Judith Ortiz

“Education is the ultimate equalizer”.

This statement has floated in and out of my life for many years. I am a first generation college student; my parents come from very poor backgrounds. It has always been a goal for them that my sisters and I finish college so that we are on even ground for the rest of our lives. Education has been that which would enable us to reach our full potentials and be positive members to society. Due to the heavy emphasis of education in my family I have become interested in the inner workings of education, specifically education policy. After years of working within the governing systems of power my ultimate goal is to open a non-profit that allows at-risk children and teens in Chihuahua Mexico escape the drug trade through mentorship, academic and career support and through meeting basic needs like food, shelter and love.

Thanks to my rigorous education I have been able to see that this statement is a fallacy. Through my studies of subjects that deal directly with social justice issues I have come to see the deeply troubling nature of this statement. Working with fellow student leaders I have had experience dealing with issues that are very real, Issues such as racism, sexism, bigotry, harassment and hate. I want to work in education policy so that I can enact change within the education systems, specifically higher education. I hope to give opportunities are given to those who have historically been deprived of the resources and tools needed in order to succeed academically and in academic settings.

I will strive in any academic setting in which I am further prepared to engage in work that further impacts the lives of underprivileged students across the country. I am prepared to excel and meet the demands that this career path offers.