Earlier this week, President Obama announced his historic appointment of Sonia Sotomayor to replace Justice David Souter on the Supreme Court. As a constitutional law scholar, the president recognizes the importance of a Supreme Court Justice with both judicial experience and intellect along with a common sense understanding into people’s lives.

      Along with the historical nature of being the first Latina Supreme Court Justice nominee, Judge Sotomayor’s personal story embodies the American dream and instills hope and possibility in so many of us. She grew up in a public housing unit in the South Bronx where she excelled in school and went on to Princeton University and Yale Law School. After she finished school, Sotomayor went on to serve as an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan, international corporate litigator, prosecutor, trial judge and appellate judge. If confirmed by the Senate, Sotomayor will bring more federal judicial experience to the court than any other justice in over 100 years. Throughout her thirty-year legal career, Sotomayor not only gained legal expertise and judicial experience, but she also maintained a deep understanding of people’s struggles and the tangible effects of her decisions on everyday lives.

      While the opposition forces may attack Sotomayor’s nomination and try to pigeonhole her with the false notion that she is a judicial activist who will legislate from the bench, evidence from her legal career show her to be qualified, experienced and fair-minded.

      With Judge Sotomayor’s practical perspective and judicial experience, I can get past the fact that she’s a Yankees fan (bracing for hate mail in 5..4..3…). Once again, Obama has proven that lacking family wealth and political connections are not barriers to achieving one’s dreams. Sotomayor’s nomination is an inspiration to people of all ages, races and backgrounds. Besides, maybe spending some time in Washington will turn her into a Nationals fan.