Meeting a Hero, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

 

For years, I have regarded Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as the pinnacle of an intelligent, hardworking woman in America. Once I heard about Just the Beginning's annual Supreme Court day, which provided an opportunity to meet and ask questions of Justice Ginsburg, I immediately applied. Just the Beginning encourages students from underrepresented communities to pursue career and leadership opportunities in the law.

 

Sachi Gosal '23, Norah Kanukolanu '23, Carden Royster '23, and I were all thrilled to be accepted into the program. Initially, my excitement stemmed from the once-of-a-lifetime opportunity to be in the same building, let alone at the same table, as one of my “s-heroes.” However, starting the day at the law firm Littler Mendelson P.C. to hear about the profession also sparked my interest.

 

We started with small group lunches, where we spoke with firm partners and heard their best advice on the importance of pro-bono work, the best way to manage law school, and the wide breadth of cases. After a short history about the important role of the Supreme Court’s power of judicial review and a review of some of Justice Ginsburg's landmark cases, we headed to the Supreme Court.

 

No words can describe the mix of excitement and nerves I felt before Justice Ginsburg walked in. While 30 of us waited in perfect rows, getting ready for a picture, I realized an empty seat near me was reserved for the justice herself. As I was trying able to fully process what was about to happen, she greeted us with a warm smile and a cheerful, “Good afternoon.”

 

She began our conversation by reflecting on the eight first chief justices and each one's impact on American history. She spoke about John Jay's treaty, a landmark decision in the George Washington administration and a concept Dr. Dudrow had taught us two days prior at NCS in U.S. History class. While taking questions from the audience, she explained the value of a pocket Constitution (all students who were at NCS in 8th grade have one, thanks to Mr. Sahr!), the importance of looking past the confines of political parties, and the truth behind some of her hardest cases: collegiality.

 

This opportunity taught me to take advantage of unique experiences at NCS like this one and about the importance of taking a risk in applying to amazing programs. Who knows? Maybe you could be meeting your icon next!