As we 3Ls (and 4Ls) are all graduating in a few months, it is an emotional time for many of us. So, I want to share my personal reflections with you.
First, I have a confession to make. I had thought that U of T Law was full of competitive gunners who did not have any fun. You guys have proven me wrong. I had nothing but a fantastic time and made such great friends. Above all, despite all the differences we have, literally all of you have accepted me the way I am.
It sounds silly, but I come from a different culture and (slightly) different age (don’t ask me how old I am because I will respond that I’m 21 and I AM!). When I was 18, I had no hope. I was rejected by everyone whom I loved. I apologized for being gay. I was told to undergo a “conversion” (which I didn’t, but should have tried to pick up a boyfriend). I thought that I was a failure. Worse still, I lost my first gay friend who took his own life at 19. He is the most considerate person I have ever met. I easily would have followed. But, I had an epiphany that I did not want to give up. I didn’t have the balls to jump off the building.
At U of T Law, my sexuality has never been an issue. Neither are my ethnicity, nationality, English ability and whatever other attributes I have. You all interact with me as a person with respect, dignity, and curiosity. There are differences among us, and it has not mattered. You are willing to learn from different people, perspectives, and life journeys. I believe that accepting differences is the foundation of any communication. I don’t want to create an illusion that there is no homophobia, racism, sexism, xenophobia or any other form of prejudice in the legal community; however I can say that I have never felt it here – NEVER. I am especially lucky living in an era of growing diversity and, in 20-30 years, the world will be run by all of you.
I think we all are extremely fortunate and privileged to be lawyers someday (hopefully). This is an exciting and noble profession. Furthermore, because we communicate with so many different people, we are lucky to have many chances to make a difference. At the end of the day, we are also a people profession.
Now you know how lucky and happy I feel today because of meeting all of you (perhaps without your noticing it!). So, please know that you have the potential to make many more people happy and lucky. Yes, that’s VERY lucky.
