Single Mom at 14, Law Grad at 24

Women in the Law

Posted May 22, 2008, 10:25 am CDT
By Martha Neil

Rasheedah Phillips was a single mom at 14. She dropped out of school for six months, and her grades plummeted. But, unlike nearly 70 percent of the teens who become mothers within four years of starting high school, she went back, even as she worked part-time to support her daughter, Iyonna, studied hard and got a scholarship to college.

Today, the 24-year-old earns her law degree and a public service award from Temple University, an accomplishment not only for herself and her daughter but other women who are inspired by her example, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer.

A non-traditional student in many ways—only about 7 percent of Temple's law students are black, single moms are unusual and Phillips also stood out among the children of professionals because of her hardscrabble background, multiple lip piercings, tattoos, thrift-store clothes and purple-accented turquoise hair, according to the newspaper—she plans to work as a public interest lawyer once she passes the Pennsylvania bar. Since arriving at law school, she has dialed down her striking personal style (her hair, for example, is now a dark blond with a black center strip).

Law school was a tough gig for Phillips, who says she was often miserable and tearful about the experience. But she stayed on course for her daughter, now nine, and others who have helped her get this far in life. And, although difficult, the experience has taught her a great deal, even apart from her legal education, she says.

"I've learned how strong I am. I've learned the value of sticking to something, regardless of how challenging and miserable. I've learned the value of seeing something through."

Additional coverage:

Philadelphia Inquirer (2002): "Graduating with honors, accolades and a daughter"

Philadelphia Inquirer (2003): "Better days ahead for a teenage mother"

Philadelphia Inquirer (2005): "A life of promise that she regained"

Comments

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Posted by Nicki - 3 months, 2 weeks, 3 hours, 40 minutes ago

Congrats!

I am also a black woman (and Temple grad) who applied to Temple Law. Despite my undergrad gpa of a 3.87, 167 LSAT and my public service activities, I got wait-listed and eventually chose to go to another law school. I also became a lawyer at 24, but I did not have the life struggles that Ms. Phillips had. I have much respect and admiration for Ms. Phillips, and respect for Temple Law for having the common sense to admit her. Best of luck to her in her legal career, and maybe we will face each other in court someday!
Posted by Heidi O - 3 months, 1 week, 6 days, 4 hours, 46 minutes ago

Rasheedah, I am humbled by your accomplishment. As a white woman who had children at 36 & 39 with the support of a husband, long after graduating from law school, I understand how much self-discipline and commitment and energy that took. I don’t think I could have done it. You rock. Good luck.

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