PS Topic, too much too soon? Forum

maraschino · Post by **maraschino** » Thu Jul 07, 2016 9:10 pm

Wrote a first draft of my PS. I'm a URM female looking to get into PI. I've been involved in social justice work for a few years now and I have a resume that reflects my genuine passion for criminal justice reform & racial justice. I'm writing about my experience as a child of an incarcerated parent, my personal experiences with racial disparities in the criminal justice system (I'm biracial but pass as white), my volunteer work at a criminal justice reform nonprofit and how being a lawyer is the next step of my journey in becoming an advocate for racial justice and economic equity.

Now, the real shit, I'm a recovered drug addict. Heroin and meth for 5 solid years. Entered 12 step program in 2010. Been sober over 4 years. I have two charges I have to disclose: underage drinking (2007) and shoplifting (2008). I'm going to have to cop to it somehow. And I have the resume to back up the fact that I've learn and grown from those experiences. I was also a student while I was using so my grades reflected the chaos of my mental health. My first semester GPA was 1.86, last semester (2013) was a 3.3 & ended up with a 2.8 UGPA. Somewhat of an upward grade trend, but nothing to write home about.

Should these be on separate addendum or should I just leave them woven into my PS or ignore them outside of a short and sweet C&F?

john1990 · Post by **john1990** » Thu Jul 07, 2016 9:13 pm

You should not write about your addiction unless you have too. Keep to a short C&F disclosure about your unrelated incidents.

maraschino · Post by **maraschino** » Thu Jul 07, 2016 9:53 pm

My arrests were related to my addiction.

TuxedoCats · Post by **TuxedoCats** » Fri Jul 08, 2016 6:05 am

First, I just want to say that I also enjoy the musical stylings of Watain. So fucking evil, so cool. Second, congrats on your sobriety.

I think your question about how to disclose this could best be answered by an attorney who deals with character and fitness. You should contact your state's Lawyer Assistance Program as they specialize in helping lawyers address any issues that could be flagged by the various bar committees on character that evaluate you before you are admitted to practice. Attitudes about addiction are changing, but most of the world does not have a kind view of addicts. Candor is the most important part of the C&F disclosure process. I have some specific experience with this so feel free to PM me if you would like.

maraschino · Post by **maraschino** » Fri Jul 08, 2016 5:05 pm

Thank you, I PM'd you!

PS Topic, too much too soon? Forum

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