Mackenzie Williams
Mackenzie’s Story
In elementary school, all my hopes and dreams were founded on a sewing machine. I remember the delight in my mother’s eyes as she watched me unwrap it on Christmas Day and how much her excitement mirrored my own. Mom’s joy was even more prominent as she watched me parade around in my newest “masterpiece,” a sleeveless silk lavender top and matching pink skirt. After playing around with the machine for a few hours, I sketched a variety of gowns into a wide-ruled notebook, all while America’s Next Top Model played on TV.
Each and every moment spent sketching away at a page meant additional opportunities to one day see my designs appear on runways and in magazines all over the world.
By sixth grade I had tossed enough unfinished sketches into the trash to realize being a fashion designer wasn’t what I wanted. I took one foot inside of the second-floor English classroom and everything shifted because that was where I signed up for the debate team. Debate allowed me to inquire about the world and how it could change. I continued with debate in high school, building experience with topics that increased in intensity. As my expertise about societal issues and international relations deepened, I became passionate about arguing my case in front of an audience. My opponents and a judge no longer felt like enough.
A round of competitive debate strengthens my belief that my words can one day institute meaningful social change.
With the added intensity of debate came additional stress. What made it worthwhile, however, was the strong support system of people who loved the craft as I did. In moments where quitting seemed like the only option, I would look back not just on the gratification that came with winning a round, but also the nights after rounds when our team would strut into a Waffle House clad in pantsuits, ties, and blouses. “DixieLand Delight” would play on the jukebox as we laughed and talked strategy for the next day. Those moments made me realize that any change I wanted to make in this world would be for this family first, whether they ever realized it or not.
It’s this drive and determination that I plan to one day bring to the courtroom.
The summer before my junior year, I traveled to a Law and CSI program in Washington D.C. Befriending people from all over the country, listening to different speakers, and participating in a simulated mock trial was a surreal experience. This, however, wasn't what sold me on pursuing a career in law.
What solidified my decision was actually a chair.
It was a deep green judge's chair in the middle of a D.C. courtroom, with a full view of everything from the defendant’s table to the public seating benches to the large frames of past and present Supreme Court Justices. I could even see my reflection in the luster of the wooden desk. At the time, I had no real aspirations of being a judge but sitting in that chair lit a fire. I envisioned standing in a courtroom and delivering one of the best opening statements of my career.
Knowing the number of people in my life who want to see me realize my vision made the experience even better.
Just as my mom giving me a sewing machine amplified my dreams of being a designer, the support of my team instilled in me a determination to put my potential into advocacy and law. If it weren’t for them, my goals would be less clear than they are today. I’m reminded that I carry this support with me through each part of my life, and this helps me visualize my aspirations and maximize my potential.
Both my immediate, and my not-so immediate family helped clarify my thoughts about exactly what and for whom I am working.
Education
School: Ramsay High School
Expected Graduation: May 2021
GPA: 4.0