Testimonials
A Profound Lesson
To a stranger, I appear to be a typical college student from middle-class white suburban America. For the last four years, I have attended Texas A&M University seeking a degree in Political Science and English, always with the intention of going to law school. What is not overtly apparent is the important role that my childhood exposure to the American judicial system has played in my decision. The experiences that I faced in my youth have heightened my perception of justice and inspired my unfaltering determination to pursue a career in the field of law.
As a child I was caught in the middle of a painful custody battle between my parents. At six years of age I remember sitting in a dingy gray lobby reading Highlights magazine with my step-mother and awaiting my interview with the court appointed counselor. I had little understanding of the situation in which I was involved. I do recall, however, the exhaustion in my father's face as he patiently attempted to explain to me that he was doing what was best for me. The friendly counselor seemed to offset my parents' nervousness and I gladly accompanied her to a large room full of toys, unafraid to talk to a complete stranger.
Throughout the custody battle, I remember many evenings that my parents would meet with our attorney, Colleen Dunbar. Ms. Dunbar saw my struggle and confusion and did everything in her power to ensure that I would be kept out of the custody proceedings, a potentially traumatizing event for a young girl. She was a positive force in my life at that time. It was because of Ms. Dunbar's advocacy that I was removed from a neglectful environment and placed in a stable and loving home. A fierce woman, she seemed larger than life and became my childhood heroine.
Ms. Dunbar followed through for me yet again when she aided my step-mother in filing for legal guardianship of me. Her persistence and dedication once again fought for my best interest. My youthful introduction to the judicial system formed the foundation for my attraction to the field of law. It is my respect for role models like Colleen Dunbar that has inspired me to want to serve others in the quest for justice. I would like to impact someone's life as positively as Ms. Dunbar has impacted mine.
It was Gandhi who said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Because of Ms. Dunbar's great impact and my parents' guiding hand I have tried to live my life by this statement. Whether it is by building classrooms in Mexico for underprivileged children, visiting a nursing home to be a friendly face and give the patients an opportunity to tell their story, or coaching my little sister's volleyball team, I have tried to dedicate my life to helping others. It is this commitment and understanding of service that will help me excel and become a powerful asset to your law school.
The result of Colleen Dunbar's hard work has provided me with a supportive foundation that has inspired the independent and productive young woman that I have become. My capacity to succeed as an attorney is evident in my commitment. As I have grown both intellectually and spiritually I have realized the significant role that my experiences have played in my ability to connect with other people. Not only have they given me a unique perspective and opened my eyes to the overwhelming need to advocate justice, they have also provided me with the ability to empathize, enabling me to identify with the hardships that others face. My experiences have made me more observant and analytical, encouraging me to discover the truth for myself rather than accepting everything that I am told. I am a prime example of the positive impact that the justice system can have on a person's life. My development throughout my interaction with Colleen Dunbar and the judicial system has revealed my passion for the law, sense of self and intense dedication to others which I believe will offer a unique dynamic to your law school.
