Message for Young People

Transcripts available in the following languages:

  • en

For all the young people out there that are considering law or are considering becoming a judge, I say go for it. Go for it, because it's one of the best educations and careers that you could ever have.

I mean, like I said, I was going to be an interpreter, but I became a lawyer instead. And the voice I was able to provide and the representation I was able to provide to help people in need. And also as a judge, to be able to do the things that I've been able to do to help people.

It's a great feeling to be able to serve others because, you know, in one of my favorite photos I have of my children and I think it says something like “In 100 years, it doesn't matter how much was in your bank account, what kind of car you drove, but you're - the world may be different because you made the difference in the life of a child.”

And you can make a difference in the life of yourself, the people around you as well as their children, and make the world a better place through the law. So go for it.

And in terms of going for it, don't think that you have to follow a certain career path. What matters is that you do your best in whatever it is that you're doing. But I encourage young people to pursue a career in law. I am so glad I did.

And, you know, two of my children are pursuing careers in law. So, you know that that's kind of cool too.

Date: July 14, 2022
Location: California, US
Interviewer: Lana Kobayashi
Contributed by: Watase Media Arts Center, Japanese American National Museum; Japanese American Bar Association

legal career youth

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