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University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law

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Believe to Achieve: From Mānoa to Miss America

Courtney Choy

Alumni ’21

Attending the William S. Richardson School of Law gave me the confidence to believe in myself and my ability to be an agent of change in our state. I never pictured becoming Miss Hawaii and graduating law school in the same weekend, but I believe that is why Richardson is truly a place unlike any other. From my participation in the Ka Huli Ao LSAT program to attending our virtual commencement, the Richardson community has supported both my personal and professional endeavors. On my final night as Miss Hawaii, a young girl came up to me to tell me that she wanted to be a lawyer and Miss Hawaii, too. In that moment, I realized that attending Richardson enabled me to be a Miss Hawaii that empowered other keiki to believe in themselves, seek out opportunities that interest them, and explore all avenues where they can give back to Hawaiʻi. From my first day at Richardson, my goal was to honor the legacy of the late Chief Justice Richardson and to do my best to live a life full of aloha, purpose, and service. Throughout my toughest days in law school and as Miss Hawaii, the resilience, encouragement, and strength of my classmates inspired me to be my best and most authentic self. Richardson was the only law school I applied to, and every day I am grateful that I was provided the opportunity to obtain a legal education at home. I hope to continue paying it forward and encourage the next generation to work hard, persevere, and be proud of who you are.


“Richardson is truly a special community filled with incredible opportunities—be open, lead with empathy, and create a path that honors you and those who support you. Everything you experience will bring you closer to not just being a great lawyer, but also towards discovering who you are and the difference you want to make in the world.”

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