Post by Callie Fucarino

Life update/reflection: Two weeks ago, I graduated cum laude from American University Washington College of Law. This officially made me the most educated person in my family and proudly the first J.D. recipient. That being said, I did not get here on my own. There are so many people whose shoulders I stood on; this post could be a dissertation. But one person in particular deserves her flowers. My mother, a single mom of four and special education teacher, instilled in me from a young age that knowledge is power and caring for others is vital; success will follow. Her charge at the beginning of every school year (and there were many) was “Be a nerd and raise your hand!” And that I did. After being a student for almost 20 of my 27 years, leaving the classrooom to face the “real” world is intimidating. But I know the teachers I have learned from, beginning and ending with my mom, have prepared me. Next stop: Bar prep, then onward to Prince William County’s Office of the Public Defender! Wish me luck!