I love the theme this year! It reminds me of my past and how it shaped my future ambitions.
Two years ago, I became a mother. I started as a single parent, but many of the challenges that usually come with single parenting were lessened for me because I had an incredible support system. However, I believe the most difficult challenge I faced was learning how to cope with custody law and learning how to successfully coparent. At the time, I knew nothing about family law and I was still learning how to be a mother, so I was terrified. I decided to combat the fear by gaining competence. I learned about law, spoke with many attorneys, and attended seminars. Before long, my fear dissipated and I found the courage to start studying for the LSAT and then enter law school with the goal of helping others who are scared like I was.

Throughout my journey of single parenthood and law school, I realized the qualities I depended on the most were competency, courage, and consideration. As an attorney I plan to continue to depend on these qualities. I will defend women with competency while giving them the competency to succeed in their endeavors. Also, I want to use my courage to represent them and revamp their courage to contest for better circumstances. Lastly, I will use my consideration to give women the optimism to trust in other women.
Ultimately, I hope to remind women that these three qualities are like gems that are instilled into their crowns and with a little polish and attention they can shine as bright as they want them to.