Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar Graduate, 2004, Political Science
University of Maryland Law School Graduate, 2007

The goal at the end of my tunnel is to serve on the Supreme Court. By studying law at the University of Maryland Law School, I hope to address issues of educational and social concern through legal advocacy and public policy directives. Further, I would like to engage in instrumental work on policies involving welfare, Head Start and other service-oriented programs and their implementation in localities around the country. Upon graduation, I endeavor to begin working for the Children's Defense Fund to promote systemic change through grass roots and targeted legal advocacy. It is my aim to be a catalyst for change within Maryland and the country on youth policy issues.

While a UMBC student, my internship at the Public Justice Center, a non-profit law firm in Baltimore, allowed me to see these policies in action. Our office made sure that people were represented and we tried to keep them from becoming homeless. I focused on juvenile justice and worker's rights issues. I usually spent two days a week in court and then researched and prepared for cases on the remaining days. I also interned with the American Youth Policy Forum in Washington, DC. My activities include interviewing members of Congress and their staff about youth policy issues, attending legislative hearings and writing policy proposals for senior fellows at the American Youth Policy Forum.

Through the Public Justice Center I became acquainted with a UMBC alumna who was a senior attorney there. She has become a mentor for me and has given me a lot of advice. She is one link in a great UMBC support system. Last year, I interned at the Circuit Court of Baltimore City with another UMBC alumnus, Judge David Young. Through my internship, I was able to draft judicial opinions as well as memorandums for court proceedings. Currently, I am involved in a judicial clerkship with Judge David Young.

UMBC has opened a new world to me. Everyone here starts on a clean slate; we help each other to succeed at UMBC. I feel enlightened and I know that this is just the start of a lifetime of constant learning.

Alicia Wilson was awarded the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship for students who plan to pursue a career in government or elsewhere in public service, and wish to attend graduate or professional school to help prepare for their careers. In addition, Alicia received t he Andrew Levy Scholarship, which is a $30,000 dollar scholarship awarded to two incoming law students to the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Click here for a celebration of Alicia's graduation from UMBC and here for a recent interview of Alicia on Baltimore's NPR station, WYPR.