The workshop on Sonia Sotomayor opened my eyes to the whole issue of sex and race. Why is it that, still today, society shows its sexism and racism? Although it’s a breakthrough having Sotomayor as the first female Hispanic (“Latina”) on the Supreme Court, it feels like it should have happened ages ago. Fortunately, we have her now, as the voice for the minorities.
The three speakers at the workshop spoke about her life, how she got to where she is now, and all the obstacles she had to face. It’s hard to fathom that Sotomayor came from such humble backgrounds. She had to fight through sexism throughout her college career at Princeton University, it having been only its third year accepting female students. People who were inspired by her as well spoke about how stern and hard-working she is as a justice (“methodical and measured”), and, yet, how “sweet” and caring she is outside of work. Those who were against her just ended up pushing her further to prove them wrong.
I have a whole new respect for Sotomayor now, and I’m glad I was able to take this information with me. Hopefully, as the years pass by, we will see more female justices and more minorities.