With a grandfather who was a brave member of the New York City Firefighters, a father who was a shop steward defending the rights of airline employees, and a mother who is a New York City special education teacher, my family always discusses labor concerns at the dinner table. Today’s capitalist society rarely focuses on the advancement of the common worker and instead favors making the affluent wealthier. There needs to be more focus on laws which will forge a pathway that gives power to individuals demanding social change. After I study public policy, I hope to assist the under-represented populace demand change in New York City. A society with grassroots power allows citizens to have a direct impact on decision-making, creating a firmer community and stronger democracy.
Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Unfortunately, many lower-class citizens do not have the tools necessary to live by Gandhi’s wisdom. The ultimate dream job for me would be to assist individuals with the necessary instruments for change. Although it is difficult for me to directly have a major impact as a teenager, I help to strive towards equality as practice for my future profession. Fighting for rights to keep homeless shelters open last year, I learned how the masses could influence democratic leaders as well as how education is the primary channel towards revolutionizing equality.
Another part of affecting change comes from leadership. In 2003, I participated in the Leadership Development Summer Institute to prepare for the future. This experience taught me how group unity can bring powerful results and also encouraged me to pursue an academic major concentrating in public policy at Muhlenberg College and ultimately law school. My research focused on the interrelationship of various sectors influencing New York City by conducting interviews with influential officials and labor leaders. I facilitated student workshops, where each member brought his or her unique qualities, strengths, and interests to the group, and we formulated objectives on how to affect future positive changes in New York City. Unfortunately, these meetings taught me how difficult it is for certain citizens to express their problems with the city.
After attending Muhlenberg College and hopefully law school, I plan to participate in an organization protecting human rights and giving common residents a prominent voice in New York City’s government. Controlling empowerment is the main step towards social change that gives all citizens a sense of worth. I want to empower others and help them see how they can change the world. Step by step, first as an undergraduate involved in community service and later as a lawyer, I will work to protect the rights of individuals and workers, thereby strengthening our democracy.