After they’d studied together for an hour, one of Paul’s fraternity brothers, Kris Romo, dropped by to study with them, too.

“She’s the kindest, sweetest person I’ve ever met,” Paul said, as he introduced Masie. “Not your typical type-A personality, wannabe attorney.”

The compliments made her blush. Embarrassed, she offered Kris a cookie from the plate on the table.

“Thank you.” He grabbed a cookie and ate it with gusto. “I didn’t have time to eat today. These are delicious.”

“I just happen to have some left. I’ll run home and get them. Be right back.”

“Wow, thanks.” Kris lifted the foil and sampled another cookie. “They’re still warm! You’re not only an excellent baker, but you’ve outlined the entire study guide. Would you mind if I copy your notes?”

She obliged, and he photographed her notes with his phone. All eleven pages. At midnight, Masie decided she’d studied enough, and she went home.

“Why not?” she asked, mildly curious.

“I wasn’t sure if you’d want me to. I told him that if he wanted to see you again, I’d give you his number. That way you can call him if you feel like it.”

Masie laughed. “He seems nice, but I’m leaving for grad school soon. There’s really no point in taking his number. Thanks anyways.”

Two weeks later, on the morning of Northwestern’s 2023 commencement ceremony, Masie’s car wouldn’t start. Everyone else in her building had already left for the graduation festivities. With only fifteen minutes to get to campus and find her place in line to walk in the procession, she quickly grabbed her cap and gown from her car and arranged a ride with Uber.

While Masie waited at the curb, Kris drove past her apartment, on his way to the graduation ceremony. She waved, and he pulled over immediately.

She ran to his truck as he rolled down the window. “Hey, Kris. My car won’t start. Are you headed to campus for the commencement?”

“Yeah, hop in. I’ll give you a lift.”

“Thanks!” She climbed in the cab, quickly cancelling her Uber ride.

Kris reached beneath the seat and grabbed a canvas Trader Joe’s tote bag. “Here’s your plate. Been meaning to return it. And just like that, here you are in the middle of the street.”

She laughed, took the plate, and held it in her lap with her graduation cap. They chatted as they drove toward campus, then Kris turned to her, suddenly serious.

“I really wanted to see you again after that night we studied together. All semester we’ve been in the same class, but our paths never crossed until the next-to-last day of our senior year.” He glanced at her as he downshifted, pulling into the parking lot.

Kris parked in an open spot near the exit. He turned to Masie and said, “You know, my uncle is a mechanic. He can tow your car to his shop this afternoon and give you an estimate right away. I can even get you a friends-and-family discount.”

Masie grinned. “Thanks a bunch, Kris.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“Funny how the universe sends us exactly what we need, right when we need it.”

Kris laughed. “Maybe so. I truly believe if I hadn’t photographed your notes, I would not have made an A on that final. You saved me. So, I owe you one.”

Masie nodded. She needed her car to get through her summer internship with a prestigious immigration law firm in Chicago. Her mother had warned her repeatedly about relying on public transportation because “it’s far too dangerous to ride the bus in a big city!” Then when the internship ended, Masie would have to make her way to Cambridge to begin Harvard Law School in the fall. She definitely needed that car. But with no money to speak of and only her unpaid internship, she had no idea how she’d cover the repairs. Squeezing her eyes shut, she prayed silently for help. Then she opened them and smiled at Kris.

“What I need is a small miracle.”

“One miracle, coming right up.” He took out his phone. “Hey, Siri, call Uncle Matt.”

Masie folded her hands over her grandmother’s plate in her lap while Kris made arrangements with his uncle to tow her car later that afternoon.

At commencement, Masie basked in the excitement of the moment as she listened to several speeches and thought back over her time as an undergraduate, remembering what she’d learned. She’d worked hard on pre-law degrees—concurrent BAs in political science and business administration. As amazing as those years had been, and as much as she’d learned, it was the commencement ceremony itself that made more of an impression than all four years of her undergraduate studies.

And the reason for the profoundly positive effect of the commencement ceremony was the speaker, Governor J. B. Pritzker. His speech began with a question:

“What is the best way to spot an idiot?”

