Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." From a young age, I have always dreamt of becoming a lawyer. What better way to help someone than to ensure that his or her rights are protected? I believe that my determination, compassion, and diligence will lead me to success in the legal profession. Additionally, the Shane McGee Foundation Memorial Scholarship will ease the financial burden of studying at a prestigious university, giving me the opportunity to further myself in college and in my future career.

My desire to pursue a career in the legal profession stems from my desire to help others. I hope to represent the underrepresented, giving a voice to the silenced and oppressed. I want to do my part to ensure that justice is served. For this reason, I would love to go into Civil Rights Law. I feel a personal responsibility to do something that benefits others; Civil Rights Law is the perfect opportunity for me to fulfill this responsibility.

There are a number of character traits that have allowed me to be successful in the past and will lead me to great success in the future. My inner drive and determination have allowed me to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. Regardless of the difficulty or arduousness of a task, I always see it through to completion. Even in the face of adversity, I have always persevered; this determination has had a huge impact on my academic success.

The Dalai Lama once said, "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion". Not only does compassion have positive effects on those to whom you are showing compassion, but it also affects you in a profound way. My compassion for others has been fostered through my community service activities. Being able to make a difference in someone else's life simply by giving of myself is truly the single most rewarding thing that I have had the opportunity to experience, and has undoubtedly made me a better person.

Hard work and diligence have allowed me to excel both inside and outside of the classroom. As the legendary Albert Einstein once said, "Success is only one percent inspiration, and ninety-nine percent perspiration." In order to succeed, you must be willing to put forth an effort. My hard work and diligence have led me to be successful in the past, and I am confident that these traits will lead me to great success in the future.

My extracurricular activities have prepared me for success both in college and as a member of the legal profession. In school, I am a member of such organizations as Key Club, National Honor Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Prowler Yearbook Staff. In Key Club, I am currently the Senior Director. In this position, it is my responsibility to act as a liaison between the members of my class and the board. Additionally, as a board member, I am heavily involved in the planning and execution of service projects. In previous years, I have held the positions of Project Chair Committee and Junior Director. Holding these positions has allowed me to witness, firsthand, the impact that a few people can make on a community when they work together; a little effort goes a long way.

In National Honor Society, I am currently the Chairperson for the Caps for Cancer/Becca's Closet Committee. In this Committee, we collect caps to donate to children with cancer, as well as dresses for those who cannot afford them. This position gives me yet another opportunity to help those in my community.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is an organization that I hold close to my heart. Each week, I travel to the Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary School in order to meet with my "littles." I act as a mentor to them by helping with homework, counseling, and giving them advice on personal matters. I have now been a member of this club for three years, and each year I develop a special bond with my "little ". Through this organization, I am afforded the unique opportunity to witness fIrsthand the difference that I can make in a child's life. My experiences in Big Brothers Big Sisters have fostered my compassion for underprivileged children. This compassion is absolutely necessary when working in the
legal profession, particularly in the fIeld of Civil Rights Law.

I am currently the Business Manager on my school' s Yearbook staff. This position requires diligence, responsibility, and attention to detail. Although tedious at times, I believe that this position has well prepared me for a career in the legal profession. I am now confIdent that I can work efficiently under pressure and face even the most daunting tasks with confIdence and poise.

I have also had the opportunity to participate in a number of activities outside of school. In the summer of 2003, I was selected to represent the City of Pembroke Pines at the All-America City Awards in Washington DC. In the past, I have also volunteered at local nursing homes and a number of "Back-to-School" Health Fairs to benefIt underprivileged children in the community. This past summer, in addition to working a full-time job, I volunteered at a local pre-school. My numerous activities have taught me how to balance school, work, and my personal life. As a lawyer, work often becomes overwhelming. For this reason, it is important to be able to balance both work and a personal life. I feel that my activities have prepared me for this.

I hope to receive the best education possible at a top-notch university. Unfortunately, the cost of a good education is very high in the United States. For this reason, the Shane McGee Foundation Memorial Scholarship would help me immensely. The scholarship would lessen the financial burden of studying at a prestigious university, providing me with incredible opportunities for the future.

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