Question

speaking of success: sonia sotomayor
u.s. supreme court justice sonia sotomayors educational journey was not an easy one, but hard work, determination, and a supportive family helped her become the first latina and the third woman to serve in the supreme courts 220 - year history.
sotomayors parents moved from puerto rico to new york city in the 1950s, and she grew up in a working - class bronx neighborhood where both of her parents worked. at the age of 9 her fathers death was an emotional blow, but she immersed herself in books—particularly the nancy drew series, which started her thinking about crime solving. that, and doing her homework in front of the tv while watching lawyer perry mason, ignited her goal of pursuing law.
she went on to graduate from cardinal spellman high school in new york city and was able to earn a scholarship to college. although her undergraduate years were challenging, she was ultimately successful, graduating with honors. after graduation, she went on to law school.
“although i grew up in very modest and challenging circumstances, i consider my life to be immeasurably rich,” sotomayor said.
“my mother taught us that the key to success in america is a good education,” sotomayor said at her senate confirmation hearing. “and she set the example, studying alongside my brother and me at our kitchen table so that she could become a registered nurse.”
close to her family, the supreme court justice notes that her mother, who worked six days a week as a nurse to support her and her brother, is her greatest inspiration. and while sotomayors achievements have been attained through hard work, she points to an appreciation for the opportunities she has had.
“it is our nations faith in a more perfect union that allows a puerto rican girl from the bronx to stand here now,” she said during her swearing - in ceremony. “i am struck again by the wonder of my own life and the life we in america are so privileged to lead.”
answer the following questions.
. why do you think sotomayors closeness to her family was important in helping her be academically successful?
. what do you think it was about the nancy drew books that proved inspirational to sotomayor? (look up “nancy drew” on the web if you are unfamiliar with the books.)

Explanation:

1. Sonia Sotomayor's closeness to her family was important as her mother, who worked hard as a nurse and studied to become a registered - nurse herself, set an example of the value of education. Her family's support likely provided emotional stability and motivation during difficult times, such as her father's death.
2. The Nancy Drew books likely inspired Sotomayor because they involved crime - solving, which could have sparked her interest in justice and investigation. The strong female protagonist in the series may also have served as a role - model, showing her that women could be intelligent and capable in traditionally male - dominated fields like law.

Answer:

1. Her family provided emotional support and an example of the importance of education.
2. They involved crime - solving and had a strong female protagonist.