Sorry not sorry in advance for all the law graduation photos y’all are about to get. I’m 41, never been married, have no kids, and most days society refuses to celebrate people like me. It’s been a very rough year but this is a bright spot for many of us. It was all worth it.
I PASSED THE BAR EXAM! 21 years ago rejected from 17 law schools. 4 years ago got into law school. 3 years ago put on academic probation. 2 years ago made Deans List. 6 months ago failed the bar. Now, at 42 years old I join the 2% of Black women lawyers. DREAMS DONT EXPIRE! 👩🏾⚖️
Almost 20 years to the day after getting rejected from almost 20 law schools, I am done with law school. I am Amber Goodwin M.S, J.D. I will walk across the stage in 24 days to graduate. Despite and in spite of it all, I persisted. 😭❤️👩🏽🎓
Found out I didn’t pass the TX bar exam. I didn’t disappoint myself. I tried SO hard to pass. I was so proud of the 41 year old in this photo who graduated law school after trying for 20 years + now I look forward to being proud of the 42 (🙏🏾) year old girl who passes the bar.
At 40 I was a 2L law student in the middle of a pandemic. At 41 I took and failed the bar exam. Passed the bar at 42 and started my dream career then. First time talking to a judge in a court was earlier this year at 43. Helped win a case the next month! Never too late. ❤️
Just got done with the bar exam after giving it (and the law) every inch of my life. It was horrific, scary, and humbling. Gonna go cry most of the night but cheers to doing one more (very very very) hard thing.
Another world is possible. So honored to be at the White House for this historic announcement. Thank you
@POTUS
@AmbassadorRice
@CedricRichmond
and everyone who helped get us here. To the survivors and folks on the front lines- this day is for you.
If someone had told me when I was rejected from many law schools 20 yrs ago that at 41 yrs old I would be in a magazine spread from a Bar Association while still in law school I would have said you were crazy. I only hope my ancestors are proud. tnx to
It’s official! I’m a LAWYER. 21 years ago I got that first rejection letter from law school. Lots of heart ache and rejection. Took the long and hard road but it was worth every setback, valley, and peak for this moment to join the 2% of Black women lawyers. ⚖️👩🏾⚖️
Photo of descendant of a slave graduating from law school in 18 days outside of the building that both enslaved our ancestors and gave us our freedom. I’ll never stop fighting for the liberation of all people. This law degree is a new tool in the tool box against oppression.
When I turned 30 I went to Olive Garden for all you can eat breadsticks.
@LinaHidalgoTX
turns 30 today and she is literally saving our county from a man made disaster + cleaning up the states mess. So proud of you Judge + hope you get some rest and breadsticks for your big day.
Walked the stage to get my law degree almost 20 years after getting that first rejection letter. I would have waited another 20 to have this feeling. On to the next assignment + I am so glad God isn’t done with me yet. Thanks for the love, y’all. ❤️👩🏾🎓
Thank you all for your kind words! If you can please support
@BlackBarAppFund
! Im the first lawyer in my family, however I was VERY blessed to be able to afford law school and the costs of taking the bar exam twice. Help get more Black law students across the finish line!
Thank you all! Nothing to promote but pls look up my law school if you’re gonna apply
@MitchellHamline
+ if you’re able donate to
@desmondmeade
@FLRightsRestore
- they do incredible work. Desmond wrote a rec letter for my applications + is one of the big reasons I got into school!
+ DM me if you’re applying and want advice on law school or are in and want motivation to keep going! Will write a separate thread on tips that helped me survive and thrive in law school!
This 👇🏾 I swam Division 1 at FSU and banning trans girls from sports is disgusting and unnecessary.The bans are harmful to the girls and without any rational basis or evidence. Caitlyn Jenner is basing her arguments on stupidity and fear.
Medical organizations, feminist organizations, and prominent cis women athletes, including Billie Jean King and Megan Rapinoe, have all spoken out against banning trans girls from sports. There is no evidence this is a problem anywhere.
Caitlyn Jenner is dead wrong on this.
Please center the people directly impacted by the tragedy in Boulder, and have survived/lost loves ones in places like Atlanta. Its past time to be political, but not at the expense of pushing out people who are directly impacted by these senseless murders. 1/2
I can’t put into words how kind, considerate, and encouraging your comments have been. It’s been a long road and this week in particular was very hard personally. Every single comment has lifted my spirits and given me the virtual hugs I’ve needed. Thank you so much. ❤️😭👩🏽🎓
Sorry not sorry in advance for all the law graduation photos y’all are about to get. I’m 41, never been married, have no kids, and most days society refuses to celebrate people like me. It’s been a very rough year but this is a bright spot for many of us. It was all worth it.
The 9 lives taken by gun violence in Charleston 7 years ago today will forever be on my heart. Praying for their families and community, always. They should be here. 💔
#EnoughIsEnough
Huge historic step in the fight to end gun violence while centering communities of color. Thank you
@POTUS
and for all the work that was done by survivors and folks on the frontlines who always believed another world was possible.