“When we see someone who doesn’t look like us, or sound like us, or act like us, or love like us, or live like us, the first thought that crosses almost everyone’s brain is rooted in either fear or judgement or both. That’s evolution. We survived as a species by being suspicious of things that we aren’t familiar with.

“In order to be kind, we have to shut down that animal instinct and force our brain to travel a different pathway. Empathy and compassion are evolved states of being. They require the mental capacity to step past our most primal urges. This may be a surprising assessment because somewhere along the way in the last few years, our society has come to believe that weaponized cruelty is part of some well-thought-out master plan. Cruelty is seen by some as an adroit cudgel to gain power. Empathy and kindness are considered weak.

“Many important people look at the vulnerable only as rungs on the ladder to the top. I’m here to tell you that when someone’s path through this world is marked with acts of cruelty, they have failed the first test of an advanced society. They never forced their animal brain to evolve past its first instinct. They never forged new mental pathways to overcome their own instinctual fears.

“Over my many years in politics and business, I have found one thing to be true, the kindest person in the room is often the smartest.”¹

From a very young age Masie had always practiced kindness, and her grandmother had taught her to believe in the power of the universe to send you exactly what you need, right when you needed it.

Grandma Kate used to say repeatedly, “Expect a miracle and always ask for what you want. Because you may just get what you asked for.”

But the following afternoon when Kris’s Uncle Matt called, she literally felt the soul-crushing weight on her chest of not having nearly enough money to pay for everything she needed just to get by. He wanted $3,500.00 to replace the catalytic converter. She hung up the phone and started to cry, then immediately thought of Grandma Kate, and decided not to settle for this estimate as her only option. Masie wrote the following affirmation in her journal: “I will get my car repaired for less than $200.” With a balance of exactly $200 in her savings, that was all she could afford.

She called Kris and told him that his uncle wanted way more than she could afford to repair her car.

“I’m sorry,” said Kris. “Did you buy an extended warranty when you bought the car?”

Masie thought for a moment. “I sure did. And it may not have expired yet. I’ll check my paperwork. Thanks for that advice. I really appreciate it.”

“Always glad to help. I’d love to see you again.”

Masie hesitated. “You’re a great guy, Kris. But I’m leaving for law school soon, and I don’t want to start dating anyone with a departure date hanging over my head.”

“I understand. But what if we really hit it off? Wouldn’t it be worth it to find out?”

“I’m way too committed to my grad school plans to get sidetracked right now. I’m sorry.” She checked her watch.

“No apology necessary. If you’re that noncommittal, I certainly won’t try to change your mind. Have a nice life.” He hung up.

Masie held the phone out, hesitated for a moment, then laughed. She’d obviously been right about not wanting to date him. Even so, she decided to take his advice and check her warranty paperwork. She dug through her files and found her receipt. Bingo! There were two months left on her extended warranty.

Thank you, Kris! She sent up a quick prayer of gratitude for his reminder to check her warranty status.

There’s good in everyone, even if they’re rude enough to hang up on you.

Right away she called the dealership where she’d bought the car and asked to speak to the service manager. “My name’s Masie Greene and my car won’t start. I think it’s the catalytic converter.”

“Yes, Miss Greene. I see here your 2019 Civic Sedan is no longer under warranty.”

Masie took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. “I’m looking at my receipt. There’s two months left on my extended four-year warranty.”

“That’s not what it says in my database,” said the service manager.

“Your information is incorrect. I’ve got my receipt. And my extended warranty contract.”

A sustained silence followed.

“Are you there?” she asked.

“I wish I could help you, but my file indicates your warranty expired last week.”

Masie felt her heart sink. “You know that’s not true.”

“My hands are tied. There’s nothing I can do.”

“We’ll see about that. I’ll bring you the receipt in person.” She hung up the phone, angry that auto repairs with a dealership invariably involved dealing with people trained to deny coverage whenever possible. She grabbed her paperwork, stuffed it in her backpack, and took her ten-speed down from the bike hook in the living room.

She rode her bike to the Honda dealership. Armed with her receipt as well as her unshakeable sense of righteous justice, she entered the Service Department and asked to speak with the manager.

