TENNERTON – Buckhannon-Upshur High School seniors recently had the opportunity to sit down with a local professional, who offered some advice about living in the ‘real world.’
Buckhannon attorney Daya Masada Wright spoke with senior girls at B-UHS on Thursday and explained what it takes to become a lawyer, including earning an undergraduate degree and passing the LSAT, which she said is based solely on logic. She also encouraged students to do things they enjoy and to remember to help everyone around them.
“Being a lawyer is about taking problems and turning them into equations, so the solution is easier to find,” Wright said. “Take out the people, the feelings and find the solutions, at least for most parts of law.”
Wright said expectations for her as a female lawyer loomed large upon earning her degrees.
“I was taught, as a woman lawyer, that I was going to have to do everything,” Wright shared. “I was supposed to graduate the top of my class and get a great job. I was supposed to stay skinny, with great hair and really nice fingernails. I was to have beautiful children who would excel at music and math and have a nanny while I was working hard.”
Wright’s top tip? Invest in self-exploration.
“The biggest advice I can give you is you know who you are – know what you like and what you are interested in,” she said. “If you don’t want to have kids, don’t have kids. If you don’t want to get married, don’t get married. You get to decide. Only do the parts you want to do. Life is short. If you do most of what you want to do every day, you have scored.”
While in undergraduate school, Wright said she had a rule.
“Every semester, I took one class that was just for me,” Wright said. “Enjoy it! My parents always encouraged me to do something just for me.”
“Your lives are going to be amazing,” Wright added. “Make sure they are also fun. Make sure you are enjoying what you do and that when you wake up, you are excited about some part of your day. That is my biggest advice.”
Wright said another big piece of advice she had for students is to make sure they make the world around others a better place.
“It is your obligation to look out, not just for yourself, but for each other,” she said. “You have to make this world a better place than when it started because not everyone has all of the opportunities you have.”
Wright’s final piece of advice she shared was that the world is different for women.
“Whether it is fair or not, it is different,” she said.
Thursday’s program was presented by the B-UHS Future Business Leaders of America, and FBLA advisor Christy Dean said the purpose of meetings with local professionals is to give students the opportunity to hear advice from local business owners and learn about different business and career opportunities.
Dean said the sessions happen throughout the year and are not limited to just female students and presenters.
The FBLA club includes students from all classes, not just those who take business classes.
“Right now, the club includes mostly upper classmen,” Dean said. “They are doing fundraising right now. Members attended Fall Leadership and the state competition is coming up in the Spring where they will compete in their events against students across the state. Those placing in first or second place in the state will represent our school in the national competition which will be in Utah in July.”
