Scholar | Leader | Mentor

I love History and American Studies because they give me a deeper understanding of this country, its people, and the American worldview. These subjects are essential when studying law because they inform my understanding of the historical context of legal decisions and their impact on society. African American History is an integral part of American History that has been excluded from American education. It is impossible to fully understand the History of the United States without including the experiences, struggles, and contributions of African Americans and chattel slavery in context. The stories of enslaved Africans, their descendants, and enslavers are inextricably linked— shaping American laws, culture, and society. I want to study law to help me understand economic, social, and legal systems.

At the Dojo

I can trace my leadership style to my early days as a young brown belt learning Kimura Shukokai style karate in northern NJ. I started at the dojo when I was three years old as a guest of two classmates who had joined the prior month. My ascent from a white belt in 2009 to a second kyu brown belt in 2014 at age eight included invitations to lead class warm-ups or demonstrate a kick or stance. I was eventually invited to join the Elite Force. My karate days taught me to focus, follow instructions, and trust my instincts—the core skills I rely on today. For many reasons, the black belt didn’t happen for me, but discipline and self-confidence were important takeaways.

Initially, I found myself taking on leadership roles when no one was willing to step forward. Later, circumstances compelled me to throw my name in the hat for elected leadership positions. Whether it is through an elected position or others recognizing my leadership qualities or an assumed responsibility, over time, being a leader became a choice. The choice to collaborate with others, represent my community when necessary, and take responsibility when no one else is willing, especially when no one else is looking. I see leadership as an act of service to and with others.

I’m still evolving my leadership style, but I know I am naturally collaborative and interested in empowering my community.

For me, mentorship is power.  A powerful relationship tool that I have benefitted from for all of my life. Throughout my days as an underclassman in high school, upperclassmen and teachers were the ones who guided me through the intricacies of what it meant to be in a residential community at my school. While I learned a lot from these relationships, I also felt a sense of belonging and greater confidence in who I was becoming. As I gradually stepped into the role of upperclassman, I worried that I wouldn’t have an impact or leave something meaningful behind for those coming later. Although I felt I had so much I wanted to offer and freely share, I wasn’t sure where or when I would shift from mentee to mentor. Would the underclassmen seek me out for advice, as a role model, or as a mentor?