While serving in the U.S. Army, I was lucky to be surrounded by wise and compassionate sergeants who reminded me to "take care of soldiers," and that "no one gets there alone." They recognized that even the most accomplished, high-speed service members have leaned on the support of instructors, mentors and peers along the way. And I knew that principle to be true, as countless sergeants and junior enlisted folk took care of me as an officer and kept me straight. 

That was also the case as I transitioned out of the Army, entered law school and began my legal career. So many friends, attorneys, and professors helped me along the way, and it has made me recognize not only the duty to pay it forward, but the critical need for mentorship in the legal profession. And that need is even greater if we are to make progress in ensuring that our profession reflects our country's varied backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.