The Birth of A Lawyer by Mykel

The Birth of A Lawyer by Mykel - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

Unlike most children, who usually dream of becoming singers, dancers, or cowboys, i’ve always felt a strong pull toward a career in criminal justice—whether as an officer, a CSI, or a lawyer. At first, I couldn’t explain where this passion came from; I just knew that whatever I did, it had to be within that field. I’ve realized that my passion for forensics and becoming a lawyer stems from a desire to understand the criminal mind and a belief that not all who commit crimes are inherently bad.

My father, though loving, has always been a quiet, secretive figure. For sometime he had spent time in jail, and I often wondered what drove his choices. For someone who came from a background like his, many people would expect the outcome he had, but my question for those people, as I often ask myself is; do you understand why? Not every ’criminal’ has malicious intentions, and not every person is a criminal. My father over the past decade has done a complete 180, as his choices were no longer necessary to protect and nurture his family. These experiences sparked my passion for studying criminology and psychology, as I became committed to understanding the complexities of the human mind and the factors that shape people’s actions. I hope to pursue majors in Criminology and Psychology, using my education to support my goals of creating a fairer justice system and advocating for reform.

At the core of my interest in criminology and psychology lies a deep desire to understand the complexities of the criminal mind. I believe that crime often arises from factors sometime people cannot control, which may influence a person’s choices, rather than genuinely being inherent malice or wrongdoing. My perspective stems from the idea that behind every case, is a person with their own complex story— someone who may have faced immense trauma, systemic issues, and social disadvantages that may have influenced their actions. My goal is to explore these factors to advocate for fair treatment and challenge the sigma surrounding those labeled as criminals