Career vs Character #WooPigSueMe

This past weekend we (Victoria & I) were honored to attend the commencement of the class of 2023 from the University of Arkansas School of Law. We were there to celebrate Imogen’s achievement of graduating with a Juris Doctorate. Walking to the ceremony I thought of her graduation three years earlier. If you spend anytime with Imogen, you will notice she is incredibly intelligent, has a love for the law / learning, is analytical with the foundation of fact based, and a passion for serving others that can’t help themselves. These are traits I had on my mind, remembering that day thinking of how much work she had in front of her, but never worried about her completing the journey. The “ONLY” question would be how “Successful” or “% of the Class” she would be as you will also learn Imogen is competitive so she wants to be the best she can be.

For anyone that doesn’t know what is required to receive a Juris Doctorate, let me give you some of the bullet points.

? 90 Semester Hours of Coarse Work in three years

? Extensive hours of study to learn to understand, communicate and utilize the principles of law.

? Study for the Bar Exam – 600 to 900 hours.

But life also happens….

? She became engaged to wonderful young man Brennen

? She became a mom to our beautiful grand doggy – Rocky, anyone knows how hard it is to have a puppy let alone an Australian Shepherd.

? She’s planned her wedding, which is weeks after taking the bar this summer.

We were fortunate that she could pop in from time to time to have lunch with her mum as our home is right down the street from Imogen’s office. We heard stories of what she was working on, what the next test was or hurdle she had to overcome. But much of the time she would just go to a spare room or the couch, so she could grab a quick nap to help restore some energy that was obviously much depleted. She had sacrificed much personal time, missed out on events to study instead, and also financially by not having a significant amount of free time for paid work.

Back to Today – These accomplishments are not to be understated. We’re so happy for everything that Imogen worked for to achieve and make her goal a reality.

? She’s graduated with honors and Cum Laude in her class. (Top 25%)

? She will be starting her career with, Harrington, Miller, Kieklak, Eichmann & Brown, P.A. in Springdale, Arkansas.

? She’s studying for the Bar – not to just pass, but to challenge herself as to where she can place.

We are so very happy for what your future holds, and were very proud of what you have accomplished even before you walked across the stage. But, just didn’t realize how much you had already accomplished until we were at the commencement when the dean announced that you had…

? Won the Robert F. Fussell Pro Bono Award, an honor given annually to the Law student who gives the most hours to pro bono service. Service, giving and professional responsibility exemplified by Judge Fussell’s distinguished career in public service and his dedication to pro bono work.

? 380 Total Pro Bono hours – over 20% of the entire classes effort.

? Only 20 hours can be worked Pro / Bono in the first year. (None in the first semester)

I’m excited for your future, not for only what you have accomplished academically, but also knowing that your influence is making the world a better place. Of the 380 hours that you gave to someone else, we know you could have used that time to study the last 2 years. But, in making someone else’s live better through your personal sacrifice, is more impressive than even your grades (Straight A’s). You didn’t do it for rewards, accolades, but for your personal beliefs to help others. You’re already going to be a great attorney with a lucrative career opportunity a head of you, but your character of doing the right thing for other makes has already made you a success. Cynthia Nance, dean of the law school. Graduates "join us in a noble profession" where they'll speak on behalf of others, protect and defend their rights, and preserve the rule of law "for all of us." This class is already on the right track, as they devoted nearly 1,800 hours of pro bono service to the community.?