#fundpeace
#investinus
#EndGunViolence
“Words cannot express the devastation and heartache that our team is feeling right now upon learning of the tragic death of our teammate and brother, Ty Jordan,” Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham said.
If you’re wondering if Texans are ok. Many of us have been told to stay home for the last year for safety, yet now many homes are uninhabitable. Please be gentle when reaching out for things unrelated to recovery if you’re not located here. We need a break.
Four more years with the boss
@JosePGarza
. Justice and reforming a broken system was on the ballot- and the people of Travis county answered again! Proud of the voters, the DA and the team.
Ah! Didn’t expect this to blow up! Thank you all it means so so much. I’m really lucky to be able to afford the bar prep and the cost of taking the bar again but a lot of other Black students can’t- if you are able pls donate to
@BlackBarAppFund
today to help!!
I want to speak directly to the Black women in our country. Thank you. You are too often overlooked, and yet are asked time and again to step up and be the backbone of our democracy. We could not have done this without you.
1985 vs. 2021. Glad the girl on the right held on long enough + dreamed big enough to become to the girl on the right. 2 days until the big day, y’all!
Join us on Sat- the fight to end gun violence has not stopped because it’s not in the news as much. Survivors, advocates and those on the front lines deserve more. Hope to see y’all there! ✊🏾✊🏾
Being in the White House Rose Garden to hear POTUS announce executive actions is the best early birthday present this almost 42 year old kid who used to get kicked out of government class could ask for.
#endgunviolence
Here we go, again. Any thoughts, prayers, and help has already been + will continue to be greatly appreciated. Thank you to everyone who urged me to retake the bar exam. Knocked down once and getting back up again. Not counting myself out yet. The 20+ year journey continues.✊🏾😭
Thank you all so much! I had no idea my little story would blow up like this. Have nothing to promote but if you’re interested in law school check out
@MitchellHamline
blended programs + I’m starting a scholarship for future Black law students there- DM me for details!
Born+raised in Texas. My house still doesn’t have all power or water. People are dying. Im sad, angry, and mad as hell. Not ready to make a post about running for office (yet) + I will say LOUD and CLEAR my next 20 months will be spent getting
@GregAbbott_TX
out of office.
@soledadobrien
@Pamskid
@soledadobrien
👋🏾👋🏾😱the mere fact that you-an idol of mine- even took the time to write this tweet has given me motivation to keep going! Thank you so much and I will def be following up to take you up on that offer. Thank YOU!!❤️
Proud and honored to work everyday for
@JosePGarza
and asking you to support his re-election. A thread on why he is an incredible leader and friend that is laser focused on keeping Travis County safe, fair and just. I have worked with gun violence advocates and survivors
If you’re in Texas and want to join the (many) fights to end gun violence - because our communities are worth it- DM me or drop a note here. Organizing a call to action with
@KeepGoing_TX
@CJACTIONFUND
and many many more. ✊🏾
Celebrating a step forward on gun violence prevention. What an honor and privilege to do this work and see this moment. Grateful for everyone who paved the way for this to happen. Another world is possible.
Done and done with the Texas bar exam (again) thanks for any and everyone (in real life and online who I’ve never even met!) who have supported me in this 21 year journey! Results in two months. 😬🙏🏾❤️
🚨🚨🚨 If you’re in Texas looking for a vaccine I’ll drop whatever I’m doing to help you get it. Right 1A and B but others are opening up. Please DM me if you’re in need of support. Our state leadership is incompetent. 😷😷😷
Very big (hard) dreams do come true ⭐️. Lots and lots of work left to do in the fight to end gun violence but yesterday was amazing. Thank you to the survivors and organizers who had the courage to continue this fight for years. We owe this victory and the fight ahead to you.
Another day, another mass shooting. Everyday there are shootings in neighborhoods. There are solutions to reduce and end gun violence and policy makers refuse to do it. It’s beyond time to end gun violence.
Today is a hard day to be a woman + pro-gun safety in Texas. People will tell us to leave or work in another state. I will remind people that some of us will fight for the people here- not just ourselves- and the promise Barbara Jordan said we would have- until our last breath.
@awkward_duck
I’ll graduate from law school at 41 in a few weeks. I’m old enough to be my classmates mother but I would not change a thing. It’s never too late. I may not know how make a tik tok dance video but these kids are about to see me do the worm across the stage.
Thank you
@POTUS
+ the survivors and folks on the frontlines who have been doing this work for many years close to the pain of gun violence daily. It’s been a long time coming + the work continues, but that moment in the Rose Garden is a day I’ll never forget. 😭❤️
Message from my sister Dr. Joi. One of the first in Texas to get the vaccine. Even when on the frontlines she is consistently caring about others. We owe frontline workers everything.
