Today I fell in love.

A fire of passion and angst lit inside me that I have not found since I was a young child. I went to court. No, I did not commit a heinous crime or a simple misdemeanor; I simply went to observe for the criminal justice class I am taking. My teacher is a public defender and assigned us to attend guilty plea court. For those who do not know what guilty plea court consists of or have never had the pleasure of attending, it is when a defendant is pleading guilty to a crime they committed in hopes of reducing their sentence and/or going on parole/ probation. This was an eye opening experience for me as I have little exposure to law enforcement and the court system. Though I have known I want to go into law enforcement for some time, today really sealed the deal.

I sat quietly and took my notes as I heard each story about why the defendants were sorry for their actions. Though each defendant had different charges, each had similar stories. They usually do not continue school after the 10th grade, so they are not considered truant anymore. There is minimal education involved, therefore lacking some ability to know the difference between right and wrong. My teacher made note of that in each case he presented.

They proceed to make sure the defendant understands what he or she was doing so they are not making a mistake and pleading guilty to a crime they did not commit. The state prosecutor presents their side of the case, and the judge makes a decision from there. It was very interesting how during the day one can work and represent those in need and at night become an incredible teacher. This is how I knew my love for law was real. It is sort of like dating someone. You have to have the "ah-ha" moment to know that they are the one. Well, today was that "ah-ha" moment for me in my career of choice.

It will take time, effort, tears and a lot of money to stand on the other side of the bar and represent someone, but one day I hope to get there. This gives me daily inspiration to sit down and study for a quiz that’s only a small portion of my grade, and inspiration for choosing my major and minors.

Growing up I saw a few aunts and uncles work as lawyers, and I never thought these words would be coming out of my mouth, but they are. One day I aspire to help someone in need -- whether they committed the crime and are seeking justice or they are innocent and need a voice to advocate for them.

My journey begins today with my education, so I can be ready to help those who have had a run-in with the law. So here is to long nights of studying, and hoping to be the next Sandra Day O'Connor.