Second, I earned the opportunity to study abroad in England during my junior year of college. I was also the first person in my family to go abroad and will never forget the look of pride on my parents' faces when they saw me off. Moreover, the decision reflected my mature decision to embark on a career in international law: the first time I experienced that level of mental clarity and confidence. Finally, I believe that my decision to pursue a career in law led to the third most significant achievement of my life thus far. Taking the steps to enter law school required a major commitment. The commitment is one I take seriously and I especially intend to push myself to the limits of my potential.
5. University is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service and leadership. The school seeks to further the mission and encourage adherence to the highest moral and ethical standards. How would you expect to contribute to this environment or identify with this mission? In my senior year of college, the car I was in was struck by a drunk driver. The anger I felt afterwards, toward both the guilty driver and toward the world, consumed me. Only Christ allowed me to transform ill-will into compassion and forgiveness. Similarly, I have applied Christ's teachings to all perceived injustices in the world. My religious convictions have therefore helped me to develop the moral character that prepares me for a challenging career in international law. A compassionate mind is essential in our profession because of the different values, beliefs...
Yet even though my set of values are rooted in Christianity, I honor the freedom and diversity of religious expression. Having spent considerable time abroad, I developed a keen understanding of how others practice faiths different from my own. My personal convictions grow stronger when I am willing to listen to those with beliefs that differ from my own. The act of opening my mind and developing understanding are acts of faith. In fact, one of the features drawing me to a career in international law is wanting to help spread the ideals of tolerance and universal justice throughout the world. Individuals like me can contribute an essential moral character to the field of international law, whether as a court practitioner, policy maker, or consultant.
I have also put my faith into practice as an African-American female. Women, and especially non-white women, have not been well-represented in positions of leadership. Encountering the struggles that affect the African-American community, I have learned how to motivate myself and others to create meaningful change by using peaceful means. As an African-American woman, I look forward to expanding opportunities for others like me. Together we can transform the nature of leadership in our country and around the world. My voice will therefore add to the diversity of opinion that is beginning to better characterize international legal systems. I will contribute to the University's community not only on an academic level but on a more personal and moral one as well.
