Everyone you pass in the hallway. Everyone you see in class. Even the person sitting right next to you. We are all fighting battles and demons that may or may not be seen on the outside, but are just as impactful. 

Just like we struggle with many things today, Ruth Bader Ginsburg did also. She was a powerful and confident woman as a mother, wife, and supreme court justice. Ginsburg was able to use her life experiences to improve herself and become the inspiring role model she remains as today.

Many believe there are few women that are as highly regarded as Ruth Bader Ginsburg. While many know her only as a supreme court justice, Ginsburg was much more than that.

Ginsburg, a first generation Jewish American, grew up in Brooklyn, New York in a low-income family during World War II. Through tough circumstances in her childhood, she learned the value of good education, independence, and the importance of hard work.

“My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.”

Ginsburg’s childhood and experiences were imperative in creating the leader who would fight for women’s equality. Many people consider her as exceptionally qualified and educated, but still faced gender discrimination and struggled to gain opportunities solely because of the fact that she was female. 

Ginsburg’s thick skin and grit helped her face constant sexism and misogyny throughout her life. Because she advocated for women’s rights, some would describe her as a powerful role model. Ginsburg unapologetically stood strong in her beliefs and did not conform to the societal stereotypes and expectations thrust upon her.

“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

Ginsburg led an impressive life. She overcame obstacles, fought through adversities, and established her right to be a leader in a male dominated workplace.

Not only was she bold as a justice leader and politician, but she was a friend. Ginsburg was successful in building relationships where work did not interfere.

Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia, both justices on the supreme court, became the most unlikely of friends. They were able to put vast ideological differences aside and shared a friendship that included a love for opera, and spending vacations and holidays together.