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The memoir of Sonia Sotomayor in “My Beloved World” was a refreshing reminder that character is a building block of success.
Sonia’s parents were from Puerto Rico, where they had very humble beginnings on each side of the family. This appreciation formed Sonia’s character from a young age. Although she was naturally smart and determined, it was her character that got her where she is today. I suspect that God has also had His hand over her life.
Sonia had juvenile diabetes and gave herself the insulin injections from the age of eight. She attended Parochial schools which her mother worked long hours to afford, while raising children as a widow, living in the projects. Sonia’s father had been an alcoholic and died when she was in grade school.
Sonia had a marriage for a few years that ended in divorce. She never remarried or had children.
Although discrimination could be a part of life, Sonia never let it get to her. She focused on her education and achieved a college degree, law school, becoming a District Attorney, judge and United States Supreme Court Justice.
I have never paid much attention to or understood politics and the news. I don’t know her stance on various topics. I can tell from her memoir, that she seems to be cool, calm and collected under pressure, which is a characteristic we could all improve on. Even when being discriminated against or insulted by a person with prejudice, she has been the better person by not returning those words. Instead, she uses wisdom to discern the right words to address the situation.
Without knowing her, from this memoir, I respect the grace with which she has used in the course of her life. She is a role model to anyone who is willing to take the road of wisdom, rather than folly. She learned to listen and choose her words wisely. Although she encountered the obstacles of discrimination, she got the attention of people along the way who saw something in her.
You never know who is watching you. You can seek the trappings of material wealth and fame by taking shortcuts, or you can stay steady and focused, grateful for your blessings and work hard and stand for something. Those who seek temporary gratification may get what they are seeking, without even considering that there may be something better out there. Those who appreciate and respect life may be pleasantly surprised when that once in a lifetime opportunity comes along, like being appointed to the Supreme Court. Good for you Sonia. Well deserved.
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Source by Laura M Schroeder
