Emma Kidwell

Background

About Emma Kidwell

The first time I stepped in the court room was when my little brother was being adopted. I remember the rush of excitement coursing through my body and the positive energy that the judge and attorneys had. Our case worker, gleaming with joy and telling us that it was official. The proud and ultimate end to a battle with a broken system and rebuilding a family. I did not know much about law, but this moment made me curious. This curiosity led me to google, ask, and question the judicial system in America and how social workers play a role in family law. Thanks to this curiosity and connections I had made through my local community, I was able to job shadow lawyers, work with my local State's Attorney, and eventually decided to study social work on the pre-law track at Saint Louis University. While this is just a small portion of why I am studying social work and law in pursuit of becoming a practicing Family Attorney, I have made sure to open myself to new ideas, lean in to being uncomfortable, and advocated for what I believe in. As an undergraduate student, I work with local organizations such as, Gateway 180 and Missouri Jobs with Justice to expand my knowledge on social issues and pursue justice. I have also taken time to work with various types of people and have learned how to create permanent and meaningful connections with those in my communities. In my role as a student and law scholar, I have also had the opportunity to reach out to other in St. Louis and explore the court systems in various counties, at various locations. On campus, I find myself holding leadership roles, such as a student ambassador and a first year experience leader. These opportunities have taught me infinite skills and will continue to help me be a more aware and well rounded person. Thanks to the opportunities I have earned and the experiences I have had, I have gained and grown in my skills to listen, be teachable, responsible, reliable, confident, and most importantly a devoted student, friend, and coworker.