McNeill Hawkins, of Arlington, is one of five D.C.-area recipients of a full scholarship to the University of Phoenix, which was awarded by the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington.
How will you use your scholarship?
I chose to pursue my master’s degree in administration of justice and security, which will give me a foundation in the law until I get to law school. My plan originally was to … go straight to law school. But I wasn’t quite ready for law school mentally, and I didn’t want to sit idly. I think that working and pursuing a master’s degree will really help me in terms of procrastination and determination and it will help me transition into a full-time law school student.
What is your relationship with the YMCA?
My Y story, unlike a lot of people, didn’t start as a child. My Y story didn’t begin until I started working there last July and dealing with the people in my community, especially those who can’t afford a membership. Because the YMCA is a nonprofit, we can’t turn anybody down for a membership. That, to me, is an inspiration.
What are your career goals?
I want to be a lawyer. I’m thinking criminal or family law. Part of me wants to move away from the Arlington community and help other communities, because there is a need here, but in other areas there is a much greater need. Hopefully with a law degree I can help those individuals who aren’t fortunate enough to [be able to] pay retainer fees and $300-plus hourly rates.
Do you have advice for others who are trying to make a positive impact on their communities?
I would say just go after your dreams. There are going to be a lot of different roadblocks and people that don’t agree with what you are trying to do for other people. … But you just have to continue to push forward and fight for what you believe in.
