Keeping An Open Mind

Keeping An Open Mind

by Mycheala Holley

One of the greatest things that I have learned during my time in D.C. is that it is very important to keep an open mind! Washington D.C. lives through opportunity. People have come here from all over the world who have very different perspectives and who have been through very different paths in life. It has been very interesting for me to see how people from differing backgrounds and beginnings have all come together in D.C. to make a positive change in the world.

Before participating in WAIP I had envisioned, for most of my life, that I would continue into law school directly after undergraduate graduation, become a criminal prosecutor and begin my own law firm in Columbus,Ohio. 

In just three months, WAIP has transformed that life long vision into something much deeper and much more meaningful. Learning about the experiences of alumni and other professionals that I have met in D.C. has inspired me to do much more to make an impact in the world, starting in my hometown. Now, at the end of my semester in D.C., I am working to create a youth development and leadership program in my hometown of Akron, Ohio and following my undergraduate graduation I envision myself attending law school and eventually running for public office. A vision that I would not have come to imagine if I had not kept an open mind to all of the possibilities that D.C. has had to offer. 

"I Am What A Lawyer Looks Like"

With that being said, I encourage future WAIPers to be aware of your interests and goals but never to close your mind to other possibilities or perspectives. The world is your oyster! Only YOU can hold yourself back.