Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Current Supreme Court
BTW got an amazing opportunity to host a Supreme Court Justice. Justice Sonia Sotomayor was talking at Tulsa University, and she chose to come speak at BTW. The BTW Teen Advisory Board organized it. A few weeks before they made a power point explaining who she was, and went to every English class telling the students about her. That was wonderful because the students needed to know who she was. I spent a day telling my students about her.
I wonder if the students get what a big deal she is! Once someone becomes a member of this prestigious court - they have a job for life! The have the awesome power to decide if laws are constitutional or unconstitutional! Think about that for a minute. That is incredible, and then America has to accept their decision whether we agree or disagree. That is powerful! And one of their members came and talked to us! Boy we are lucky!
Role of the Supreme Court
President Obama nominated her to the court, and the Senate confirmed her.
I was so excited to hear what she was going to say to the students, and she did not disappoint. One thing I loved was how down to earth she was. She was so real, and you could tell that she care about people. One impressive thing was she took a picture with every section. Even the Freshman at the very top! Here are the big ideas I got from her talk:
1. Build Bridges
She talked about this a lot. In every moment ask questions and get to know people. She said she does not like selective groups because that is segregation. Even if you do not understand a social situation. Ask questions, and clarify.
2. Suck It Up and Do It!
She talked about not understanding everything. She gave the example of Physics, but she did not let that stop her. She sought out alternative texts that helped her understand better. But ultimately you have to suck it up and do it! That got a big applause from the teachers. She also mentioned if you have never been overwhelmed by school - you are not challenging yourself. Be a Life Long Learner!
3. Give Back!
She said when you go to bed you should ask yourself two questions: what new thing did I learn today, and what did I do today to help someone? I loved that!
Justice Sotomayor was fantastic, and I did not want it to end! I hope the students got a lot out of it! She talked about her memoir a lot. It is inspirational!
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