EthiopianAmericanGirl

  Two weeks ago I got news that I passed the Maryland Bar Exam.  Years of hard work culminated to this very moment.  It was a plethora of feelings and emotions that I felt upon finding out.  This experience has been humbling.  It has made me dream bigger than I ever thought possible.  I can honestly say I hope I can only be a good example to others.  Especially to my Ethiopian brothers and sisters.  

Everyday growing up we heard our parents tell us, work hard, study hard, one day you will see the fruit of your labor.  As young kids we all likely felt the same feeling.  At least I know I felt it.  That feeling that all you want to do is go out and play, hang out with friends, watch tv.  We don’t realize when we are young how much our parents are actually right.  It takes great sacrifice to get anything you want.  I have had to sacrifice family gatherings, vacations, and nights out with friends.  All this was to reach one final goal.  The fulfillment of my dream as a young girl to become an attorney.  The dream is not over, I will still have to sacrifice in the future, but at the end of the day I know the result will be good.

The dream is not over.  See I have big plans.  The exact path is not determined yet, but I do know one thing I feel something in my heart guiding me and I’m listening.  The values my Ethiopian parents, family and extended relatives instilled in me taught me never to settle, to dream big, and to work hard.  For that reason I still do, I still will.

My advice to those younger than me is this: never lose sight of your dream.  Things may not always work out the way you initially plan, but at the end of the day If you keep your eyes on that final goal you can do it.  Our culture is rich and positive, but the reality is there are plenty of people that doubt your dreams.  So, don’t share all your dreams just pray on it, sleep on it, and work on it.  Anything worth having is not easy, if it were then everyone would have it.