Ever since I expressed my interest in law, people have been asking me what drew me to it, and what type of law I want to practice. I haven’t been able to give a good answer.
My parents have always raised me to give back to society. Even as I started preschool, I remember them impressing upon me — like the stereotypical Asian parents — that education was paramount. They wanted me to get a great education, not to get a great job and become wealthy, although that would be a nice plus, but so that I could become a nguoi co ich, or “person of use or purpose,” and to use it to help others, particularly my relatives and countrymen in Viet Nam. I have always tried to live up to their vision.
Throughout grade school and high school, I worked towards that, playing to my strength, which I believed to be my easy grasp of technology. I entered college thinking that I would learn the skills to invent something great to change the world, but I realized after a few years that it was pretty darn hard to invent the next big thing.
It was Alpha Phi Omega that rekindled my passion for community service, and that inspiration, combined with my education, that led me to my belief that true change doesn’t come from a hyped up toy, but a grassroots effort by people to change things around them for the better. I don’t know how exactly, but I just look around and see so many problems in the world, and I feel that a legal background will give me the best tools to try to fix at least some of those things. I’m going to do my best to pull my weight and the world a better place. Hopefully I will achieve the ich my parents want for me.
So I hope that helps to answer at least one of the questions. As for the other… I still don’t know. As I said, I see a lot of problems, and I don’t know how I’m going to go about things yet. Right now, I’m just focused on that first step.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, to all of those who have wished me luck, thank you. I’m going to need it. I don’t think I’ve ever been as nervous in preparing for a test before. And Jimmy, if you’re taking time off from studying to read this, good luck to you, too. Though I’m sure you don’t need it.
Alpha Phi Omega, Drew M, Education, Law, Technology, Viet, Work
I’m not sure what it is that’s drawing me to law either. I almost feel like I’m doing it because society places such a high priority on law and economy, and in a sense I’m becoming hyper-socialized. My biggest worry is that it’ll funnel me to work in a way that doesn’t truly address the needs of people in their communities.
Also, you’ve got it wrong. I’m taking time off reading Dinhternet to study!
We’re both going to get 180s Dinh. CAN YOU FEEL IT.