When you’re young, everyone’s favourite question is “what do you want to be when you grow up”, and, as you get older, that question is slowly replaced with the expectation of a progress update on your chosen career path.
For me, the answer was always simple; I wanted to be a physician, just like my father. This became an expectation for me to follow his steps. However, I also had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to be a lawyer.
So, I did the thing that most Middle Eastern kids do; I went to undergrad and studied science, rather than considering all of my options and passions carefully. I began to pursue the career that was the “thing to do”, all the while not fully convinced that it was what I was cut out for. I worked in healthcare for some time before coming to the conclusion that a career in healthcare wasn’t the right fit.
It took some soul searching, some volunteer work, and seeing my lawyer sister in action, but here we are. I decided to attend law school in the United Kingdom, and it was the best decision I made for myself.
Almost one year into my role at A&A, I still learn something new almost every day that reignites my passion for law.
Now, I often hear my mom proudly say (in Arabic) “nothing in this country moves without a lawyer!”
The moral of the story is: knock it, but also try it!
You can spend years of your life planning, investing, and working towards a goal. However, you won’t know if a career is right for you until you give it a try. The only thing you can do when you realize you misunderstood your path is to try again.
Meriam Noori, B.Sc., LL.B, Legal Assistant (soon to be Ontario Lawyer)