Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Yusra S. We Look Forward To Sharing More About You So Others Can Get To Know You Better!
Tell us a bit about your backstory and what led you down your current life path.
Growing up, I always loved reading. I was a quiet, observant child who loved talking to the people I was close to. Through my observance, I realized that there were many professions out there, but none that worked for my personality and interests. Until I got to high school and took a world of ideas class. Somehow that class gave me the clarity I needed. I realized that government is something I am fascinated by and that I wanted to explore law school. I then went on to major in criminology, work in various realms of government, and now attend law school.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career?
My mom is a very social individual, and through her I have met people in all walks of life. More specifically, I have met multiple women caught in abusive relationships or in the troughs of divorce. Through them I realized how little people know about law and how easily they’re taken advantage of. This inspired me to make sure I am a resource to these women and many others who are placed in vulnerable positions.
What is one thing you are most proud of achieving in your life?
I’m proud of staying focused on my goals. I think it is quite easy to lose track of the end goal when life is tossing challenges at you. While there have been countless moments where I’ve questioned my ability and have been discouraged, somehow I have been able to reorient myself and now I’m where fifteen year old me dreamed I would be.
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
My father. My dad is a quiet and sturdy presence. He has always taught to me give my all to everything I do and be the best version of myself. Through my family’s various challenges, he has never failed to be a constant support.
What do you enjoy most about teaching/tutoring?
I love love seeing the spark in my students’ eyes and the chirp in their voice when they understand a topic they might have been struggling with. I also enjoy learning along with the students. They teach me about different ways to visualize and analyze content, ways I wouldn’t have thought of without them.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love spending time with my family and friends when I have free time. Another slightly odd thing I look forward to is completing miscellaneous projects and errands.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? What is it and why did it resonate with you?
Touch the Top of the World was one of the first books that left an impact on me and it is one I’ll never forget. The author writes about his experience with blindness and the impact it had on him. As he lost his sight, he struggled to make sense of the world and his place in it. The author then went on to climb Mount Everest as the first blind man to do so. Reading about his journey really gave me perspective on how my own journey is what I make of it.
The road to success is difficult and requires tremendous dedication. What advice would you give to a young person who aspires to follow in your footsteps and emulate your success?
Keep at it. That would be my main advice. It is important to really look into yourself and be confident in your strengths while acknowledging your weaknesses. Then, once you identify a goal for yourself, you keep pushing towards it day by day.
What are you most passionate about? Can you share a story?
I’m most passionate about the impact of positive inter-personal relationships on a micro scale. The impact a kind word, remembering someone’s name, or giving a compliment is much more impactful than we think. I grew up really introverted and those small moments allowed me to become comfortable in myself. I still fondly remember small moments of acknowledgment from years ago.
Please share your favorite life lesson quote. How is it relevant to your life?
“With every hardship comes ease.” This quote always reminds me that not only does ease come after hardship but that it often comes with it. Hardships contain wisdom and ease that we just need to look for.
