Final Draft P-statement.
Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 6:19 pm
Please critique. Anything I should change, or grammar errors that jump out? Oh, and special thanks to Yeff, and Phoenix! They've been a tremendous help!!!
My parents watched in tears as I packed my belongings. I could feel my stomach flutter with excitement and anxiety. I was about to travel over a thousand miles away from my family to attend Florida State University. I chose Florida State because I loved the school and it allowed me to experience an independent life. My ambition for independence led me to do things I never dreamed of doing, and it altered my perspective on the world. In moving to Florida I found that the law is my desire and passion in life. Ultimately, the experiences I had and the people I met along the way inspired me to pursue a career in public interest.
When I first arrived in Tallahassee I was friendless, and without a job. It was a time in my life where I was maturing into a young man. Was I scared? Absolutely! At the age of twenty-two I did not want to burden my family financially and decided to pay for college myself. However, the responsibilities of the “real world” came fast. I needed to obtain a job, file a declaration of domicile, and register to vote, amongst a myriad of other things. This was significant because for the first time in my life I was leading myself, and I had nothing to rely on but my own sense of urgency. As I learned the value of leading a pro-active life, rather than a reactive one, I began to find myself interested in law. I was curious as to why different state legislatures required a three month declaration of domicile as opposed to a twelve month declaration. I wanted to know the reasoning behind laws designed to acquire residency in the State of Florida. As I learned more about the law, I began to feel empowered. These new life lessons I experienced gave me the confidence to pursue a career in law, and helped prepare me to manage school and work.
As I proceeded through my undergraduate courses, I began to develop a fascination with the law’s impact on society. My curiosity led me to take classes that dealt with public policy, conflict, and injustice, especially dealing with minorities. I was interested in how our society perceived itself, and more importantly, how the legislative system functions within our society. Through my studies I learned that the underprivileged in society have an uphill battle in our justice system. I was inspired to help those who were less fortunate and make a difference in their lives. In order to gain first-hand experience with assisting the underprivileged, I began volunteering at the Tallahassee Homeless Shelter.
My volunteer work was a humbling experience. Spending time at the homeless shelter gave me insight into the lives of the less fortunate. I was able to see how laws affected certain demographics of society. The people that worked alongside me were often there as part of a court-ordered program. Their stories only furthered my interest to pursue a career in law. One day at the shelter I met a young black man named Carl, who came from a single-parent home and was involved in drugs. Eventually Carl was arrested for distribution of a controlled substance. The first day I worked with him, I could sense that deep down he was a good person traveling down the wrong path. When we spoke, Carl would always complain that he could not obtain a legal job when he had a clean record, so he resorted to selling drugs. Unfortunately, I could relate to Carl’s frustration because I had seen previous employers disregard a person’s application based on race. I felt badly for the young man. I knew what he did was wrong, but I felt he was a decent person who deserved a second chance and I wanted to help him. Nonetheless, Carl would complain that he never felt in sync with his public defender. Carl felt as if his attorney’s effort was the bare minimum and I remember wishing I had the resources and the knowledge to counsel him. Carl and I both realized that our judicial system needs more attorneys that are willing and passionate to fight for the underprivileged. As an attorney, I intend to fill the role of helping those with less.
My undergraduate and volunteer experiences have afforded me the tools necessary to understand and relate to the underprivileged in our society. By studying law I know that I can be a great asset for those who have less. Additionally, my journey through life certainly had its own tumultuous moments, but the lessons I learned are priceless. I have learned to be composed in the face of adversity, how to lead a balanced life, and to finish what I start. These lessons, coupled with the knowledge of our judicial system, will allow me to completely and compassionately assist those who are less fortunate. It would be with great honor to study law at (insert University) where I can craft my passion into reality.
My parents watched in tears as I packed my belongings. I could feel my stomach flutter with excitement and anxiety. I was about to travel over a thousand miles away from my family to attend Florida State University. I chose Florida State because I loved the school and it allowed me to experience an independent life. My ambition for independence led me to do things I never dreamed of doing, and it altered my perspective on the world. In moving to Florida I found that the law is my desire and passion in life. Ultimately, the experiences I had and the people I met along the way inspired me to pursue a career in public interest.
When I first arrived in Tallahassee I was friendless, and without a job. It was a time in my life where I was maturing into a young man. Was I scared? Absolutely! At the age of twenty-two I did not want to burden my family financially and decided to pay for college myself. However, the responsibilities of the “real world” came fast. I needed to obtain a job, file a declaration of domicile, and register to vote, amongst a myriad of other things. This was significant because for the first time in my life I was leading myself, and I had nothing to rely on but my own sense of urgency. As I learned the value of leading a pro-active life, rather than a reactive one, I began to find myself interested in law. I was curious as to why different state legislatures required a three month declaration of domicile as opposed to a twelve month declaration. I wanted to know the reasoning behind laws designed to acquire residency in the State of Florida. As I learned more about the law, I began to feel empowered. These new life lessons I experienced gave me the confidence to pursue a career in law, and helped prepare me to manage school and work.
As I proceeded through my undergraduate courses, I began to develop a fascination with the law’s impact on society. My curiosity led me to take classes that dealt with public policy, conflict, and injustice, especially dealing with minorities. I was interested in how our society perceived itself, and more importantly, how the legislative system functions within our society. Through my studies I learned that the underprivileged in society have an uphill battle in our justice system. I was inspired to help those who were less fortunate and make a difference in their lives. In order to gain first-hand experience with assisting the underprivileged, I began volunteering at the Tallahassee Homeless Shelter.
My volunteer work was a humbling experience. Spending time at the homeless shelter gave me insight into the lives of the less fortunate. I was able to see how laws affected certain demographics of society. The people that worked alongside me were often there as part of a court-ordered program. Their stories only furthered my interest to pursue a career in law. One day at the shelter I met a young black man named Carl, who came from a single-parent home and was involved in drugs. Eventually Carl was arrested for distribution of a controlled substance. The first day I worked with him, I could sense that deep down he was a good person traveling down the wrong path. When we spoke, Carl would always complain that he could not obtain a legal job when he had a clean record, so he resorted to selling drugs. Unfortunately, I could relate to Carl’s frustration because I had seen previous employers disregard a person’s application based on race. I felt badly for the young man. I knew what he did was wrong, but I felt he was a decent person who deserved a second chance and I wanted to help him. Nonetheless, Carl would complain that he never felt in sync with his public defender. Carl felt as if his attorney’s effort was the bare minimum and I remember wishing I had the resources and the knowledge to counsel him. Carl and I both realized that our judicial system needs more attorneys that are willing and passionate to fight for the underprivileged. As an attorney, I intend to fill the role of helping those with less.
My undergraduate and volunteer experiences have afforded me the tools necessary to understand and relate to the underprivileged in our society. By studying law I know that I can be a great asset for those who have less. Additionally, my journey through life certainly had its own tumultuous moments, but the lessons I learned are priceless. I have learned to be composed in the face of adversity, how to lead a balanced life, and to finish what I start. These lessons, coupled with the knowledge of our judicial system, will allow me to completely and compassionately assist those who are less fortunate. It would be with great honor to study law at (insert University) where I can craft my passion into reality.