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From a young age, my parents ingrained in me the importance of being proud of my Black and
Panamanian heritage. They knew the world would try to steal it from me, so they armed me with tools to
persevere, instilling within me a deep appreciation for who I am. While hearing this, I grew up in a
suburb, where I was usually the only Black girl in my classes. Despite ethnic diversity, the Black
population within my town was small. By the end of elementary school, I was questioned about my hair,
skin color, intelligence, and told that I was not liked because I was Black. These comments required me to
navigate how, or whether to even respond. My parents’ lessons shaped me — and combined with the pain
of many racist comments and microaggressions, I felt personally called to promote racial unity and
inclusion.

As I got older and thrived in my education, the uphill battles to hold space in these situations
made me more aware of my purpose. In my senior year of high school, I served as President of Teen
Action Committee, Elk Grove’s youth leadership team. I shared my experiences as a person of color with
my teammates, and my desire to build racial bridges in our community. They then spoke about their
experiences, and soon, the entire team felt inspired by the change we could create. With that, the first
annual “Unity Day” was born, where over 100 diverse students showed up. I led exercises to foster
speaking vulnerably about race, sexuality, gender, and other issues of division, and we bonded over our
shared humanity. While we received press recognition for this successful event, for me, the most
important lesson was that the racial harmony I yearned for happens through building genuine connections
with those different from us. Ultimately, inclusion cultivates environments that allow us to all reach our
fullest potentials. With this and empathetic listening, we can all encourage racial healing.

In spaces that emphasize diversity and inclusion, it heightens the richness and vibrancy of
thoughts and ideas received, ultimately benefiting the community as a whole. My experience growing up
feeling very excluded due to my ethnicity, to eventually designing spaces of acceptance and inclusion, has
changed my life and purpose forever. My mission became to continue to develop events and environments
where inclusion leads to my own and others growth and development.

I entered Pepperdine University with this exact mission in mind, hoping to create this inclusion in
any form I can. One way I did this was through working with Pepperdine Professor Abi Smith to diversify
one of her courses. I conducted extensive research to ensure Pepperdine’s Communication and Advocacy
course included reading and perspectives from sources of color, allowing for students to engage in a range
of diverse viewpoints. In addition, I also planned and executed open forum debates with the Debate Team
in my role as Vice President. These informal, open debates would allow large, diverse groups of students
both involved with the team and not involved to have a place to respectfully share their opinions about
different issues within our society today. During my sophomore year, I studied abroad in London, my first
time leaving California. Through this experience, I was able to appreciate the beauty of the different
cultures I experienced through traveling. Finally, through my work as a writer for my school’s paper and
reporter on our news show, I was able to highlight marginalized groups and voices within the Pepperdine
community. As I reflect on my undergraduate experience, I am thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to
prioritize inclusion, and continue with my mission. This commitment and determination to inclusivity and
diversity will only extend as I enter law school.

I will be attending Pepperdine Caruso School of Law this fall, and plan to use my legal education
to work as a civil rights or immigration attorney to continue to pursue causes of inclusion.

I am incredibly proud of my Black and Latinx heritage because it fueled my self discovery and
desire to create diverse connections for others. In my law school journey, my mission will continue —
bringing more awareness for racial harmony, and to represent diversity as a proud woman of color in the
legal profession.

SS

Slickdeals Staff

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