Annyeonghaseyo (that's hello in Korean). My name is Emily Shapiro and I am a newly minted paralegal, traveler, and journalist.
Ultimately, my life long goal is to cover SCOTUS for a newspaper or blog. The court is still somewhat of a mystery to most Americans and I'd like to shed some light on not only the opinions of the court, but the why's and the wherefore's.
My short term goals include securing a writing position, or a few, that will allow me to not only research, interview, and edit, but will expand my horizons on beats like the legal field, politics, entertainment, etc.
My interest in the law became more focused after reading Supreme Court of the United States Justice Sonia Sotomayor's autobiography "My Beloved World." Prior to her book, reading case summaries, listening to SCOTUS oral arguments online, and learning a tiny bit about local courts was the extent of my research into our justice system. However, her sage words and example sparked something in me which was the calling to help others on a bigger scale. People can learn from reading an article or a book, but hands on experience is also vitally important. Not for the last time did I find myself at a cross road.
After attending a speech that Justice Sotomayor gave at San Jose State in 2014 in which she spoke about her book, her life, and answered questions from the audience, I decided to find a place in the law where my love of research, curiosity, and desire to serve would be perfectly melded and balanced.
Though it took me some time and soul searching it finally occurred to me that in order to understand the inner workings of a giant system a trip to the top would be necessary. So, I decided to save up to see the Justices of SCOTUS in action.
Two years later I hopped a train to Washington, D.C, and attended a SCOTUS oral argument in October of 2016, Manrique v. United States. Seeing the Justices verbally spar was reminiscent of the Roman senate, but more inspiring. From this experience my resolve to earn a Paralegal certificate was firmly cemented.
In May 2019 I graduated with my Paralegal certificate from Purdue University Global. My focus is to assist those in immigration, civil, or criminal court.
As a granddaughter of a Japanese immigrant, who became a citizen, and a great-granddaughter of a Romanian immigrant I believe that it is imperative to help those as much as possible within the framework of the law, who seek a more safe and opportunistic life in America.
When not writing I enjoy cooking, reading most genres, traveling, getting lost in museums and book stores, the theater, concerts, movies, and fishing.
As a photographer black and white film is a preferable medium to digital. It is my goal to own a Ricoh XR-10 and to have a darkroom. Though digital is more convenient, film shots have better quality.