A man in his early 30’s approached the counter where Masie stood waiting. “You wanted to speak with the Service Manger?”

“Yes. I’m Masie Greene. We spoke on the phone a little while ago. I brought my receipt, so you can clearly see the date.” She handed the Service Manager her receipt and noticed the name “William” embroidered on his shirt pocket in red thread.

“I see.” He looked up her account in their database. “Here you are. Your extended warranty clearly expired as of last week. See right here?” He swiveled the computer monitor so it faced Masie.

She got angry. “I don’t care what that says. You gave me a receipt for my payment. That constitutes a legal document. And here’s my service agreement.” She pulled it out of her backpack. “This is a legal document.”

He shrugged. “You could’ve have easily altered the dates.”

She slammed her fist on the counter. “I did NOT alter the dates, and you know it!”

“My hands are tied. I cannot help you.” He returned her paperwork. “Listen, if you had come to me last week, I could’ve helped you.”

“But my car wouldn’t start yesterday. And my contract is good for two more months.” Tears now rimmed Masie’s eyes, she was so angry.

William held up his hands in a mock surrender. “If I could help you I would.”

Masie laughed. “You would?”

He nodded.

She called out to the man seated at the desk behind the counter. “Excuse me. Do you have a catalytic convertor in stock that would fit a 2019 Civic Sedan?”

The man glanced at William, then scrolled through his computer. “Checking our inventory, I see we have that part in stock.”

Masie angrily wiped the tears away from her eyes. “So, if someone brought in their Civic needing a new catalytic convertor, you could install it that day?”

William shook his head.

“In a court of law, your statement that you would help me if you could, indicates culpability. Besides, I have a contract and a dated receipt. Both are legal documents proving my warranty is good for two more months. You would lose, based on your own statements and these documents. So, let’s just see what the General Manager has to say about this. Shall we?”

William planted his hands on his hips. His nostrils flared, as he ground his teeth. “Fine. Bring your car in and we’ll take care of you.”

Masie grinned. “Thank you, sir, for doing the right thing.”

William shook his head, angry. He turned and walked away.

Masie laughed. Thank you, Grandma Kate!

Elated, Masie hurried outside, got on her bike, and headed out. After her triumph over William, she felt invigorated; like the universe was her powerful, personal ally—ready to assist her with any obstacles that may arise. Then just as she pulled out of the service department driveway, an older man in a Tesla came zipping into of the parking lot and almost hit her. She slammed on her brakes and took a spill on her bike. The Tesla driver screeched to a stop, jumped out of his car, and helped Masie up. They assessed the damage together. The front wheel of her bike was badly bent, with several broken spokes.

The Tesla driver introduced himself as Judge Sherman Kessler, a federal judge in the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, headquartered in Chicago. He’d come to visit his sister in Evanston and was helping to get her car repaired. Hence his unexpected detour to the car dealership.

“I’m okay. No harm done.” Masie tried to pass it off as no big deal.

But Judge Kessler wouldn’t hear of it. He insisted on taking her to the bike repair shop, and on the way, he asked her if she was from Evanston.

“I’m from a small town in Texas. I just graduated from Northwestern with my pre-law degrees, and I’m headed to Harvard Law School in the fall.” She explained that her senior thesis had helped her win a full-ride academic scholarship to Harvard.

“Harvard Law School doesn’t offer full-ride scholarships.” Judge Kessler glanced sideways at her, as if suspicious of her story now.

“The scholarship is from the Baines-Williams Foundation. They offer full scholarships for students with disabilities. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was in high school, right after my father died.”

Judge Kessler gripped the wheel. “I’m sorry, Masie. That must’ve been difficult.”

“It was, but I’ve found that I can compensate for this disability by pouring all my energy into my studies. My thesis received an A+ grade and helped me win the scholarship.”

“It sounds like an impressive thesis. What’s it about?”

“That’s a pretty thought-provoking thesis. Why don’t you come by my office in downtown Chicago next week, and we’ll see if I have any openings for a paid internship.”

