Caroline Hecker

Personal Statement

Whenever I am asked how I would describe myself to a stranger, I harken back to Lisa

Simpson. Yes, that Lisa Simpson the middle child of Fox’s whacky cartoon family, The

Simpsons. To me, Lisa is an FCC-censored, animated crusader for social justice. While I

regrettably decided to leave her spikey hair and bright yellow skin aside, even though those

characteristics would have easily distinguished me from other applicants, I have chosen instead

to personify her most redeeming qualities. In case you are unfamiliar with her character, Lisa is

the moral center of a dysfunctional community, not afraid to defend her beliefs with passion and

evidence. Just like Lisa, I am known for my resilience in pursuit of my goals, my dedication to

my work, and my ability to lead by example.

During my sophomore year, I was taking a major requirement course and found myself

struggling. Rather than being critical or giving up, I accepted that I needed to approach the

material in a different way. I reviewed the textbooks chapters more thoroughly and eventually I

approached the program coordinator. I went to his office hours to discuss my concerns. He was

considerate enough to sit down with me a few times a week after lecture in order to explain

concepts and check practice problems he had assigned to me. When my classmates noticed my

increased participation, they confided that they were struggling like I had been. Since the

coordinator’s office was not large enough to accommodate all of us, I began to host study

sessions for my classmates. I would learn the material from outside sources and share my

knowledge with my peers on my own time. This is just one example of how I define success:

assisting my classmates while furthering my own education in the process, something I learned

from Lisa.
 In addition, I have applied what Lisa taught me to other work. During my criminal law

class, I displayed such genuine enthusiasm that my professor asked me to be a teaching assistant

for the following semester. With Lisa as my golden standard, I took on the responsibility and

took pleasure in assisting other students. The next semester I had the opportunity to study abroad

in France, which afforded me a different perspective from which to learn and grow. I returned to

College Park as a bi-lingual student with a broadened worldview.

As an intern for the Baltimore District Court Re-entry Project and in the Maryland

General Assembly, I tackle my tasks with passion and use my time management skills to balance

school and outside experiences. In the District Court, I assume the role of a quasi-advocate and

social worker to help individuals limit their exposure to the Criminal Justice System. My

position allows me to apply knowledge from the classroom and give the most vulnerable citizens

a few of the tools they need to succeed. Moreover, I am fortunate that my internship in the

General Assembly is with Senator Bobby Zirkin, who is Chairman of the Judicial Proceedings

Committee. Each of my internships dovetails perfectly with my interest in pursuing a career in

law. With Lisa in my back pocket, I have been able to take full advantage of what these

opportunities offer. They have provided me with exposure to the interworkings of the court

system and the legislature, and allowed me to apply so much of what I have learned in my

studies at the University of Maryland.

Although Lisa Simpson is simply a fictional character, she resonated with me at a young

age and she has become my role model. As a child, I tried to emulate her. As an adult, I embody

her determination, her passion for her endeavors, and her hardworking qualities in every task I

undertake. Thank for this opportunity; I am honored to even be considered for this distinguished

award.