10 Years Out: Law School, Purpose, and the Journey Since

Growing up, I wanted to be a lawyer. It was the only job I could imagine for myself. When I studied the greats—those who made real change—it felt like so many of them had law degrees. To me, that degree represented a path to impact. It felt like the way to make a difference.

I enjoyed my time in law school. I served as President of BLSA, competed as a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Team, worked as a research assistant for a prominent scholar, and graduated with the Dean’s Certificate—an honor awarded to students who provided outstanding service to the law school community. Those years shaped me in lasting ways.

Ten years ago, I fulfilled that goal and graduated from Georgetown University Law Center.

A lot has happened since then. I’m not a practicing attorney, but one of the biggest realizations I’ve come to is this: what you do may change—but why you do it doesn’t have to.

My work at The Gathering Spot allows me to live out many of the reasons I went to law school in the first place. Bringing people together. Creating spaces to discuss the most pressing issues of our time. Working toward real solutions. That’s always been the goal.

Studying the law gave me the foundation to think critically, to advocate effectively, and to build with purpose. I’m grateful I took that step—and amazed it’s already been 10 years. I’m also thankful for the friendships I formed during that season. Many of my classmates are doing amazing things.

In the last decade, I’ve only had one job: CEO and Co-founder of The Gathering Spot. This wasn’t part of how I thought my life would turn out, but I think that’s the point. As long as we stay good stewards of our current assignment, the next one will reveal itself. Do your current thing well and know it’s preparation.

Looking back, I don’t think it was an accident that our BLSA chapter hosted countless events, or that I practiced negotiation, or that I enrolled in a business and entrepreneurship course where I wrote the original business plan for The Gathering Spot.

To those who are in the middle of their journey, just starting out, or maybe changing course—keep your why close. The form may change, but the mission can remain the same.

Shoutout to the Georgetown Law Class of 2015.