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Anthony Scott Washington I would like to share my story with you, and express my utmost gratitude for your acceptance of me. In 1999, I was recognized for my extraordinary accomplishments by the Los Angeles Daily News, the San Fernando Valley African American Chronicle News, the Dr. Laura Perspective, the Dr. Laura Program (AM 640 KFI Radio Los Angeles), the Larry Elder Show (AM 790 KABC Radio Los Angeles) and the spring edition of the College of Behavioral Sciences “Focus” Alumni Newsletter (California State University Northridge). My story is quite unique, inspirational and worth noting. I was born in Los Angeles, California in 1965. I was raised in middle-class neighborhood. My parents were professionals and relatively successful. By 1980, Gang and drug activity had become so pervasive in Los Angeles that entire neighborhoods were besieged by drive-by shootings, open air drug markets, and gangland style intimidation. During the eighties L.A. had become so plagued by gang and drug activity that the lure of the streets became a force so powerful that it pulled many young black men, from all socioeconomic segments of society, into the “street gangster lifestyle.” I was 16 years-old in 1980, and already a 3-year veteran of the streets. By 1980, I had been arrested four times and charged with serious felonies. The vast majority of the friends I grew up with in L.A., ultimately, succumbed to those streets. By April 15, 1990, I had been arrested over fourteen times; was a convicted felon; had served time behind bars; was addicted to crack cocaine; and was functionally illiterate. Most importantly, however, I was the new father of a five week old baby boy. On that day, I made a decision. Because of the immeasurable love I had for my baby boy, I no longer wanted any part of the streets. Shortly following that beautiful spring day, I found employment cleaning animal cages in an animal research facility. Subsequently, I landed part-time job in another animal facility. Thus, in order to support my new family I worked two jobs. In September of 1991, I enrolled in a community college. Once in college, clean and sober for a year and half, I discovered that I had the potential to be an excellent student. I remained at that community college for five years, three of which, were acquiring basic educational skills (reading, writing, and arithmetic). Finally, by 1994, I was doing college level work. I graduated from that community college in 1995 with an Associate’s of Arts degree in liberal arts. In the fall of 1997, I transferred to California State University Northridge (CSUN) and pursued a degree in Urban Studies and Planning. My primary interest then, as it remains today, was contemporary urban problems; in particular, the predicament of the underclass in contemporary urban society. In the year 2000, I graduated with honors from CSUN with a 3.91GPA. During my entire undergrad experience, I worked fifty-six hours every week. By the spring of 2000, I had been married seven years and was the father of four children. I had earned a bachelor’s degree at CSUN and decided that I wanted to pursue a law degree. I applied at the University of Dayton School of Law (UDSL), and received an offer to attend UDSL soon thereafter. In the summer of 2000, my wife (Stephanie), my four children (Anthony Jr., Treasure, Marquel, and Journei), my wife’s grandmother (Eliza Williams) and I packed up all of our belongings, rented-out our home in Los Angeles (which we purchased in 1994) and headed to Dayton, Ohio where I would pursue a law degree. On May 10, 2003, I will graduate from UDSL with a Juris Doctor degree. The most amazing thing about this entire story is what I have accomplished here in Dayton; moreover, what the future holds for me in Dayton. First, my education at UDSL has been phenomenal. Second, I have not had any difficulty finding employment here in Dayton. I worked as a law clerk for Dennis Lieberman of Flanagan, Hoffman, Lieberman, and Swaim, and Risa McCray (recently sworn in as Municipal Court Judge) of the Law Office of Risa McCray during my second year of law school. Currently, I am the law clerk for the Honorable A. J. Wagner in the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court. Every one of these employers has been an excellent role model and mentor. In addition, there are several members of the legal community here in Dayton that have been extremely welcoming and accepting of me. For example, the Honorable Judges Mary Kate Huffman, and Jack Davis have provided exceptional guidance and inspiration. I am most grateful; however, to the Honorable Judge A. J. Wagner, the Honorable Judge Risa McCray, and Professor Vernellia Randall of the University of Dayton. These people believed in me and had faith that I