As an American I feel an enormous sense of gratitude for the ambition and courage that dr. king exemplified during the civil rights movement. He left an immense legacy of hope, determination and a model of excellence that he implemented to change the moral fabric of this nation. I often think, "What if Dr. King had not been inspired to secure freedom, equality and justice? What if Dr. King had resigned himself to allow the continuation of blatant discrimination to perpetuate the American landscape?" Just as Dr. King had a dream for America where individuals would be judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin, I, too, have a visionary creation of my imagination. It indicates that I will serve on the bench like Thurgood Marshal where the distinction of "Honorable" will precede my name. As an individual who will be responsible for making crucial decisions about the lives of others, it is necessary for me to acquire the knowledge needed for me to be effective. When I embark on my college journey, I will commence with thoughts of how to positively impact my life, my community and nation. My goal is to attend Georgia State University to major in political science or pre- law, and then transition to the law school at Georgia State, which will ultimately prepare me to become a practicing attorney and subsequently a judge.

Graduating from Booker T. Washington High School with honors as part of the class of 2008 will be an extraordinary milestone in my life. There are countless students from my neighborhood who fail to reach this point of academic accomplishment because of distractions such as drugs and criminal activities. These daily unsavory occurrences snatch away the possibilities and dreams of potential architects, accountants, teachers, entrepreneurs, etc. Fortunately, determination, and perseverance have helped me to channel my focus toward fulfilling my dream.

Each day I walk toward the historic Booker T. Washington High School, this inspiring edifice reminds me of the struggles the renowned educator faced during the post Civil War era. The profound statue with prolific inscriptions further encourages me to keep my eye on the prize. Booker T. Washington was devoted to the virtue of cleanliness, godliness, thrift, perseverance, hard work, and honesty (Washington). Up From Slavery the autobiography of Washington, discloses the hardships he endured and it gives an account of his quest to establish Tuskegee Institute using his alma mater, Hampton University as a model. In spite of the incredible odds and having little or no funds, he persevered and the results are evidenced through a long-standing institution that continues to prepare African Americans for the world. His fortitude serves as an inspiration and a beacon of hope for me.

Additionally, I am inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School who was an orator during his tenure. His dream encouraged millions around the world to peacefully and nonviolently seek to achieve equal rights (King, Fighter...). Because of his motivation, I have a responsibility to stay focused and fulfill my dream of becoming a judge. I can envision being adorned in a black robe dispensing justice equally and fairly.

My community is part of my world. Unfortunately, there are too many undesirable and visible aspects that create an unsafe environment, particularly for children and older adults. Illegal activities are rampant; there is a lack of respect for human life and property. There is no community concern and the neglect is obvious; the climate is sometimes repulsive and nothing is done. As a student who will seek to implore intervention to eradicate the persistent problems of the community, I now find a dismal level of concern because everyone seems to accept things the way they are. There is lack of cohesion and there is a fear of retaliation from the perpetrators who create the decline. As a future community activist who will study law, I will be equipped with the information needed to access the agencies available to implement change. If a body of people resides in a particular location for a common purpose, that common purpose should not include illicit activities that bring about moral decline and unsafe conditions. Even though transforming the community will be an almost insurmountable task, the need is so extensive that I would have to engage my expertise. Everyone deserves to enjoy tranquility, safe streets, neighborhood centers that are staffed and operational, freedom for children to play without the fear of gunshots, freedom for the elderly to sit on their porches and walk to church or the store without fear of being harmed. Living in a nation that prides itself on democracy should be a nation that also holds true to its principles. I find many disparities that exist among people and cultures.

There are consistent issues that impact our nation such as wars, the environment, hunger, homelessness, education and crime that translate into stress. My dream for the nation is equality in all aspects of our lives-housing, education, jobs and the justice system. If these rights are extended to each individual, then each individual will have the same access to quality of life. As Utopian as it seems, that is my wish for the nation where I was born and where I plan to spend the rest of my life. My position as a judge will allow me to work with the judicial system and officials who have been appointed or elected to help this nation live up to its precepts. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., fervently strived for a world where the poorest and humblest among us could enjoy the fulfillment of the promise of our founding fathers.

My expectations for my community, the nation and myself are based on simple practices and principles that are attainable and within the realm of my potential as an individual and a potential judge. Remaining steadfast and unwavering, I am confident that I will achieve these threefold objectives: becoming a judge, improving my community, and actualizing changes in the nation.

Bibliography

1.) Washington, Booker T., Up From Slavery. Airmont Publishing Company, Inc., New York, N.Y. 1967

2.) Haskins, Jim, I have a Dream. The Millbrook Press. Brookfield, Connecticut, 1992

3.) Preston, Edward, Martin Luther King: Fighter for Freedom. Doubleday & Company, Inc., Garden City, New York, 1968.

4.) Ansboro, John, Martin Luther King Jr., The Making of a Mind. Orbis Books, Mary Knoll, New York, 1982.

 

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