Henry Hess
My name is Henry Hess. I am a third-year studying Law, Societies, and Justice minoring in American Indian Studies and Public Policy. I am a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma and a descendant of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, and I was born and raised in Washington, D.C. Growing up in D.C., I was able to witness policy making and implementation. As a tribal member, much of the policy that affects my people happens in Congress. In high school I engaged in research on the Indian Health Service and the massive health disparities affecting Native Nations. Through this research I was exposed to the need for better health services, and the potential for policy change to address those needs. I intend on pursuing a Juris Doctor after undergrad and working as a lawyer and advocate on behalf of Native Nations. The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship supports Native students like me who are receiving their degrees for the benefit of Native Nations and peoples.
Goals
I want to go to law school and earn my Juris Doctor. I hope to work in the national tribal policy space as an advocate and a lawyer.
Tips
Plan ahead as early as possible. Sometimes timelines can be tight, so make sure you are planning ahead and getting started as soon as possible. If you know there is a timeline later in the year, start working on the application as soon and as early as you can. Even if it is just reaching out to letter writers early or drafting some ideas for essays, getting started early on will never hurt.
