Personal Statement

Through participation in service-based living communities, alternative breaks, and AmeriCorps NCCC, I developed an unwavering commitment to public service. In my service experiences, I was exposed to the diverse peoples and places within the United States, as well as the social structures that alter life chances. I am studying at Illinois State University to further understand the complexities of the social systems, which dictate quality of life for marginalized peoples. In NCCC, I removed garbage at a homeless encampment and noticed abrasive treatment of the homeless by law enforcement. Therefore, for my thesis, I am analyzing the creation and enforcement of anti-camping laws. Then, I will create a best practice guide to assist police officers in ethical decision-making and lobby for a change in city code so the homeless are not incriminated for basic human functions. Just as my service experiences were a call to action and motivation for education, I believe service can do the same for others. For this reason, my professional goals are to found or lead a non-profit which bolsters cross-cultural service and advocacy opportunities for young people. I am confident a cultural emphasis on service could alleviate social problems perpetuated by ethnocentrism and complacency.