Sonia Sotomayor: The First Hispanic Person and the First Latina to Serve on The Supreme Court

Sotomayor is the first Hispanic person, and the first Latina to serve on The Supreme Court. She is of Puerto Rican origin, born in Bronx, New York, in 1954. She went to Princeton University and graduated with honors, then went to Yale law school. Sotomayor had to overcome multiple challenges to become successful such as being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, requiring daily insulin injections, at age 8 and her father dying a year later. She worked as an assistant district attorney in New York then as a federal judge, once her education was complete.

            In 2009, Sotomayor was appointed by President Barack Obama to join the supreme court. She has led a major role in many important decisions, including civil rights, healthcare, and migration. Sotomayor is also an important figure for her strong defense of marginalized communities, stressing the need for equality and justice in the legal system.

            Sotomayor has shown that hard work and determination can change and inspire peoples’ lives. She continues to advocate for social justice, with her rulings and public speeches, to make the legal system more inclusive for all. Sotomayor has helped bring more diversity to the supreme court and inspire people of different backgrounds and cultures to pursue careers in law or public service.

By Carina Araujo, 7th grade student.