And just like that, her car breaking down led her to a possible “dream job” and a powerful ally in the Seventh Circuit, Court of Appeals. Masie smiled at Judge Kessler, pleased as she could be that Grandma Kate’s advice to always expect a miracle had somehow helped the universe connect her with Judge Kessler.

“I’d be happy to work for you, if possible. Thank you.”

And besides, she told herself with confidence, who knows where this internship will lead?

The following week, Masie began working full time for Judge Kessler as an assistant legal clerk. After two weeks on the job, he introduced her to Dallas Feingold, a VIP financier and former national director of development for Planned Parenthood. Judge Kessler informed Dallas that Masie’s thesis had landed her a scholarship to Harvard Law School. So, when Dallas learned the details of Masie’s business plan for her non-profit, he enthusiastically offered to partner with her.

“We could form an amazing non-profit based on your business model. Of course, I’d like to learn more about your background and your career goals. But so far, I like what I’ve seen, and I think you have many admirable qualities.”

“Really?” asked Masie, intrigued.

“With my expertise and connections, we could succeed in the corporate sponsored non-profit sector.”

Masie grinned. “I love your enthusiasm, and your wild belief that anything is possible.” He reminded her of Mark Cuban on Shark Tank, especially how he always wanted to “take it to scale” and grow his business investments to become leaders in the global marketplace.”

“Think it over,” said Dallas. “Bill Gates didn’t need that Harvard degree. And neither do you.”

Impressed with Dallas’s fundraising abilities, Masie almost decided to forgo Harvard for the fast track to success. But then she thought of her father’s advice to her before he passed away, that she should study law and become a judge.

Not only that, attending law school had been her own dream since junior high school, when a corporate attorney had visited her civics class on career day, and talked about how becoming an attorney was an extremely respected profession. That very same day after school, Masie had turned on the TV to watch Sesame Street with her younger brother, and Justice Sonia Sotomayor appeared as the guest on the “Word on the Street” segment. From that very moment, Masie had dreamed of becoming an attorney. As if the universe had colluded to steer her to Sesame Street and Justice Sotomayor’s appearance on the same day as the attorney’s visit for career day. Becoming a lawyer seemed like the inevitable career path. She worked hard on her GPA and become her class salutatorian, missing the top spot by only a quarter point.

Masie thought it over and realized she couldn’t give up her dream that she’d focused on since sixth grade. The following week when Dallas stopped by to see Judge Kessler again, she told him that she’d reached a decision.

“I’ve changed my mind. I want to pursue law school and possibly become a judge.”

“I respect your decision. No hard feelings then. Good luck to you.” Dallas shook her hand, and Masie felt a huge sense of relief as she watched him walk out of her office.

She left for Harvard several weeks later—with an impressive arsenal of professional and personal contacts she’d forged while working for Judge Kessler. She felt proud of herself for sticking with her guns and following her dream.

During her first semester at law school, Masie fell in love with Harvard. The tradition. The history. The superior scholastic pedigree. She even finagled her way into getting hired by the Harvard Law Review as a first-year law student.

Masie worked at the Harvard Law Review through the end of the school year, until another first-year law student, recently hired as an editorial assistant, accused her of falsifying her employment history on her application. Masie had mistakenly entered her start date at Judge Kessler’s office as June 16, 2022, when it was actually June 16, 2023. She’d made an honest mistake. But her accuser was jealous of Masie’s achievements. He wanted to be the top editorial assistant, and his life experience had led him to believe that using underhanded tactics to get ahead was an acceptable plan. Nothing Masie said or offered in her defense could help save her job.

Her heart pounded as tears rimmed her eyes. “I wasn’t trying to lie about my employment history. My resume had the correct start date.”

“I’m sorry,” replied Selma. “But your application is an official Harvard document. We cannot knowingly employ anyone who made false statements on their application. We could face severe legal consequences. My hands are tied.”

Unable to hold in her emotions, Masie started sobbing. She knew it was her bipolar disorder, rearing its ugly head. But she couldn’t help it. She blurted out, “Can’t you give me one more chance? I’ll never make another mistake…”

Selma simply opened the door and held it open, waiting for Masie to leave. “You are over-reacting. Proving my judgement in this matter is sound. Your crying isn’t going to change anything, Masie. Perhaps you’ll be more careful on future job applications.”

