Believe in Yourself

My journey to law school was never easy. While studying nursing in college, I found myself feeling lost and buried in work that didn't interest me. I tried all the options available and spent all my free time taking classes in various fields like nutrition, massage, psychology, and computer science. I took all the exams and became a certified dietitian and massage therapist. I even tried to become a psychological counselor and took the National Psychological Counselor exam. During this exploratory phase, I discovered my passion for law and realized it was an area where I could fight for justice, improve healthcare and quality of life. When I expressed my desire to attend law school, many people, including some teachers, told me that it was impossible with a Chinese nursing background, especially in America where the competition is intense. However, I refused to believe them and worked tirelessly every weekend, during breaks, and even on Chinese New Year to study TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, LSAT, and apply to law schools. I successfully achieved my dream and was accepted into an American law school. 

In 2017, I moved to Cleveland, Ohio, to pursue an LLM degree in Intellectual Property Law at Case Western. However, studying law in a foreign country with a second language presented numerous challenges. I had to work twice as hard as my peers to keep up and get good grades. Discrimination was a constant barrier. As an Asian female law student who wasn't born in the United States, I was laughed at by classmates if I asked too many questions during class. I was also alienated by some friends when I showed ambition. But I truly love Case Western and enjoyed my time studying there.

While at Case Western Reserve University, during my last semester of LLM study, I expressed my desire to pursue a JD degree at another law school. However, a professor and director advised me against it, and told me, “With your scores, you cannot make it to a much better law school”. Despite this, I continued to work hard and graduated top of my class. I also performed well in my first year of law school at Case Western and eventually transferred to The George Washington University Law School. As a woman, I faced discrimination and disapproval whenever I expressed my ambition to achieve greater success, and I often got disqualified because of my race, my gender, and my nationality.

However, my beloved mentors reminded me that "You cannot hide yourself" and "Never let people tell you what you cannot do". I am grateful for the wonderful people in my life who encouraged and inspired me. Most of my ancestors were either teachers or doctors. My great-grandfather, a primary school principal, was persecuted during the Cultural Revolution and committed suicide by throwing himself into a well. From him, there was never an educator in my family anymore. My dream is to become an educator after practicing law for 10-20 years, so that I can give back to society all the love, help, and hope that I received from others. Education is a powerful tool that helps people achieve their full potential and become the best version of themselves. Law, medicine, and education are my passions. I will follow my heart and pursue my dream. I believe that success is measured by the positive impact we have on others. 

With the Honorable Judge Marblestein-Deare at the D.C. Superior Court

With the Chief Judge Josey-Herring, the first woman Chief Judge of D.C. Superior Court at American University

With the President of the D.C. Bar, Mr. Charles R. Lowery Jr. in Washington, D.C.

With the U.S. Congressman Larry Bucshon, MD

With Co-Deans: Dean Berg and Dean Scharf at Case Western Reserve University School of Law

With Madam President Granberg, the first woman President of the George Washington University at GW

With the President of the American College of Legal Medicine, Dr. Eli Avila, MD, JD, MPH, and the President-Elect, Dr. Jennifer Sullivan, DMD, JD, in San Diego, California

With the Supreme Court Justice Breyer at GW Law

With Dr. Underwood, the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the American Medical Association

With my dearest Dean Matthew, Dean of The George Washington University Law School at GW Women's Basketball Game

With the Honorable Judge Melvin R. Wright, the founder of the Melvin R. Wright Youth Law Fair at the D.C. Superior Court

With Congresswoman Barbara Comstock

With my beloved Professor, Professor Jing Zhang. Without her generous help and support, I could never make it to the law school.

With the Co-anchor of the PBS NewsHour, Mr. Geoff Bennett, at AMA Conference

With the Supreme Court Justice Breyer at GW Law