would honor and respect the legal academy, as well as the profession. Professor Randall, in particular, has provided exceptional guidance, advice, and mentored me throughout my legal education. I was a student in the Academic Excellence Program (AEP) during my first year in law school. Professor Randall was the Director of AEP. AEP is a program for nontraditional students. AEP’s primary purpose is to provide academic support services to those students that have been identified as at-risk. I am a nontraditional student (age 35 when I entered UDSL, married, 4 children, and African American), that by all the “traditional indicators” was not predicted to succeed in law school. In addition to being a student in AEP, I worked for Professor Randall as a research assistant and a teaching assistant in the AEP program. Most significantly, I truly believe it was Professor Randall’s tireless support, guidance and advice, and mentoring that enabled me to experience relative success in law school. The most fulfilling experience here in Dayton has been the opportunities I have had to serve the community. I am currently involved in several volunteer projects that allow me to express my gratitude for the open door Dayton has offered me. Furthermore, my volunteer work in Dayton provides the opportunity to work with individuals that have found themselves in most unfortunate circumstances. Volunteer Work:
I created, designed, and developed this program with the assistance of the Honorable Judge A. J. Wagner. I mentor several convicted felons that have been placed on probation with the Montgomery County Probation Department. I meet with these young men (all between 18 and 25 years-old, preferably with children) regularly. The goal is quite simple. I seek to convey a message; what I call “The Solution to Criminality.” The message is really quite simple. And, I express it in very simple terms. The message I convey, is simply, what has worked for me. “The Solution” is the following: “stay close to the people that love you, do not abuse illegal substances, do not commit any crimes, find employment (any employment), and most importantly, enroll in school and stay there.” It’s really that simple.
The premise behind my message is that one will balance out the negative (criminal record) with positive living and educational achievement. In other words, “take your liabilities (criminal record) and turn them into assets (the ability to overcome adversity).”
I am a member of the ESDT. ESDT is a community based organization that is a division of Workplace ReConnections. The primary purpose of this organization is to assist ex-convicts in developing skills necessary to reenter the workforce. I am committed to the organization and plan to continue serving it following my graduation from law school.
I am volunteering with CADAS. The name speaks for itself. I have recently begun working with alcoholics and addicts that are seeking recovery at this center. I hope to provide inspiration, guidance, and (the abovementioned) “The Solution” to individuals that are struggling with substance abuse problems.
I am currently a Graduate Student Director in the Academic Excellence Program. I meet individually and in groups with first year students. I counsel these students; tutor these students in the mechanics of legal writing; and help these students enhance their exam writing skills.
I am the Secretary of the East Elementary School SAC. SAC advises school administrators on issues of concern regarding students, parents, and the community of East Elementary School in Fairborn, Ohio. As I embark on a career in the legal profession, I am reminded of something I wrote in my “Personal Statement” to Admissions Committee at UDSL. (Paraphrasing) If I am admitted, I would consider it a duty to serve the community. If the State Bar of Ohio permits me to practice law in the State of Ohio, my commitment to service will remain unchanged throughout my career. That I promise. As such, I hope to practice law in the greater Dayton community, as well as continue my efforts in rehabilitation services. Also, I would like to become a motivational speaker so that “The Solution” can be heard by many who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances. Finally, if there is one thing that I learned from my experience on the streets in Los Angeles; that is, in order to sustain anything of value one must be loyal, committed, and of the highest integrity. For all who have supported me and had faith in my abilities, I am TRULY, TRULY GRATEFUL. |
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Law School Boot Camp |
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Passing the Bar Supplemental Coaching |
| February 2008 Bar Application Deadline November 30, 2007 |
| July 2008 Bar Application Deadline March 30, 2008 |
