Adriana Rahana, a second-year student, was recently awarded scholarships from the Illinois Judges Foundation and The Assyrian American Bar Association. Rahana was specifically awarded the Harold Sullivan Scholarship from the Illinois Judges Foundation and the Kalogerakos Family Law Scholarship from The Assyrian American Bar Association.
“The scholarships I have been awarded will give me the opportunity to focus on my studies and give back to my UIC Law community, as well as the Assyrian American community, in a positive and impactful way,” Rahana said. “I am grateful to be surrounded by mentors who have truly taken me under their wing and encouraged me to seek opportunities like these.”
For both scholarships, Rahana had to complete applications which included a variety of essay prompts for different scenarios. In her submissions, she spoke about her devotion to pro-bono work, as well as her involvement within both the Law School community and her out-of-school community.
“I made a promise to myself that I would shape my own path and devote my life to becoming an advocate for marginalized people,” Rahana said. “I strive to empower and lead these marginalized communities toward legal and social equality and to defend others whose message may sometimes get lost or unheard; overshadowed by stigma.”
For students interested in scholarships, Rahana recommends applying sooner rather than later and trying to include letters of recommendation in applications. She also reminds students to not be discouraged if they do not win right away and the more scholarships they apply for the better chance they have at winning.
