For much of high school, Anthony believed his future was under the hood of a car. As part of the automotive track at Ralston High School, he spent his days learning about engines and diagnostics. But deep down, he knew something was missing. “I realized last November that while I liked cars, it wasn’t something I could see myself doing for the rest of my life,” he says. “It just didn’t feel fulfilling.”
Now a rising senior, Anthony has made a dramatic pivot—from gears to gavels.
Since childhood, Anthony has been fascinated by the law. His mother often joked that his talent for arguing would serve him well in the courtroom. But for a while, college—and the idea of becoming a lawyer—felt out of reach. “I used to think college was just expensive and not worth it,” he says. “But everything changed last year.”
That shift began with an unexpected spark. Anthony attended the University of Nebraska Kearney’s (UNK) Pre-Law Day mostly to get out of school for the day. But as he listened to faculty and students talk passionately about the legal field, something clicked. “It opened my eyes. That day really made me feel like, ‘This is where I want to be. This is what I want to do.’”
Building a Community for Future Legal Leaders
Motivated and newly focused, Anthony joined forces with another student who had heard about his interest in law. Together, they co-founded the Ralston Pre-Law Club—a student-led group aimed at connecting aspiring legal professionals and opening doors to real-world experiences.
“Ralston Pre-Law is one of the best things that’s happened to me this year,” Anthony says. “We started with just an idea, but we found out we weren’t alone. A lot of other students are interested in law too.”
The club is already planning visits to law firms and looking into joining Model United Nations. They’re even exploring ways to connect with students at other schools.
For Anthony, law is more than a career path—it’s a calling. He wants to be the kind of lawyer who changes lives for the better. “I’m really interested in immigration and criminal law,” he shares. “A lot of people can’t afford a good lawyer. Everyone deserves a strong defense and someone to stand up for them.”
He’s keeping his college options open, but UNK is high on his list. Their political science program aligns well with his goals, and his visit there helped him visualize the possibilities ahead.
Prepared, Not Panicked
Anthony also credits College Possible with helping him feel more prepared and confident as he looks ahead to college. He joined the program on the recommendation of his aunt, who was also a participant.
One event that made a major impact was Dollars for Scholars Day, which gave him hands-on support with essay writing, searching for scholarships, and speaking with college representatives. “That day gave me so much insight,” he reflects. “It was an invaluable experience.”
Looking around, he saw a clear difference between the students who were struggling with college planning and those who were part of College Possible. “I have some older friends who were super stressed because they didn’t know how to apply or what steps to take,” Anthony says. “But the students I knew in College Possible weren’t stressed like that. That gives me a lot of confidence.”
For Anthony, higher education means one thing above all: opportunity. He knows that earning a degree is the first step toward building a meaningful career and a life where he can give back—not just to others, but to the person who’s supported him most. “My mom has been the only constant in my life,” he says. “She works so hard, and I want to retire her someday. I want to help her the way she’s helped me.”
Anthony dreams big—Harvard Law is on his radar—but his heart is rooted in Nebraska. Wherever his journey takes him, he’s committed to staying grounded in his purpose. “I want to stay in Nebraska and help my community. I don’t want to forget why I started, and I want to help as many people as I can.”
