Criminal Justice Personal Statement

777 Words4 Pages

My heart stopped as the news plagued the screen with pictures of the local drug dealers who were arrested in the Reno 911 drug case, over and over on the television screen. The one who stood out most was the man at the top of the organizational pyramid, my dad. This was junior year of high school, but little did I know history was about to repeat itself once again. Sophomore year in college, I received an early morning phone call from my mother, “Raquiyah, your dad has turned himself in.” It was like experiencing déjà vu as I remembered junior year in high school when my dad was previously arrested. Those same feelings I felt resurfaced once again; confusion, anger, and sadness. It hit me all at once as I tried to make sense of the situation invading my life once again. I began to shut down after hearing the news that my dad would receive lengthy criminal charges that could take him …show more content…

I come from a family where many have encountered the criminal justice system; it is one of the many reasons why I desire to attend law school and become an attorney. My dad spent more than a year fighting the criminal system for charges brought against him. His actions led him to serve time in a Federal Facility; however, through his actions, I found my passion for law. Through the many encounters, I saw my dad and family endure the justice system; I knew that law would always be a part of my life and that it was something I was destined to practice. Although a difficult time in my life, I came in contact with lawyers and judges who inspired me with their hard work and dedication. Being in the courtroom and seeing them at work and their determination to fight for my dad and his freedom made me admire them. It ignited a passion within me and through those experiences, I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in