We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Isabel Rhodes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Isabel below.
Alright, Isabel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?
I think that when people hear “lawyer”, “attorney”, or “law student” the automatic assumption is that they are in it for financial gain or that they are going to take advantage of their clients. However, this is further from the truth. Although, of course there will always be those who are dedicated to only financial gain (like in every field), it has been my experience that many of us really DO want to make a change and leave this world a bit better than when we found it.
Isabel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a 28 year old young woman who has experienced an immense amount of trauma. Although it has been difficult, I have found a way to use that trauma to help others. My goal is to eventually become a prosecutor once out of law school. My dream is to be a s*x crimes prosecutor, then work for the legal department of the FBI.
I also dedicate my time to mental health awareness. I received my BA in Psychology from California State University, San Marcos and have a passion to helping others through difficult times.
I use the platform I’ve received through pageantry to spread awareness and offer support to others who struggle with mental health.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In 2013 I was a young 19 year-old stepping into the working world and was employed at a local cellphone store as a customer service associate. On a warm fall night, I was the center of a robbery that consisted of two armed men entering my place of work. I left my position and in 2014 was hired as a teller at a bank in my hometown. Once again I was the center of yet another armed robbery. Due to these experiences I was diagnosed with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. I was unable to be independent as I constantly feared for my life. Through trauma therapy I was able to overcome my fears and challenged myself to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain to regain my confidence and independence.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Due to my life experiences I thought I wanted to be a licensed family therapist or a licensed clinical social worker. However, since I was a little girl in elementary school I’ve been amazed at what can be accomplished through the legal system. I majored in psychology during undergrad and in my third year decided I was going to attend law school. I then learned that I can combine my two passions and participate in mental health related cases, clinics, and advocacy. Though my original plan has changed, I’m still able to make a difference!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: isabelranirhodes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isabelranirhodes/
- Other: Email: [email protected]