I am currently on my third major change. I started out with criminal justice to pursue a degree in law. I felt like I was going nowhere. So I listened to my stepmom who CONVINCED me to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and to go to school for nursing.

BIG mistake.

If there is one thing I've learned so far, it's this: don't let anybody try to tell you what you should or shouldn't do. I knew I wasn't going to like being a CNA or even a nurse, but the program was 2 years. I thought it would be easy. Get a job as a nurse and I'd be set. I was so wrong. I couldn't even handle the pig dissection we just did not too long ago. Not to mention I was able to get a job where she worked which was a total waste of my time because MOST of everyone that worked there were rude. There were like 2 nurses I actually liked because they knew how hard it was for me. Nobody else cared.

I want to become a lawyer because I've witnessed secondhand how messed up the judicial system is. Sexism and racism are very clear. If you have been in a courtroom at least once in your life, then you'd understand. I could make a difference in what matters the most. I could help children get away from abusive families. Get sexual abuse victims the justice they deserve. Give peace to a family that was somehow affected by a DUI driver. I could do all of these things, and live comfortably.

One day, after I get enough experience, I could become a judge. I could really have the power to give victims the justice they deserve. I wouldn't look at the defendant's skin color, ethnic background, or what sex they are. I'd look at the facts. I'd treat each defendant fairly. I wouldn't give one defendant one sentence, and another defendant who committed the same crime a different and lesser sentence. That's what is happening too often in today's society. I would thrive.

I am young. I am not married. I don't have any kids. The best time to do it is now. After talking with family and friends, they think I should go for it because I'm young and it'll be easier than if I waited. You know what? They're right. My grandmother told me about a friend who went to school to become a doctor and she paid her student loans off within 5 years. So really, it just depends on the job you get. Lawyers make decent money. However, I would want to go into the prosecution division of it. That's what I dreamed of. That's what I spent my last 2 semesters in high school doing.

It may be scary but I refuse to live under a blanket and make sure I remain secure. Life is about diving in and taking new chances.

So take it from me and don't let finances stop you from pursuing your dream. Everything will fall into place eventually.

As a judge would say,

Case Closed! Now bring in the dancing lobsters!