"I'm fighting back tears making this post. When I was 10 years old I was arrested for the first time. By 19 I had been arrested 5 times. You read that right. At 19, I was also asked to leave the college I was enrolled in. At 20, I heard God tell me to push, and so I did. I worked a part-time job, sometimes cranking out 40 hours a week. I pulled overnight shifts, took night classes, and I kept grinding. At age 20 I graduated with my Associate's degree from Olive Harvey College. Then I enrolled at the University of Illinois-Chicago with an academic scholarship. In Fall 2014 I took the exam to be a Chicago Police Officer. I passed with flying colors, even passed the physical exam. But when they conducted a background check on me, they told me I was unfit to be an officer. Now let me tell you how my God works. That door was closed and an even greater door was opened later.

 

I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in 2015 and became a paraprofessional. I taught children with learning disorders. Before graduating I began searching for my next move. I considered so many alternatives outside of law school. Why? Because I didn't believe in myself. In 2016 my mother enrolled in law school. So that lit the fire under me like never before.

 

I took the LSAT and started applying to schools. I was rejected by every single school. I cried, cried, and cried some more. Then SIU wait listed and eventually offered me a seat as well as a scholarship. I am forever grateful for my experience there. In 2018 I was accepted to Chicago-Kent College of Law as a transfer student. 

On May 16th, 2020 I went back to the police station I was taken to as a child. Dressed in my robe and cap, I stood on a bench in front of the station and took photos. In that moment I understood, my past could not break me. My past could not destroy me. I am destined for greatness. I serve a mighty God. I stand before you today (in this photo lol) as Jewell L. Ewing, J.D."