Expressing gratitude: From law student to attorney

Alumna, Yvonne Tirakian, recently graduated from Wayne State Law School's 3+3 LawStart program. She reflects on her experience at Wayne State and next steps beyond.

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"I will be joining Lakeshore Legal Aid's Detroit Eviction Prevention office in August as a law grad practicing as an attorney with supervision pursuant to MCR 8.120 and transitioning to a staff attorney position once I pass the Michigan Bar Exam. Though my graduation and prospective career are worthy of celebration, I want to take a moment to express gratitude.

I pursued a law degree because I wanted to serve humanity and I knew that Wayne Law would give me the best legal education possible to dedicate my life to public service. While I am blessed with the privilege of earning my law degree, I am also grateful for my family. For three years, I dedicated my life to my legal studies, work and co-curriculars.

My family took a back seat. I was tired. I didn't give them the love and support they gave me. I was, at times, selfish, moody, and emotionally unavailable. My family still loved me. As I begin bar prep for the next 10 weeks, I'm going to continue learning to better manage my emotions so I can break those patterns that hurt my family. I am so incredibly grateful for my sister Sam Tirakian, my mom and my dad.

Thank you for loving me no matter what. Thank you for teaching me unconditional love.