“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” sums up my life. Usually when I have a dream, I reach it, but the journey isn’t always that simple. Sheer determination and perseverance laced with obstacles and disappointment eventually get me to the final destination. Each obstacle and disappointment turns into character-building and career growth. I’m a problem-solver and a builder, so if an obstacle stands before me, I will find a way to walk through it ethically, morally, and legally. The practice of law is just that “practice,” so as a lawyer and professor of law, I am faced with many different problems to solve or projects to create. I have learned how to think outside of the box and apply skills or principles from another discipline to solve the current problem. In addition to hurdling obstacles, I see myself as a bridge builder. I build bridges between the legal system and client, between Russian and American, between civil law and common law, or between restaurant and customer. I bring information to the client or student in a way that he or she can understand. The goal is always mutual understanding through clear communication. Whether in court or in front of a class, I get asked unexpected questions, or I get asked to step into my employer’s presentation, so she can take a phone call. I have always had to think on my feet and am able to do so with a smile. My hope is that no one sees the nervousness, but if they do, no one has held it against me. I am also self-motivated, a self-starter, and manage time well. I have many projects going on at the same time and am able to remain organized and complete those projects in the time allotted. Learning and utilizing new technology is one of the ways that helps me stay focused on deadlines and organized.