My name is Chiquita Jackson and I am a First-Generation college student studying Political Science, African American Studies, and Social Justice on a pre-law track. I was the first person in my family to graduate high school and attend college which was a major milestone for my family. As a result, I am self-supporting and self-motivated, and I am doing everything I can to complete my education. Although the journey may be tough at times, I am not doing this for myself, but so I can be a role model for my siblings. My strength is my determination. Ever since I was 11 years old I had a desire to become an attorney because my parents were constantly having issues with the law, and I thought it was my responsibility to help them. However, once I got to high school I watched a Michael Moore documentary about the corruption in the healthcare industry and realized that I need to “fight the system”.
As a first-generation college student, I deserve to have the career I desire because minority representation matters. I possess the willpower to be successful, to be the next Thurgood Marshall or Johnny Cochran. This scholarship will allow me to be able to experience another culture, community, and legal aspects to help with my law career. Also, this study abroad would help me to improve my networking skills and cultural awareness of Columbia as well as familiarizing myself with the functions of different law fields. Recently, I have been volunteering at numerous events about the importance of safe sex and other health awareness programs that are not taken seriously within the African American community. I aspire to serve the community and generate plans to support the people who want to follow effective changes. I believe that this study abroad program would assist me to understand how to become an impactful advocate for my community.
While a student at the University of Kansas, I had the opportunity to travel to many different states for organizations conferences where I had to meet hundreds of new people by being a professional representation for the organization I was a part of to ensure our professionalism brand would be protected. This study abroad internship would help me gain that exposure and understanding I need to be a great advocate for public policy affairs and my community. My career aspirations are to become a civil/human rights attorney and hopefully a U.S Supreme Court Justice. I have involved in many international programs specifically the Global Awareness Program as a Student Ambassador where I help close the bridge between domestic and international students on campus by hosting educational and fun events. I have experience with advocating, meeting with university administrators, and creating projects that would help the longevity of the diverse culture that KU has to offer. In addition, I have created legislation that was passed in Student Senate regarding students with marginalized identities need for more resources, I want to help the community and develop plans to help the people who want to see positive changes. My name is Chiquita Jackson and I am a first-generation college student and future advocate for my community.
