by Angelica Tenorio-Gonzalez
The question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is typically asked of children as early as preschool or elementary school, and it continues throughout life. As we grow, our answers often shift; however, for some, like me, they remain the same. From a young age, I dreamed of becoming a lawmaker, but it was not until I got older that I realized how deeply this dream mattered and how difficult and important it was to pursue it here. In my case, my leadership and purpose lie within my home state of South Carolina – not because it is easy but because it is necessary.
As a woman from a Hispanic household with no members of my family holding a higher education degree or a career in law, I saw this dream as my chance to be “the first.” Now, as a junior in high school, I see it as something bigger: a way to be part of the change my state needs. To some, that may sound ambitious. But for me, it is my reality, and my reality is deeply tied to South Carolina, a state known for its southern charm, hospitality, and history.
For years, I faced confusion and even criticism when I shared this dream. So after many times, I avoided saying my true goal. Instead of just saying I wanted to become one of South Carolina’s lawmakers, I offered a safer, more “acceptable” response: “I want to be a lawyer.” Even then, I was met with stereotypes. Because I am a girl, people assume I like to argue, or they try to discourage me by saying few women succeed in law, and it will be difficult for me to find a job. Rarely do they see me and my dream as a harbinger of leadership, justice, and change.
In South Carolina, a dream like mine can feel heavy with doubt. The state has never had a female Hispanic attorney general, and while many Hispanic women have taken on important roles in law, this position remains largely inaccessible, and representation is scarce. In 2026, women made up only four percent of South Carolina’s Senate and just fourteen percent of the South Carolina House of Representatives, according to scstatehouse.gov. These numbers are discouraging, and they force me to ask myself difficult questions: Can I really be the change? Does my leadership truly belong here in South Carolina?
Despite these doubts, I know leadership is not about perfection but about character, competence, and commitment. I see this reflected in my own life. I serve in student government, attend leadership conventions, and participate in state programs. I do not share these experiences to boast but to demonstrate that I embody what leadership requires. Still, in the eyes of many, I have “shortcomings,” the main two being that I am a woman and Hispanic. Too often, girls in South Carolina are told to aim for “short jobs,” the kind that fit stereotypes rather than dreams. When women pursue law, politics, or other male-dominated fields, they are often dismissed or underestimated.
This lack of representation extends beyond politics. In law firms, women make up a large share of employees, but far fewer hold management or partner positions. Many eventually leave the profession because of the limited mentorship, unequal pay, or the absence of a supportive culture. For Hispanic women in South Carolina, these barriers are even higher. Without role models in top legal or political positions, young girls often give up on their ambitions before they even begin.
So, how do we improve South Carolina? The answer is representation. We need more women, especially women of color, in leadership, law, and government. We need schools and programs that encourage young girls to dream beyond stereotypes. We need mentorship opportunities for Hispanics who want to enter law and politics so they do not feel isolated on their journey. Most importantly, we need a culture that values women’s voices not as exceptions but as necessities.
My leadership lies in South Carolina. Not because the path is easy, but because it is hard. Not because it is wide, but because it is narrow. And if I can help widen it, be the change I wish to see, then maybe one day the next Hispanic girl in South Carolina will not wonder whether her dream is possible. She will know it is.
About Angelica Tenorio-Gonzalez
Angelica Tenorio-Gonzalez is a junior at Airport High School in West Columbia, where Erin Niland is her English IV teacher. The youngest of three siblings, Angelica dedicates much of her free time to serving her community. She also enjoys playing tennis, reading, and spending time with her family and her dog, Luna. She plans to attend the University of South Carolina and pursue a career in law.