Source: Win McNamee/Getty Images
This year we witnessed the first Hispanic woman to be confirmed to the Supreme Court. Only a couple months into his presidency, President Obama 
nominated Sonia Sotomayor, a federal appellate judge to serve on America's highest court.
nominated Sonia Sotomayor, a federal appellate judge to serve on America's highest court."[Sotomayor] is an inspiring woman who I believe will make a great justice," stated President Obama.
Source: AP / President Obama, Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Born and raised in a housing project in the South Bronx, Justice Sotomayor has really lived the American dream. After her father passed away when she was only nine, she threw herself into her studies and excelled academically. She has often said that her mother is her "greatest inspiration" and that she instilled in her a strong work ethic and emphasized the importance of education early on.
She attended Princeton University
on scholarship and went on to graduate from Yale Law School 
where she was editor of the Yale Law Journal. Shortly after she worked at a private law firm, and then started her 30 year career in the judicial system.
on scholarship and went on to graduate from Yale Law School where she was editor of the Yale Law Journal. Shortly after she worked at a private law firm, and then started her 30 year career in the judicial system."I am an ordinary person who has been blessed with extraordinary opportunities and experiences," Sotomayor stated regarding her life story.
Source: AP/President Obama, Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayer, and Vice President Joe Biden
Replacing Justice David Souter, who retired in early May, Justice Sotomayer's nomination did not come without opposition. The Justice sparked controversy before her confirmation with the comment - "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would, more often than not, reach a better conclusion." The comment made during several speeches in reference to her unique background and her vast life experiences. This led to all but 9 Senate Republicans voting against her nomination.
She was first appointed to the US District Court by George H.W. Bush in 1992 and named to the Court of Appeals by Bill Clinton
in 1997. She is only the third female to be named to the Supreme Court, and joined Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the current court.
in 1997. She is only the third female to be named to the Supreme Court, and joined Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the current court.
Source: AP / Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor taking the Oath of Office
Justice Sotomayor is a role model for politcalgirls everywhere. Her humble beginnings to now Associate Justice of the Supreme Court is truly something to be admired.
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