Social Justice Personal Statement

My vision of social justice is a peaceful society where everyone’s human rights are protected and equality and compassion prevail, whereas discrimination, oppression, biased treatment and inequality is blatantly rejected and untolerated. In school, we learn to pledge allegiance to a country that supposedly stands for “liberty and justice for all;” a country that guarantees everyone the unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; yet, it is in these educational institutions where the divergence to equal opportunities occurs. Education plays a huge role in the creation of socially just, culturally inclusive societies where all children have the resources to truly thrive, thus reducing racial and ethnic divisions. Accordingly, as an attorney, I will advocate for the youth whom are denied an equal educational opportunity.

Living in an impoverished environment predisposed I would never attend college. In fact, being Latina meant I would become pregnant in high school and dropout. My chances of becoming pregnant were higher than attending college. Fortunately, I refused to allow distasteful stereotypes undermine and worse, define me. Instead, I chose to view my low-income status and the myriad forms of stereotypes employed on me as sources of strength and as motivation to earning my degree. As a result, despite the lack of guidance I had throughout high school and college, I became immensely driven and determined. Education is the key to transcending my socioeconomic background and to a thriving future for myself, my family, and my