Purpose

I was eight years old when I first thought about becoming a lawyer. Ever since, I
have entertained the idea through debates, casual arguments and other instances that
stimulate critical thinking. I have found that speculation via legal matters is my passion
and academic pleasure. The science of politics became prominently intriguing to me
during my sophomore year in college; and the process through which legislation and
political events take place has produced a new dream of mine, which is to become a
United States Senator. I have worked towards that goal for several years by holding
leadership positions in various political organizations and contributing to the community
both politically and socially. The last step in my academic journey is to put my
experience and knowledge to practice in one of the best law schools in the world. I am
certain that Columbia University will greatly enhance my academic skills and provide me
with knowledge essential to reach my full potential.

Personal Background
I was born in Mexico City on August 23, 1993 in a poor community called
Hornos. My father was a pastor, and in 1994 he decided to open a church in Juarez,
Chihuahua, located south of the El Paso/Juarez border. My family later opened a church
in El Paso, Texas and started a family business. We resided in the U.S. illegally, and we
were later seized by immigration services. Being face-to-face with deportation, my
family hired lawyers in order to defend our case. As I witnessed the power of logic and
the interpretation of laws, I realized that I wanted to practice law for the rest of my life.

Fi el d of Interest
I find the career of a criminal defense attorney interesting as it deals with a wide
range of issues. I believe that my critical thinking skills will greatly benefit from
practicing this area of law due to the highly controversial and questionable cases that
arise in the field. I would rather be challenged than given an easy way out, as I know that
the human species tends to progress and strive for success when held under pressure.
While there are many uncertainties about the details of my future academic journey, and
whether I build my future as a criminal defense attorney, family and divorce lawyer or
corporate law lawyer, Columbia University contains the academic elements that I need in
order to mold my knowledge and skills into productive intellectual tools, thus helping me
become an exemplary law practitioner.

Accompl i shments & Inspi rati on
While theie aie many things that I am piouu of accomplishing, theie aie a
hanuful of accomplishments that have gieatly shapeu my passions anu inteiests.
While holuing leaueiship positions anu guiuing acauemic inuiviuuals towaius
success aie aumiiable accomplishments, I have founu that it has not been the fact
that I accomplisheu aumiiable goals that positively affecteu anu inspiieu me; iathei,
it was the piocess anu motive thiough which I ieacheu those goals. Even when I
have not completeu a goal as I foiesaw, the innovative piocess that I auopteu to
fulfill my objective has significantly inspiieu anu motivateu me to aspiie foi gieatei
successes.
I iecall vaiious influential tuining points in my life wheie my acauemic
inspiiation uiu not emeige fiom the natuie of the accomplishment, but fiom the
steps that I took in oiuei to fulfill it. 0ne of these incluues being the Piesiuent of
0niveisity of Texas at El Paso College Republicans. Even though I gaineu gieat
couiage anu confiuence once I became piesiuent, it was the haiu woik put into my
campaign that significantly boosteu my intellectual ability anu positive thinking.

My Phi l osophy
I believe that theie is always something that one can leain fiom otheis. No
one is equippeu with a full set of peifectly polisheu skills; theiefoie, impioving
oneself is faiily accessible by obseiving otheis anu auopting theii goou qualities.
While some people may have tiouble copying otheis anu theii goou habits, it has
become of casual piactice foi me to analyze otheis' actions in oiuei to leain fiom
theii mistakes, oi walk alongsiue them thiough success. I believe that leaining fiom
otheis is essential to ieach my full acauemic potential.