BROOKE BIRKEY ON CHASING YOUR DREAMS, 10 YEARS LATER
“Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong.”
me, I try my best every day to live that out by doing my best for every person who reaches out to us in their time of need, and multiplying that by hiring an exceptional staff. Every team member
–Ella Fitzgerald
I've had my sights set on law school since I was 19. That desire got under my skin at my first serious job as an office manager of a small law firm in Bradenton, Florida. I loved it. I started working there full time while pursuing a degree in political science at night. I started applying for law schools right after graduation. Unfortunately, I didn’t study very much for the LSAT (definitely a bad case of senioritis), and I only applied to “reach schools,” considering my score. I was too proud to go to a local school, so I didn’t go at all. Instead, I moved to Washington, D.C., to get some real-life experience under my belt. That was 10 years ago. This year, I'm applying to law school again, and if accepted, I’ll continue working full time and go to class at night. It’s been a long ride, but my experiences have proved invaluable. I didn’t work in the legal field for a few years after I moved, but I yearned to get back to my original career path. Despite not having worked in a law firm since leaving Orlando, Frank and Keith gave me a shot as a part-time paralegal in July 2016. At Donahoe Kearney, one of our core values is leaving things better than we found them. Since they took a chance hiring
here possesses strong character, a solid work ethic, and a can-do attitude. Sure, we make mistakes, but we try really hard to do the best job we can for everyone we work for. Consistency and hard work pay off even when the rewards seem far away. When I was juggling a full-time job and night classes, it seemed like it would never end. I had to remind myself that each moment was an investment in the future. Despite the hiccups along the way, I’ve never forgotten that. I've learned humility and dedication are far more valuable than ambition to get you where you want to go. So, for everyone who has had a dream on hold, don't give up. If you want it bad enough, it is within your grasp!
-Brooke Birkey
CONGRATULATIONS CORNER
CRAIG TURNER
I really enjoyed speaking to Craig and getting his story. Stay tuned in May for the full profile! Craig is a telecommunications specialist working with copper wire and fiber optics. His job is very cool — he climbs poles, gets into manholes, and basically follows the wire wherever it may lead so we can have phone and internet connections in residences and businesses. He doesn’t do as much of the heavy duty work now (he ruptured not one but two Achilles’ heels) and hopes to get into more infrastructure and less direct services in the future. But for the moment, he is back to work, serving the city in DC and keeping us connected to each other.
Congratulations, Craig, on your settlement. Keep up the good work!
202.393.3320 • 5
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