Honor Society® member
Serenity Hoagland
- English literature
- Class of 2026
- Phoenix, AZ
Member since April 2026
About
My life has never been a straight line; it’s been a series of obstacles that I’ve had to outrun. While most high school juniors are worrying about prom, I have spent years navigating the foster care system and acting as a primary caregiver for myself due to my mother’s struggle with addiction and my dads struggle with addiction and death. Living in a household where stability was a luxury and safety was never guaranteed, I had to mature very fast.
Currently, I am living in a transitional situation away from my mother’s home to protect my peace and my future My only consistent financial support benefits every month from my father, which covers my basic needs and activities that I want to do, while I focus on my education. Contributing to the cost of college seems impossible on paper, but my transcript tells a different story. Despite the chaos, the family betrayals, and the constant 'noise' of my environment, I have maintained higher then a 3.0 GPA in high school and earned college credits with a college Gpa(3.)4.
I overcome these obstacles by treating my education like my ticket to freedom. I don't just ' go to school I use it as a blessing. I am determined to become a Family Lawyer because I’ve already been doing the work reading legal documents, protecting myself, and advocating for myself in a system that often forgets people like me. I am not defined by the addiction or the abuse in my past; I am defined by the resilience it took to stay standing. I’m proof that where you start doesn't dictate where you finish.
Education
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Asu
english literature
2026 – Present
Goals and interests
- Career goal
My long-term career goal is to earn two degrees—one in law and one in residential interior design—so that I can build a successful and meaningful future in both fields. I aspire to pursue a career in family law, where I can advocate for and support individuals and families through challenging situations, especially those who may not have a strong support system. In addition, I am passionate about residential interior design and hope to eventually start my own business, creating functional and inspiring living spaces. I am committed to continuing my education, gaining real-world experience, and developing strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills that will allow me to succeed and make a positive impact in both careers.
- Graduate school interests
Upon completing my undergraduate studies at Arizona State University, I plan to pursue a dual-path educational goal that reflects both my advocacy and creative strengths. My primary focus is to obtain a Juris Doctor (JD) degree to specialize in Family Law, while concurrently or subsequently earning a degree in Residential Interior Design.
I am particularly interested in graduate programs and professional opportunities in Philadelphia or Atlanta, two cities with vibrant legal and design communities. My goal is to build a unique career where I can protect families' legal rights while also helping them create stable, beautiful home environments. By maintaining a 4.0 GPA and engaging in leadership roles now, I am proving my ability to handle the rigorous workload required to master two distinct professional fields. I am dedicated to excellence in both the courtroom and the residential space, ensuring my future clients have security in every aspect of their lives.
Experience
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Basketball refeere
Boys and girls club of america
Apr 2026 – Jun 2026
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Team member
Salad and Go
Apr 2026 – Present
Languages
- English (US) Advanced
Additional information
Organizations
