My name is Alina, and I am a first-generation American determined to become a lawyer and a Figure of Light for others. Both of my parents immigrated from Ukraine to the United States, and much of my extended family still lives in war-torn Ukraine. Growing up, I saw how law, order, and governance shapes lives, and also how its absence can bring chaos and suffering. These experiences taught me that in a world with so much darkness, law can be a beacon: a tool for fairness, protection, and hope.

I have been a figure skater for 14 years, and my dedication to the sport has shaped both my education and my character. I was homeschooled to train competitively on a rigorous schedule, and over the years I became a North Atlantic Regional Champion, an Eastern Sectional competitor, and a two-time U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist. Figure skating taught me how structured rules, discipline, and accountability create fairness and opportunity, a lesson I now carry into my work in law. The sport has also shown me how fragile life can be: several of my close friends in the figure skating community were tragically lost in the American Airlines 5432 plane crash, an event that reinforced the importance of guidance, safety, and hope. The ice has shown me that even in high-pressure, high-stakes environments, clarity and order can guide people safely, and that the right guidance can light the way.

I am also deeply interested in Formula 1, a sport I discovered through a close friend. What began as curiosity quickly grew into a serious hobby: I created a social media page where I share commentary, analysis, and humor about the sport. My posts have been recognized by ESPN, F1, and other outlets, and I now earn commissions through this work. F1 has reinforced the same lesson: systems, rules, and strategy can create order in fast-paced, complex environments, and understanding them can allow us to navigate challenges with clarity and confidence.

My commitment to law is personal and action-driven. I completed an internship with the New York State Unified Court District, gaining first-hand experience in court procedures and legal processes. I also completed a Columbia University pre-college course on The Supreme Court and Major Topics in U.S. Law, which deepened my understanding of constitutional law, civil rights, and judicial accountability. These experiences showed me that law is more than rules on paper, it is a tool to create light in moments of darkness, protect the vulnerable, and hold systems accountable.

Every part of my journey, from my family’s immigrant story, competitive sports, exploring complex systems like F1, and direct experiences in law, has shaped my vision of how I want to use law as a force for good. I aspire to be a Figure of Light: someone who illuminates injustice, creates clarity where there is chaos, and uses the power of the law to guide and protect others.