She left the offices of the Review and started running across campus. She ran all the way back to her dorm room. And by the time she crawled into bed, she was no longer angry with her over-zealous accuser for pointing out her mistake. Instead, she now felt strengthened with the resolve to never make that same mistake again. Ever. Don’t be in such a hurry to achieve the goal that you lose sight of the details along the way.

She repeated this thought in her head, as she hurried across campus to class the next morning. At least now she had more time to study for her upcoming finals.

Masie thought about the path she’d embarked on to get here. Her father’s advice just prior to his early death. Her struggles with bipolar disorder, then her triumph over this disability by winning her scholarship for law school. So many twists and turns, like the Beatles 1970 hit, “The Long and Winding Road.” She loved this song and often played it on repeat while jogging around campus every morning. It became her theme song. Her personal blueprint for serendipitous success.

The next day instead of rushing off to her job at the Harvard Law Review, Masie decided she needed to make more of an effort to meet new friends. So, when she saw a young woman she recognized from her Constitutional Law class sitting alone in the student center on campus, Masie sat down at the same table and opened her book.

When the young woman glanced up at her, Masie said, “Hello. I recognize you from Dr. Hogue’s class. My name’s Masie Greene.”

The woman smiled. “Shannon Gerardo. Nice to meet you. Are you also a first-year law student?”

Masie grinned, and they struck up a conversation about Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and how they both admired her and wanted to become judges like her.

Excited by Shannon’s enthusiasm, Masie blurted out, “Hey! What if we both became federal judges? We could even be Supreme Court justices someday!”

Shannon laughed out loud, buoyed by Masie’s confidence. “Justice Sotomayor was just awarded the Radcliffe Medal. There’s an award ceremony at the Radcliffe Institute here on Campus in a couple weeks. We should go. It’s on Friday, May 24. I’d love to go see her, wouldn’t you?”

Masie thought of her childhood dream to pursue a career in law, and seeing Justice Sotomayor on Sesame Street.

“Absolutely!” she replied.

“Let’s register online and get tickets before they sell out,” Shannon suggested. She closed her book and stood up. “I’ve got to run to my next class. But I’m so glad we met. Here’s my card. Let’s study for Dr. Hogue’s final together this weekend.”

Masie took the card. “Great idea. I’d love to!”

Grandma Kate had repeatedly assured Masie that if you remain open to spontaneous possibilities, the Universe will send you exactly what you need, right when you need it. So it didn’t strike her as odd that she’d made a new friend so easily. Nor did it seem unlikely that her new friend had opened the door to seeing Justice Sotomayor in person.

Masie smiled to herself as she watched Shannon exit the student center, and she quickly rehearsed in her mind what she would say to Justice Sotomayor if she were able to meet her in person.

On the morning of the 24^th, Masie and Shannon met at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute adjacent to Harvard Square and entered the Knafel Center auditorium together. They enjoyed the panel discussion which focused on the Long Arc of Justice, and how to work toward a future that advanced equal rights for all.

They also enjoyed the testimonial and introduction by Rita Moreno, who praised Justice Sotomayor for “remaining profoundly human, in the face of inhumanity.”

During her acceptance speech, the Justice described how her mother had been a driving force in her life saying, “Everything that I am that’s good is a legacy to my mother.”

Masie instantly saw Grandma Kate in her mind, feeling her heart swell with gratitude for her grandmother’s lifelong influence and clarity of vision. Right after Masie’s father passed away and Masie began suffering from depression and bipolar disorder, Grandma Kate visited her in the hospital and gave her some advice that Masie relied on repeatedly during her undergrad college career.

Grandma Kate leaned so close to Masie she could smell the lavender soap on her grandmother’s skin. Then she said in a low, firm voice, “The Universe responds to your energy and your feelings. If you feel love, happiness, and peace, it will send you more love, happiness, and peace. But if you feel fear, anger, and doubt, more of the same will appear in your life.”

Masie nodded, watching her grandmother intently.

Masie closed her eyes and listened to her hero, Justice Sotomayor, describe how adults have taken the world and “messed it up,” leaving enormous problems for the younger generation to fix.

