Personal Narrative: My Idea Of College

Female. Hispanic. Raised in a poor, crime-ridden neighborhood. Anything as improbable as me graduating from college would not occur at all, according to some of my loved ones. “Be realistic Mariel”, “Are you really going to go through with the idea of college?”, “People like us never make it.” Those were words engraved in my mind as a result of some of my loved ones not believing in me. To them the odds of me obtaining a bachelor’s degree were too farfetched; a waste of time and money. However, my mindset never quavered; I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish translation and interpreting, maintaining good grades while actively participating in campus organizations and community service events. In fact, here I am today, applying to

They wanted to give their children the opportunities they never had. With only the clothes on our backs and in hopes of a better life, we came to the United States. The first couple of years we lived in a tiny secluded laundry room, furnished only with a mattress, behind my great grandmother’s house. Education was the most important thing in our family as it would be our escape out of this miserable lifestyle. I was immediately enrolled into school, where I had to walk to because of the lack of transportation. Despite my little knowledge of the English language, I participated in class; often eager to see what would be taught each day. My thirst for knowledge present at such a young age. I set my mind to learn English so that I would no longer feel excluded and to better grasp the material being taught. My parents had instilled in me the importance of hard work and dedication so by the end of the school year I was capable of holding a clear conversation in English. I realized then that I could achieve anything I set my mind to; a lesson that has carried though my entire life and served me well in years to

My sense of purpose, to make a professional contribution to this country by representing minorities, women and children in a courtroom, has yet to be fulfilled. Things are no easier than they were back then. However, my drive and perseverance still persists .Graduating college was just the first step towards my goal. There is still a long road ahead of me, but I am prepared to work hard and overcome any obstacles that may be presented along the way. Growing up in a poor neighborhood and as a Hispanic female the road to a legal profession seems unpaved however that won’t stop me. I have proven those who have doubted me wrong once and I’m ready to prove them wrong again by achieving the goals which they deem impossible. I do not know for certain what the future holds, but I am confident that the lessons I’ve learned from my hardships have made me a wiser individual, ready to make the decisions that will shape my future. This is why I humbly ask the admission committee of __________ law school to consider me for their J.D.