Writing this personal statement has been interesting. When it comes to human rights, I feel that no credential is better than the experience of being oppressed. I think that’s why although I’ve already written tons of versions of this personal statement in an effort to include “relevant coursework, preparation in language, professional activity”, I continue to return to the version based off of my own personal life. Deeply intimate thoughts and previous feelings of being dehumanized and made to feel worthless, are valid enough for me. My interest in the field does not stem from any formal education, let alone any professional activity I’ve done in preparation to arrive at this point. It stems from my deeply rooted need to develop a world where humanity is treated as such, and where people are free to be whoever they are, or whoever they want to be, without any barriers.