Favorite law school memory
I don't have a favorite because there are countless, wonderful memories, but here are two brilliant highlights. When I was a 1L, Hannah and Riley threw me a surprise birthday party at Riley's house after knowing me for only four months. Little did they know, it was one of the greatest days of my life because I had never been thrown a surprise birthday party before. Justin made some of the best deviled eggs I had ever tasted in my life and Hannah made a homemade cake. Every finals week, Kiana, Emily and I would live on Emily's couch. We'd be sleep-deprived and half-dead every single day, all for the sake of good grades. Surviving off of Ramen and old movies. We hated every minute of it, but looking back, I would kill for one last finals season with my two best friends.
Inspiration
My father: the greatest, most inspiring man I've ever met. He worked in the coal mines to get through undergrad and law school. Growing up as a poor boy from Younger's Hollow, the youngest of five children, his work ethic allowed him to make a life for himself. This man is also my best friend. I grew up wanting to be just like him. And I wanted to graduate from WVU Law, just like he did. I walked through the halls before every final exam and touched his composite photo, hilariously trying to channel some brilliance through it (maybe it worked, only time will tell). I desired nothing more than to make him proud. At the end of three long years, I can finally say I did so. He was supposed to hood me at graduation this semester.
Special thanks
There are far too many friends, family members, professors, and colleagues that I could thank in this small little space. It is simply a shame I didn't get the opportunity to thank each and every one of you in person like you truly deserve. However, know this: Success isn't a solo effort. Every single one of you motivated, inspired, supported, and loved me* as I went through my three years here. Some of you offered me chances of a lifetime when far lesser persons wouldn't have. Some of you nurtured skills and abilities I didn't realize I was capable of. Some of you gave me the truths that I needed to hear. Some of you were steadfast confidants that exercised patience and kindness while allowing me to grow. Some of you taught me the way to find my own voice in this world while keeping my integrity intact. All of you, however, are responsible for creating the woman I became.
For that, I am forever thankful. I will keep each and every one of you in my heart, always. Until we meet again.
*don't worry, Jena, only "professional" love for you
