What do you see as the value of our current legal system?
- Katerina Kurteva –
Dreams and successes are two topics in every determined student’s mind, but the way they are approached is what makes all the difference. Life does throw obstacles at us, but having the strength to step through them and stay focused on a goal is what makes the difference. My goal in life is to be the best I can be, to enter my political field of interest, and to make my family proud. Growing up in an environment where your family is treated unfairly and having the courage to set your mind to make sure what happened to you never happens to anyone else is where a true leader starts planning their goals.
When I was growing up my grandparents were a great motivation in my life. They were in the agricultural business in my country, Bulgaria. Having trouble with some of the rather deceitful people in the process, my family was tried in a case that even in my eyes, a nine-year-old, had no logic whatsoever. The actual lawbreaker in this case was suing my family for something they had never done, and the fact that he was able to get away with it has never escaped my mind. I just saw the power the lawyers had over the court and how easily they manipulated the law to support their claim, and I was fascinated. My family’s luck though was not fortunate enough to have one of those lawyers. Because of these constantly repeated trials, my grandmother and grandfather were prohibited from leaving the country to see me and my family here. The prejudice in this haunted me in a way that I wanted to make sure no one ever had to suffer the way I did. They way the current legal system is set is very valuable in that it gives equal rights to all and a chance to fight their case.
Since this experience of mine, I decided to do everything in my power to educate myself and become a lawyer. I know my family would support me with any decision I made, but I saw the spark in my grandparents’ eyes when they heard my career choice. From those childhood dreams to today’s college application I focused on the goal that I have set my entire life. People tend to see me as very determined, dedicated, and devoted, and the truth is that when I set a goal for myself, there is nothing that will stand in my way, which is the quality that will drive me into and through a successful college education.
I am determined to go to college and become the best I can, make my family proud, and find the life I have always been looking for. The inspirations in my life have been of the most value to me until they became a part of who I am and helped me learn how to stand on my own and take responsibility and lead my life into success. To me law is not a game, a courtroom is not a stadium; it is a place where people’s faith and futures are decided; it is place where justice is served. I do strive for success, and I do fear failure the most, but I will do anything to pick myself up and navigate my way into success with courage and determination.