A New Standard-Bearer
January 20, 2009
On a cold January day, millions of people trekked to Washington, DC to attend the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama, the nation's first African-American President. I chose to stay in Indianapolis and watch the historic moment on TV along with many other millions. At the City-County Building in Indianapolis, there were many people standing near the televisions in the lobby area to catch a glimpse of history. My court staff huddled around a small TV in the court next door. I took the opportunity and raced home to watch the oath with my husband. Most courts paused their morning dockets, or cleared it ahead of time to devote the morning to the Inauguration.
After seeing Barack Obama take the oath of office and the multitudes of people, I told a friend that I feel very proud as an African-American and as a person who inherited the civil rights banner from my parents. But I also confessed that I feel a heavier burden after seeing the Inauguration of President Barack Obama. Why? Because there is something that motivates me when I see another person fulfill a huge achievement. This one was a monumental, awe-inspiring, life-changing achievement. It was a huge deal because it affected so many lives. People flocked to Washington, D.C. and paused to observe because they wanted to be a part of history. People from all over the world were celebrating. My reaction was celebration and a simple commitment: I must do better. On Tuesday, the inauguration greeted me with a renewed obligation to do everything better. I want to do a better job at work, at home and in my daily interactions because they may leave a lasting influence. I believe I can make every aspect of my life better, and the first step is taking on this commitment.
The inauguration taught me that the reward for hard work is more hard work. I have been the judge at the Center Township Small Claims Court for 2 years. Last year, our court had over 15,000 filings. That number is higher than the previous year and is the reward for hard work. I look forward to applying my renewed commitment to every case at the Court and helping litigants resolve their legal disputes. I want my reward to be more hard work. My goal is to have the very best court in the state and to set the standard for small claims courts.
In the book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell writes that it takes 10,000 hours to be become an expert in any field or enterprise. To be a standard-bearer you must be an expert. My goal is to be a standard-bearer in my field and the inauguration not only inspired me, but motivated me to press on!
I hope the celebration in Washington, DC did the same for you-- Press On!
Yours truly,
Michelle Smith Scott
January 20, 2009
On a cold January day, millions of people trekked to Washington, DC to attend the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama, the nation's first African-American President. I chose to stay in Indianapolis and watch the historic moment on TV along with many other millions. At the City-County Building in Indianapolis, there were many people standing near the televisions in the lobby area to catch a glimpse of history. My court staff huddled around a small TV in the court next door. I took the opportunity and raced home to watch the oath with my husband. Most courts paused their morning dockets, or cleared it ahead of time to devote the morning to the Inauguration.
After seeing Barack Obama take the oath of office and the multitudes of people, I told a friend that I feel very proud as an African-American and as a person who inherited the civil rights banner from my parents. But I also confessed that I feel a heavier burden after seeing the Inauguration of President Barack Obama. Why? Because there is something that motivates me when I see another person fulfill a huge achievement. This one was a monumental, awe-inspiring, life-changing achievement. It was a huge deal because it affected so many lives. People flocked to Washington, D.C. and paused to observe because they wanted to be a part of history. People from all over the world were celebrating. My reaction was celebration and a simple commitment: I must do better. On Tuesday, the inauguration greeted me with a renewed obligation to do everything better. I want to do a better job at work, at home and in my daily interactions because they may leave a lasting influence. I believe I can make every aspect of my life better, and the first step is taking on this commitment.
The inauguration taught me that the reward for hard work is more hard work. I have been the judge at the Center Township Small Claims Court for 2 years. Last year, our court had over 15,000 filings. That number is higher than the previous year and is the reward for hard work. I look forward to applying my renewed commitment to every case at the Court and helping litigants resolve their legal disputes. I want my reward to be more hard work. My goal is to have the very best court in the state and to set the standard for small claims courts.
In the book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell writes that it takes 10,000 hours to be become an expert in any field or enterprise. To be a standard-bearer you must be an expert. My goal is to be a standard-bearer in my field and the inauguration not only inspired me, but motivated me to press on!
I hope the celebration in Washington, DC did the same for you-- Press On!
Yours truly,
Michelle Smith Scott
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