Thank you
@Newsweek
for sharing my story! From a small town in TX, working in Congress + 20 year journey- I’m proud of the life I’ve chosen to live ❤️. “I was expected to be married and have kids at 41. I chose a different road and couldn't be happier"
@owusu723
@CharleneCac
Me too. I am so uncomfortable but I’m not able to articulate it without diminishing her. She’s phenomenal but something isnt right with some “people” in how they talk about her.
This virus has killed more than 40,000 Texans.
@GregAbbott_TX
's response? Ignore health professionals, attack mask rules, & endanger lives to score political points.
Locally, we must continue wearing masks & caring for our sick, despite the cowardice of our governor.
Thank you to folks like
@JosephSakran
,
@EricaFordNYC
@reggiemooremke
and so many others who kept us save and healthy this year. And every year. And everyday. Whether it was in the hospital saving patients or on the streets stopping the disease of gun violence- I am so grateful.
.
@XavierBecerra
has spent his career fighting to protect underserved communities and fought on the front lines of one of the most critical public health issues of our time: gun violence. He is the tested leader we need to lead
@HHSgov
.
I support Lia Thomas and her swimming career. As a former Division 1 swimmer (team captain) I look forward to seeing all the arm chair quarterbacks that never cared about womens swimming until this past weekend (+ gave their unsolicited opinion) at the next local swim meet.
All the cool kids in Austin are voting today or already voted early! Proud to cast my ballot for many of my friends including
@GregCasar
for Congress and
@VoteDyana
for County Clerk! Please don’t forget to vote!!!
In addition to the community in Uvalde, I’m thinking of my gun violence prevention friends and specifically survivors right now. Its traumatic. Think of the Sandyhook families when they heard the news today.
✨personal news ✨ (as they say) I’m so proud to be working for
@JosePGarza
and the
@DATravisCounty
! Today- led by survivors we outlined a strategic plan to reduce gun violence in our county. Take a look + thank you to many orgs who signed on to support!👇🏾👇🏾
We are grateful for the support from gun violence prevention experts, advocates for public safety, survivors of gun violence, and community leaders who have endorsed and informed our strategy.
+ many have asked if my DMs are open for advice on navigating the law school process after failure or rejection- YES!! Happy to help. Will also post a thread soon on more of what was helpful on my journey.
One of the strongest family I know. Biggest hearts. Unimaginable resilience. The fight to end gun violence continues with
@GloriaCazares82
@jazlikescheese
❤️✊🏾
We have become numb to the constant headlines of Mass Shootings.
Inaction is not a solution. Don’t wait until your community becomes the next trending hashtag.
#TheTimeisNow
As Director of the Domestic Policy Council,
@AmbassadorRice
will continue to be a passionate advocate and fighter for equality and racial equity and justice, reducing inequality, expanding opportunity, and promoting democracy, civil and human rights.
Wrote this on fb-sharing here that last night I said a sudden good bye to my best friend Penny Goodwin. My heart is broken after almost 10 years of hilarious antics together. Dogs are not humans but they help remind us that the world can be kind. I’ll love you for always PG. 💔
#MitchellHamline
is noted in this Hennepin Lawyer article (from
@mnbar
) for its work with incarcerated people in Minnesota, especially through its LAMP and Reentry Clinics, as well as efforts to find ways to get legal education to people in prison.
More:
More major news from
@POTUS
on executive actions for gun violence. Thrilled about this and that my friend
@davidchipman
has been nominated to run the ATF! What we worked and taught so hard for!
BREAKING: President Biden Announces Historic Executive Actions on Gun Violence, including directing five federal agencies to direct 25 federal programs to prioritize community violence prevention and intervention efforts.
#FundPeace
#InvestinUs
Finally back to my house a few hours ago. Have power (no drinkable/usable water or internet)but got my pipes that burst fixed. Grateful for the kindness of others this week including a neighbor who scaled my fence+stopped a leak she saw after I evacuated my home.
Thrilled to head back to
@WhiteHouse
today for this announcement. Every victory in this movement continues to be lead by survivors and those on the front lines. Its been years since many of us activists have seen each other in person- it’s gonna be an emotional and great day!
President Joe Biden will announce a new firearm regulation meant to contain the use of privately made weapons, senior administration officials said, as he comes under pressure to take more steps to address gun violence.
As a Black woman and baby future lawyer who spent the last four years studying the law + 21 years trying to become a lawyer- this vote for Judge Jackson is both a long time coming and surreal. Didn’t think this would happen in my lifetime + I’m so glad I alive to witness it. 👩🏾⚖️
Got to hug and hang out with Congressman elect Frost! A leader for gun safety and for survivors. Tomorrow he is sworn in and will help change the world. Gun violence advocates👏🏾are 👏🏾so 👏🏾proud 👏🏾of 👏🏾you ❤️❤️. Let’s go! (*my mask off for photo 😷*)
While walking home from graduation, a mother asked if her son could take a picture with us. She wanted her son to take a photo with black, male doctors. I told him to wear my gown and this will be him in a couple of years.
#MeharryMade
#MedTwitter
#MedStudentTwitter