We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Deborah Billy Gillis Harry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Deborah below.
Deborah , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I live a life of purpose because I believe it is a privilege to be alive, no matter the circumstances. My faith in God, my family and my joy is a guiding tool for my resiliency.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a second-year law student at the University of Houston Law Center. I am a first-generation, immigrant, black law student who is determined to add value to the legal industry.
I am grateful for the privilege to receive numerous scholarships that have made my dream of becoming a lawyer come true. Law school is very expensive and has been a difficult journey of faith, resiliency and overcoming my challenges.
These are the scholarships I received so far:
2024 Sam Williamson Fellowship in Immigration Law;
2024 Clinic Student Excellence Scholarship;
2024 Gardere Endowed Scholarship in Memorial of Ron Gaswirth;
2024 2L Gibson Dunn D&I Scholar;
2023 TYLA Diversity Scholarship Second Place Award;
2023 Suited for Success Scholarship;
2023 Latham & Watkins Student Diversity Leadership Scholarship;
2023 Federal Bar Association – The Dr. J. Clay Smith Jr. Diversity in the Legal Profession Scholarship Recipient;
2023 Houston Young Lawyers Diversity Award;
2023 ACC Houston DE&I Scholarship;
2022 Bracewell Scholar.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities: 1. Finding ways to be joyful every day through prayer and meditation.
2. I keep a gratitude list and I document my days to help me see how far I’ve come.
3. I take daily walk every day — come rain or shine.
Advice to pre-law students and law students: The journey is hard and very long. You may face moments where you are challenged mentally and physically. However, remind yourself of who you are. Be kind to yourself and remember that success is a journey and not a destination. Hold yourself accountable — but also remember that this is your first time here. Take time to learn about your insecurities and how to resolve them. Set boundaries within yourself and with other people. For example, my phone is always on do not disturb during study and class time. I limit my social media time and I focus the majority of my day in living in my reality and focusing on each task at hand.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
I am in my second year of law school and the burnout can be overwhelming. Between working with real clients as a Student Attorney, taking a full-time class load, and trying to prepare for exams, I feel like I am always behind. However, I look at the list of scholarships and awards I have won in the last two years — that reminds me that I am capable and I will finish law school strong. My life has changed so much in the last three years. When I look at how far I have come, I get the courage to push to become the lawyer I wish I had as a child.
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