Annie Nguyen has always wanted to be a lawyer.
“I firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background or circumstances, deserves equal access to justice and legal resources,” she writes in her winning essay, which has earned her $1,000 through the Parrish Law Firm Academic Scholarship.
At the University of California San Diego, Annie double majors in Business Economics and Political Science, with a concentration in Public Law. Once she graduates in 2026, she plans to go on to law school. There, she will focus on civil rights issues and pursue every opportunity, including internships and mentorships, to work directly with the people whose lives she wants to improve.
“I am acutely aware of the pervasive systemic barriers that perpetuate discrimination within our legal system,” she writes in her essay. “It is my unwavering commitment to dismantle these barriers and create a more equitable society.”
Determination and Sacrifice Run in Annie’s Family
Annie’s hard work and dedication to meeting incredible, selfless goals come as no surprise in light of her family history. Her parents faced heartbreaking adversity, including having to flee the Vietnam War and give up their own dreams of higher education to find safety and opportunity in the United States.
Annie has also experienced challenges of her own. Throughout her life, she has faced micro-aggression for her race and the color of her skin. It’s only made Annie’s determination to succeed grow stronger and burn brighter.
“My higher education will serve as a platform to help others, innovate, and change the world, one step at a time,” her essay explains.
Annie Has Made Giving Back a Way of Life
Annie is already finding ways to help others as a Senior Orientation Leader at UC San Diego. In that capacity, she makes resources available to new and incoming students. Also, as part of the Student Council, she helps plan excursions so that students have the chance to explore everything Southern California has to offer.
Once she achieves her goal of becoming a lawyer, Annie has big plans for how she will use her education and personal experiences to benefit the community.
“In the next ten years, I envision myself engaging in pro-bono work as a steadfast advocate for those who have been wrongly accused and unjustly marginalized,” she writes in her essay. Later in the essay, she adds, “By dedicating myself to pro-bono work, representing marginalized groups, and defending the wrongly accused, I will strive to bring about lasting change in our legal system.”
This combination of heart and vision is why we so admire Annie Nguyen. She has already made the world a better place through her dedication and drive, and we know she will continue to achieve great things in the future.
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