She held her breath, so inspired by this call to action. Justice Sotomayor reminded Masie so much of her Grandma Kate that Masie felt a warm sensation in her chest, as if her heart were glowing with love and gratitude for both of these formidable women. Right then and there, Masie decided to approach Justice Sotomayor after the ceremony and thank her for making such a profound impact on her life.

Once the ceremony ended, Shannon and Masie made their way to the stage and approached the Justice. Emboldened by her encouraging words for the younger generation, Masie walked right up to Justice Sotomayor and thanked her for her inspiring and uplifting speech. Justice Sotomayor smiled warmly at Masie as she introduced herself.

“I’ve admired you since 2012, when you appeared on Sesame Street and spoke the “Word on the Street” which was career.”

The Justice laughed. “I remember that.”

“I was eleven years old,” said Masie. “My little brother and I used to watch TV together after school. And when we saw you on Sesame Street, from that day forward I wanted to go to law school and have a career like yours.”

Justice Sotomayor nodded at Masie, as if pleased that her brief appearance on Sesame Street had so profoundly touched Masie’s life.

“Keep studying,” said Justice Sotomayor, “and never forget what first made you fall in love with the law.”

“That’s easy. You made me fall in love with the law.” Masie smiled at the Justice with confidence, emboldened by her own heartfelt sincerity.

The Justice looked surprised. “Oh, my. Thank you for saying that. If you find yourself back in DC after graduation, stop by my office. I can always use someone sharp like you on my team. Let me shake your hand.

Justice Sotomayor shook Masie’s hand, then Radcliffe Dean Tomiko Brown-Nagin swept the Justice off to meet another distinguished faculty member. Masie watched her through the crowd with tears in her eyes. She felt so excited to finally meet this woman who’d made such a profound impact on her life.

*****

Later that fall, as the 2024 election campaign heated up, Masie lay in bed in her dorm room unable to fall asleep, ruminating—once again—over Justice Sotomayor’s speech. The Justice had highlighted the need for civics education to teach people how to talk about their disagreements without making the other person out to be “evil” or “bad.” She’d even said that all people have “goodness” in them.

“That’s what keeps me going,” Justice Sotomayor had said. “It gives me hope about the future, to let me keep believing that we can make a difference.”

Masie promised herself that she’d always hold that message in her heart, no matter how turbulent and divisive the political climate became. Staying true to that intention felt especially challenging amid the misinformation and lies she’d witnessed during the 2024 presidential election campaign. She thought of the recent Supreme Court ruling, which granted Trump full immunity for the crimes he committed during his first term in office, and remembered Justice Sotomayor’s dissent to this SCOTUS ruling where she wrote: “The President is now a King above the law . . . With fear for our democracy, I dissent.” ²

Even though she found the SCOTUS ruling deeply disappointing, Masie refused to let it harden her into cynicism. The world around her felt overwhelming—threats of mass deportation, civil rights slipping, constitutional protections under strain—but she chose to keep her heart and mind rooted in gratitude. Not only that, she decided that she’d focus on seeing the good in others, instead of only seeing their faults. And always work for social justice and equal rights for all people everywhere because she believed that was her moral duty.

Feeling grateful to be alive, Masie believed wholeheartedly in Grandma Kate’s advice to remain open to whatever possibilities the universe may send her, “because somewhere, something wonderful was happening.” Maybe that same “something wonderful” would still be happening for her, after she graduated law school. She imagined the future could hold so many beautiful things in store for her…like looking up Justice Sotomayor after graduating law school and exploring the possibility of clerking for her someday. She could do this. It wasn’t just a pipe dream, any more than going to law school had been a pipe dream. It was real. And it was definitely possible, just like her grandmother had said.

Laying there, staring at the ceiling, Masie realized she was no longer fearful of the future. She knew beyond any doubt that thanks to all those synchronistic little paths along the way— Grandma Kate’s beliefs were proving themselves to be true: somewhere, something wonderful was undoubtedly happening. And that somewhere was right here, right now.

End Notes:

¹ Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, quoted from his commencement speech at Northwestern University 2023

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