2L Patricia Varona Garcia was awarded a scholarship from the Hispanic Lawyers Scholarship Fund of Illinois.
After learning of the scholarship from fellow student Alejandra Palacios, President of John Marshall’s Latino Law Student Association, Varona Garcia submitted an essay and application. After interviewing before a panel of HLSF trustees based on a number of factors, including her academic performance, law school engagement, and commitment to the Latino and legal communities, she was notified that she had been selected for the award.
It’s easy to see why. In her application essay, Varona Garcia, a military servicemember, passionately details her journey as a first-generation college student, the leadership skills she developed in the U.S. Army, and the sense of sacrifice she developed from her mother, a first-generation immigrant. By pursuing her law degree, she intends to give back to her community.
“I want to help the Latino community in any way I can, as well as demonstrate that although being a first-generation college student has been difficult, I am grateful for my experiences and background, which have molded me into a humble and understanding person,” said Varona Garcia.
Congratulations, Ms. Varona Garcia. We can’t wait to hear how you change lives.
Students interested in similar scholarships might be surprised how a little effort can go a long way. In Ms. Varona Garcia’s own words: “Find the time to apply for opportunities like these, because even if you aren’t selected for a scholarship, you might have the opportunity to meet other attorneys along the process that may be important to your career.”
