Good evening everyone, I need help with feedback on my personal statement. Questions that I am currently asking myself, 1. Does this fully tell my story? Is it even a personal statement or just more of my reasons of pursuing a law degree. I will truly appreciate any honest feedback at this time.

  Our first mockcase: “Did SpongeBob steal the crabby patty recipe?” The question that opened my curiosity to the legal system in a way that I did not expect. As ridiculous as the question sounded to my ears, I was even more fascinated by how the defense navigated through the case making use of all the skills and lessons we learned from the Bill of Rights and proved without reasonable doubt SpongeBob’s innocence. I appreciated this moment because it forced me to understand the Bill of Rights and how to use it to defend clients to prove their innocence beyond a reasonable doubt. This experience opened my eyes to the complexities of the American legal system. The more I learned, the more I was drawn to the idea of justice, not as an abstract concept, but as a tangible force that could transform people’s lives. This was my first take to see how the law works in real life pushing me to explore law and take my career path with more seriousness.

       As an immigrant from Nigeria, the idea of pursuing law is often considered one of the “traditional” career paths many African parents encourage—law, medicine, or engineering. While my parents held those expectations, my desire to pursue law grew from a deeper and more personal place. I was drawn to the power of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights—documents that guarantee every individual a fair chance at justice. Coming from a country where choices and access are often limited, I was inspired by the protection, dignity, and opportunity these rights extend to every person in the United States.

       My interest in law expanded when a school counselor introduced me to the many paths within the legal field. That conversation opened my eyes to how law stretches far beyond courtrooms; it is a tool to serve communities, protect the vulnerable, and promote justice in meaningful and unique ways. For the first time, I saw a career that aligned with both my values and my lived experiences.

       I moved to America as a teenager with my mother and two brothers, facing one of the hardest decisions of my life: remain in Nigeria to finish my college degree or move with my family and avoid being separated. We chose each other. My mother took out multiple loans for our plane tickets, leaving us with just one hundred dollars to her name. I still remember sitting on the plane, my fist clenched, my eyes closed, as we whispered a prayer for courage. Our first landing in Florida happened during a hurricane, leaving us stranded for a week. Yet even then, we did not lose hope.

        That season of uncertainty shaped my character far more than ease ever could. It deepened my resilience, sharpened my courage, and strengthened my belief that justice and fairness are not abstract concepts but lifelines. Those experiences continue to guide my desire to pursue law not from a place of comfort, but from conviction. I want to use my education to advocate for individuals and communities navigating instability, systemic barriers, and limited resources, much like my family once did. My journey to the United States taught me that stability is not promised, but courage can carry you through unpredictable circumstances. That same courage fuels my commitment to becoming an attorney who stands for justice, expands access, and empowers those whose voices are often overlooked.

       As I advanced in my pursuit of a law degree, I’ve come to understand how lawyers bring clarity to the uncertainties and how cases are presented and interpreted. In the summer of 2020, I was privileged to attend Summer Institute of PreLegal Studies where I visited a courthouse for the first time. I had the privilege to see in person a case my peers and I have been discussing in our criminal justice class. The case was of a man who was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm. When he entered the courtroom in heavy chains, I remember being smitten by his hope, even amid the uncertainty he faced, as he waved and smiled at us. Throughout the case, the uncertainties filled the room not just with facts but with worry and anxiety about the outcome. Our professor, a federal public defender, guided him through the proceedings with patience and empathy. By the time the court ended, I asked what would happen next. As my mind flooded with immense ideas, my professor patiently responded, “We wait”.

      Months later, we learned the man had been acquitted. I thought back to the man’s smile and the quiet fear behind it. That was the moment I knew the law was not just an interest of mine; it was the path I wanted to commit to. Learning about wrongful convictions and the barriers people face in the justice system has strengthened my belief in rehabilitation and fairness. 

     I have learned that the law’s power depends on the how, why, and by whom it is exercised . It is not just about learning the Bill of Rights, or a mock case, but taking action knowing my Yes to the law is a tool for being in rooms that fuels decisions that reflect the realities of communities. I ground my purpose in the belief that life was never meant to be lived safely or quietly. Watching leaders take risks in public spaces, even when the odds are uncertain, has reminded me that progress has always come from people willing to stand apart rather than blend in. Our world remains shaped by discrimination that too often goes unchallenged. For me, pursuing a legal education is not about fitting into an existing system, but about entering it with the credibility to speak, act, and lead differently. With that training, I want to step into public spaces prepared to challenge injustice, inspire hope, and push for change where complacency has long been accepted. As a lawyer,  I will get the tool and knowledge to help be a part of social Justice change particularly  in marginalized communities, and to stand with those who cannot advocate for themselves during moments of uncertainty. My life journey has always been rooted in serving others, and the law gives me a unique, structured, powerful way to live out that purpose.