Supreme Inspiration: A Virtual Visit with Justice Sonia Sotomayor

“I wish I could have been there with all of you,” began U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s remarks to Bryn Mawr students and faculty on Thursday, April 17,  “but I have a day job!”

The Bryn Mawr community was treated to the next best thing—a virtual Q&A session with Justice Sotomayor, during which she shared personal stories, offered advice to students and reflected on her journey to the nation’s highest court. Seventh through twelfth grade students and faculty gathered in Centennial Hall for the event, while the Lower and Middle School communities watched the livestreamed event in their own buildings across campus. 

Projected onto multiple screens in the auditorium, Justice Sotomayor spent an hour in conversation with the Bryn Mawr community, answering questions posed by eight students on topics such as combating impostor syndrome, maintaining judicial integrity during increased polarization in the country, and what happens when judges disagree with each other.

While answering a question from Esther Ekundinaota ‘26, Sotomayor discussed the need to be courageous during difficult court decisions.

“It’s not easy…as judges, we are not unaware of public opinion. It’s impossible to ignore the strongly held beliefs of society….the wonder of America is that everybody gets to speak their minds! Every individual judge has to have the courage to say, I know how the public feels, but be able to articulate what the Constitution says and what the law requires. That’s why you appoint judges with character and integrity.”

Ekundinaota said interacting with Justice Sotomayor was an inspiring experience. “Her response to my question was very thoughtful, she took the time to give me a clear, honest, and thorough answer. I could feel how much she really cared about connecting with students and encouraging us to think deeply,” she said. 

In response to Hannah Fisher ‘27’s question about something a mentor has taught her, Sotomayor recalled a “pep talk” she once got from then-Vice President Joe Biden. “He once told me that you don’t measure character by the number of times you’re knocked down. You measure it by the number of times you get up to keep fighting. When he told me that, it has stayed with me.” She continued, “As you may know, right now, I’m dissenting a lot…his words remind me in each of those moments that my character is being measured.” 

Justice Sotomayor concluded her talk by sharing her advice for young girls. “Don’t ever let anyone tell you you can’t do something,” she said firmly. “Set your own standards and try to keep yourself focused so that you can live the best life you can live.”

Many students said that it was remarkable to simply engage with Justice Sotomayor in a real conversation. “When interacting with her, she spoke with such sincerity and authenticity that the room felt electric with every word she shared with us,” said Lizzie Franklin ‘27. “I will remember her encouragement for all students to receive a higher education and assert ourselves in whatever field we will pursue.”

Ekundinaota agreed. “Even in a large room, it felt like she was speaking to each of us individually. She definitely had a big presence, but her kindness and approachability stood out just as much. I left feeling more motivated than ever.”

“Justice Sotomayor’s life and work embody the very values we name in our school mission: intellectual curiosity, resilience, ethical leadership, and the commitment to engage with the world in meaningful ways,” said Head of School Sue Sadler. “It was thrilling to see Bryn Mawr students so confidently interact with Justice Sotomayor and ask her questions that were on their minds. Moments like this reflect our goal of preparing young women to lead considered and consequential lives.”