I have reached a point in my professional career where I feel I have exhausted every path of contribution and change in my current capacity. Moreover, I am eager to take a different approach to aid my community, bringing about change on a larger scale. This is where an academic relationship with XXXX Law begins.

Growing up in XXXX, North Carolina, only two percent of the population was African American, and all of them were related to me. As the only African American girl in grade school, I experienced firsthand the insensitivity of children and the ignorance of adults. However, by eighth grade, the unswerving hold of my morals and values, and my desire to do unto others as you would have them do unto you led me to be elected class president. Even more importantly, I developed a strong sense of social justice and a desire to protect others. Psychology was a natural and logical path, but I have been left wanting to give more.

By completing XXXX's distinguished program, focusing on corporate law, and earning my JD, I will be completely equipped to bring the plans I have for my community to fruition. Indeed, I am intent on investing my time and energy in adding new businesses and non-profits to realize their own philanthropic dreams. I am convinced that progressive change will not occur by itself in my community, and that it will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek; it's only when you hitch your wagon to something more significant than you can realize your full yourself potential.

I want not only to help bridge the racial gap in the American legal system, but I also want to serve as an example to the African American community, particularly as a married, African-American mother. I want to inspire others that it is never too late to achieve your life's goals, and your potential and to make a difference. At thirty years old, I will bring not only maturity and seriousness to your academic community, but also experience and diversity to the student body.

Proof of my commitment to the community and the seriousness with which I will approach my pursuit of graduation not only in legal education but also in my future contributions is evident in my volunteerism and professional work. From my contributions to Hurricane Katrina's victims in New Orleans, to Foothills Harvest Ministry, feeding and clothing the homeless, and mission work in Africa, I have found that I have a gift to serve others. Contributing my time at a substance abuse center for women, and directing youth programs at XXX, I have been entirely committed to the betterment of lives. Above it all, though, I have learned that people benefit much more by a hand outstretched to lift them up, rather than a hand that simply offers them charity.

I look forward with great eagerness to my time with XXXX Law, the next chapter of my life, and I firmly believe that my professional human relations and volunteer work has prepared me for this great opportunity and profound challenge. As a wife, mother, and role model, I have taken a vow that I will do my utmost to instill healthy values at home and in all that I do for others. What better contribution could I possibly make to their lives or to my community than to work to help small business owners become successful? I thank you for your time and consideration.