If I could give one piece of advice to anyone entering law — or any career — it’s this: don’t chase the paycheck. Find the thing that makes you want to get better every single day.

I’ve done work that paid well but left me hollow. And I’ve taken roles that challenged me to the core but gave me a sense of purpose. The difference? Passion.

You can fake a lot in life, but not effort. And sustained effort only comes when you love the fight. For me, that’s using my legal training and leadership experience to serve others — in the courtroom, in uniform, and everywhere in between.