Valerie Macedo

LSAC ID: L43014599

Personal Statement

My uncle was one of my most significant role models throughout my childhood. My

uncle is a practicing personal injury lawyer, and through my youthful eyes, he was precisely the

kind of person I wanted to be. He embodied professionalism, confidence, and leadership. The

possibility of advocating for justice became deeply ingrained in me from an early age. When

faced with the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up,” my answer was simple. I

was going to be a lawyer. My fascination with the legal field was ignited by a childhood marked

by simple curiosity, a love of reading, and the need to challenge my critical thinking and

analytical skills while seeking a demanding and rigorous profession that would push me to learn

and improve continuously. I was inspired and transfixed by accounts of legal triumphs and the

power of the courtroom.

However, as I matured, my interests took a different turn. I was drawn into the world of

science and began envisioning a future as a rheumatologist. In high school, my studies in biology

and chemistry brought me into the world of science and medicine. I quickly became fixated on

contributing to medical advancements as a rheumatologist. The intricacies of biological life

became a passion of mine, and I pursued an undergraduate degree in biological sciences. I

wanted to learn more than the surface-level biology and chemistry taught at the high school

level, so I entered LSU’s biological sciences department. LSU allowed me to delve into the

intricacies of cellular processes, and I was able to participate in a research lab beginning my

sophomore year. In this lab, I executed purification experiments of recombinantly expressed

human proteins to test the quality of expression protocols, presented findings to my professor,
and made evidence-based recommendations to improve purification yields. Throughout these

years, I sharpened my critical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills—skills that

will prove invaluable in my goals.

Yet, as I sit here, my journey has led me back to my original dream. I seek to forge a path

that will intertwine my passion for law and science. Throughout my rigorous biological science

studies, I continued to feel a subtle tug towards the legal field. I shrugged off the feeling,

assigning it to my nerves about the medical field, but as this pull gained momentum, I could not

ignore it. I reached out to a lawyer and inquired about the possibility of interning with him over

the winter break of my junior year to explore the attraction of the legal field. After an interview,

Mr. Wilder granted me a position as an intern and took me under his wing. Working under him

made me aware of the intersections between law and science. I learned that complex legal and

ethical considerations accompany many groundbreaking medical advancements. Intellectual

property rights, regulatory compliance, and ethical dilemmas are pivotal in scientific progress.

I began to see the little divide between law and science and that they share a symbiotic

relationship. My journey has come full circle, and the legal field can provide me with a unique

avenue to effect positive change. There is no need to choose between law and science when I can

blend them into a career that is my own. I am eager to immerse myself in the legal complexities

of intellectual property, biomedical ethics, and health policy.

In seeking admission to the University of South Carolina School of Law, I am driven by a

passionate commitment to the pursuit of justice and a deep-rooted aspiration to make a

meaningful impact in the legal field. My journey to become part of this esteemed institution is

motivated by a strong desire to expand my horizons. I have had the pleasure of being raised in

Texas and living through the cultural nuances that came with it. After high school, I made the
decision to leave Texas to experience a new area of the country, rich with its own cultural values.

Despite the daunting experience of leaving my home and everything I once knew; I created a

new life for myself in the city of Baton Rouge. This task was not easy, but I have grown in ways

I did not imagine. Moving to South Carolina will afford me the opportunity of limitless personal

and professional growth that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I hope to intertwine my

colorful tapestry of life experiences to the University of South Carolina Law School.

I am attracted to USC Law School's dynamic and diverse community, where students and

faculty engage in critical discourse. South Carolina Law School promises a rigorous academic

journey, and the institution's commitment to providing a high-quality education aligns with my

goal of acquiring a strong foundation in law. The commitment to upholding ethical values and

promoting professionalism resonates with my ethical standards and principles. In my desire to be

admitted to USC Law School, I am seeking the highest legal education and the opportunity to

contribute to the school's vibrant community. Throughout my life, I have developed a respect for

the principles of law and their transformative power and have witnessed how the law can be a

driving force for positive change. My journey from childhood dreams of becoming a lawyer

combined with a fascination and passion for science has shaped me into a candidate eager to

bridge two seemingly disparate worlds.

I look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead and am eager to embark on this

transformative educational experience.