on academics but also on life skills, conflict resolution, and providing students with opportunities that challenge them to achieve more. The majority of students in my community do not see college or professional careers as an option because they are not given the chance to see them as such.

By becoming a teacher, I hope to instruct them that they can achieve great things regardless of what they may be experiencing. My future education will equip me with the right skills and knowledge to meet the needs of my community in a meaningful way. Studying juvenile defense will allow me to advocate for fairer legal outcomes for young people, while transitioning into education will enable me to prevent many of these issues from occurring in the first place. Combining these two paths will allow me to make a long-lasting impact, ensuring that fewer young people end up in the justice system and more find success through education and guidance. My community’s requirement for change is urgent, but I believe that if it is tackled the right way, then one can stop the disadvantage cycle and have a brighter future in store for the next generation. By devoting my career to juvenile defense and education, I aim not only to be of service to individuals in the moment but to set the stage for systemic change that will reach my community long into the future. All young people deserve an equal chance to succeed, and I am committed to making that a reality.