Law School Completion

Hi,

My name is Adja Phipps, I'm from Burkina Faso, West Africa, and Seattle Washington is home, but I go to school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

My favorite quote is from Bernard Edmonds: “To trust yourself to test your limits. That is the courage to succeed.”

I was punished numerous times as a kid and the common punishment I received was going to bed hungry. When I complained, I was often told to “go eat my books” because I would spend too much time reading my books instead of washing the dishes.

Hunger taught me a great deal about pain; a pain which I used to build a way out. Today, as I am working on my last degree in higher education, I face the same challenge. The only difference this time is that I put myself there to become a lawyer.

It takes courage for someone to test their limits. Right now, I am on the edge, barely hanging on, and I’m afraid I may fall. I skip meals to pay for books. I need your help to stay in school.

There are very few African immigrant women in law in the US. I have worked night-shift jobs in nursing homes for 8 years while in school full-time to get here. I cannot work right now because the program is too time-consuming and intense. Financial aid and loans go to Out-of-State tuition, fees, books, and other expenses. I also care for a young person.

Quitting at this point will not only cost me but will also disservice the immigrant community I intend to serve. That’s why I am bravely putting myself out there to ask for your help. No amount is too small.

Thank you for your help.