Empower Timani's Dream of Becoming a Lawyer

Hello there to my friends, family, loved ones and new friends,

As you may know, I have wanted to be an attorney since I was a teenager. Driven by a deep and genuine commitment to social justice, I have been organizing with other activists, speaking to policymakers, partnering with community organizations, and speaking up for social justice causes since I was 14 years old. The time has come for me to really show what I’m made of.

I am now a rising 2L at Rutgers Law School. Last year, I did really well in school thanks to all of your support and encouragement. I am top 36% in my class; My GPA is above the curve; I was awarded a prestigious fellowship for next year to work at the ACLU of NJ; I will be a teaching assistant for a criminal law professor; and I have garnered a reputation as a student leader at the school. What a year!

At Rutgers, I am pursuing studies in international law, comparative law and constitutional law with the goal of working in international public interest on democracy building. I aspire to be a structural innovator working with organizations, activists, governments and businesses across the world to create more humane, equitable and sustainable systems. I am not going to law school to simply enrich myself, gain status or prestige. I am going to law school to gain a thorough understanding of the various legal mechanisms used to foster or inhibit democracy so that I can be part of the efforts to redesign our systems for the common good.

Although my career goals are ambitious (some may even say idealistic), I am determined to spend my career as an attorney attempting to bring them to life. Besides, there has not yet been a goal or aspiration that I truly wanted and did not achieve. Part of that is due to my own tenacity and skills but most of that is due to the support I receive from my family, friends, and mentors who always push me to be my best self and realize my fullest potential. From finishing my bachelor's in political science at Morgan State at the age of 19 with cum laude honors, to completing a master's in international relations and business at American University at the age of 21, to going on to work in some of the top law firms and organizations in the county, to soon becoming a lawyer by 28, I can never express just how grateful I am that you continue to love and support me through each phase of my personal and professional development.

But this- this is IT.

I really need your support now more than ever. I was offered a scholarship to Rutgers but not nearly enough to cover the cost of attendance.

This summer I will be working a research internship with a professor at my school, a legal internship with a social justice organization and I am trying to find another part time job. However, these three jobs alone still aren't enough to get me through school. I could still really use some help getting through school and covering expenses for the summer and into next school year. Thus, it would mean the world to me if you would support my goal of raising $4,500 for books, school supplies, living expenses and toiletries.

Again, I cannot thank you enough for all you’ve done to support me as I strive to make myself more than just a product of my environment. I do not take your kindness for granted and wish I could express the amount of gratitude I have for you. It is only because of you that I have come this far and feel empowered to keep going. It is also for you, that I will dedicate my career to pursuing systemic justice.

Please consider helping me out just one more time. In two short years, I swear I will make you so proud. (And likely will never have to ask you for money again, haha!)

Thank you,

Timani