The LawyHer Loading Chronicles: Trusting the Journey, Embracing the Blessings

Nupol Kiazolu is an Activist and Organizer from Brooklyn, NY. She recently graduated cum laude from Hampton University with a degree in Political Science. Nupol is an aspiring Constitutional Lawyer.

My first month as a LawyHer Fellow has been incredibly transformational. This life-changing opportunity was not just a matter of coincidence—it was an immense blessing from God and undeniable confirmation that I’m on the right track. This confirmation has been affirming in ways beyond my wildest dreams. I had a vision, put in the work, and trusted God’s plan for me, even during the most troubling times.

Navigating life as a first-generation college graduate is both incredibly challenging and deeply rewarding. Life-changing opportunities don’t just fall into your lap—you have to apply yourself and rise to the occasion when they arrive. I graduated cum laude from Hampton University in 2023 with a degree in Political Science. If there’s one thing life has taught me, it’s that you might have a vision for how things will go post-grad, but life happens. You have to keep your head up and adjust.

Originally, my plan was to go straight to law school, but I realized I needed more preparation and resources. Also, I just didn’t want to rush myself anymore. I needed time to recuperate and become the best version of myself before committing to such a rigorous journey. As first-gens, we often feel immense pressure to overachieve as a means of survival. I felt I had to be the best because I’m a young, Black woman from the hood, with all odds stacked against me. My family and community are at the center of everything I do.

However, by the end of undergrad, I was completely burnt out. Life has a way of forcing you to slow down if you don’t listen to your body. I had to learn that if I didn’t prioritize radical self-care, I wouldn’t be able to show up in the ways I needed and wanted to. I’m in this fight for the long haul, but to sustain it, I must prioritize my health and well-being. Taking this gap year was the best decision I’ve ever made for myself. During this time, I’ve gained invaluable work and life experience that has prepared me for the next phase of my journey—law school.

What started with prayer and faith has blossomed into reality through hard work and taking leaps of faith. This first year and a half post-grad has shown me that delay does not equal denial. Every “no” opened the door for a “yes” beyond my wildest dreams. Life isn’t easy, and this system wasn’t designed for someone like me to win—but I’m going to win regardless. Do it scared. Do it happy. Do it even when self-doubt creeps in and tries to tell you that you aren’t enough. Stand up straight, with your head held high, and remember who you are. These are normal emotions everyone experiences post-grad. Just don’t give up. You are more than worthy, capable, and deserving of achieving everything your heart desires. 

To be transparent, I lost my job unexpectedly at the end of 2024 due to budget cuts. I didn’t know where life was headed, but I trusted that something greater was waiting for me. I just had to be ready to walk through the door when the opportunity called. To put this in perspective: I lost my job on a Monday and interviewed with LawyHer that Saturday. That’s how quickly your life can turn around when you trust God and yourself through it all.

Embrace your emotions. Let the tears flow. Accept your circumstances. DREAM of a better life, and make that dream your REALITY. Do NOT underestimate the power of imagination and your capabilities. Run your own race, and always remember—you are exactly where you need to be.