As of today, I’m a tenured Professor of Law (same day as @LeahLitman!). I can readily imagine myself in a different life – the one that I was on track for with a 10th grade education, unsafe living conditions, insecure minimum wage work. So, a few reflections.
First, I grew up in a wealthy nation, I’m white, cis-gender, a quick study. I had control over none of these things. Yet they've meant I haven’t faced barriers that others face when trying to move from basic survival to a life I love.
Next, for a story like mine to come out this way required both societal support - emergency housing, the free program that first taught me how write an essay (@UNSW – thank you!) & so much more...
AND individuals with zero obligation towards me who ntl took a leap of faith to support me, & to stick with me even when I made that really hard (you know who you are).
Without the latter I couldn’t have found or made use of the former.
We have to keep working on the former. Education is a *literal* lifeline & #firstgen need mentorship long before high school to even know what is possible. That part we can do. But it doesn’t help without so much more. Housing, healthcare. Back to Maslow – basic needs first.
All of these are multi-generational projects for those of us lucky enough to be born in places where our government & community have the resources to support those who need it. But the individual part is something every one of us can do right now.
I am still hit, daily, by waves of disbelief that I get paid to do what I love. And have a life filled with so many people I love & respect - with @BatrosBen at the top of any and all lists. @threadreaderapp unroll
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