We all know that there is more to life than just words on a page. Judge Sonia Sotomayor has lived a challenging life, growing up in housing projects, and making her way into the United States justice system. She has worked hard to achieve all that she has earned, and has struggled along the way just as many of us do on a daily basis.

As a woman, I am always glad to see that she would be able to offer the perspective of someone who understands the importance of women’s health issues. Judge Sotomayor demonstrates her support for women’s health issues as a member of an organization called Childbirth Connection, which advocates that women are offered full and honest information about their options and health at a reasonable cost.

Though her past decisions as a judge have shown that she believes in strict adherence to the text of the constitution, she has also stated that she has a “wealth of experiences, both personal and professional” that influence her opinions. Judge Sotomayor “strive[s] never to forget the real-world consequences of my decisions on individuals, businesses and government.”

This unique perspective allows her to both preserve personal rights as they are allotted through the constitution, but also keep in touch with the effect of her decision on the average person. She has shown that she is thorough, thoughtful and prudent in her decisions, and does not lack experience.

If she is confirmed, she will offer more experience in the federal judicial system than any other justice in the last 100 years. Consider her has she has been described by many – consistent, fair and careful.

Anna Jensen, Kirkland