We Are Advocates – A Personal Reflection

We started this blog to inform people. To inform them of product recalls, truck accidents and consumer safety. I am proud to be part of that process. But, today, I would like to take that “blogger hat” off and share a story, my story.

I am so proud that I am a future trial attorney. A future personal injury attorney. I see it as the best way to advocate for people, to assure they are not taken advantage of and that they get the justice they deserve.

I have traveled a long road to get here. I graduated law school and am gearing up to take the bar exam. The passing of my friend Rick has let me see how important it is that I achieve my lifetime goal of becoming a “trial attorney.”

Rick passed on Saturday after being involved in a fatal auto accident. He was not just my friend, he was my welding partner back when I worked as a MIG welder. It was while at that job that my resolve to become an attorney was solidified.

I witnessed and was exposed to dangerous working conditions. The jig he and I welded our beams on still gives me the creeps. No guards, wet floors, no respirators…But we all worked there so that we could support ourselves financially and for men like Rick, to support their families.

I’ve been there. I know about workplace hazards. I am blessed to have had that experience because it fuels my fire to advocate for others who are at jobs because they are doing what they have to do to be good providers. The men I worked with will forever be my heroes and I have so much respect for them. I look forward to giving back as an advocate. Here’s to wishing no one ever gets injured on their job or in a car accident! But if tragedy strikes I will (we will) advocate for you.

Here’s to you Rick. I could not have asked for a better welding partner. Thank you for inspiring me and teaching me so much. We ran some killer beads, my friend. Here’s to better working conditions! (Like you and I used to talk about)