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In what seems like a reel to real life story featuring a scene straight out of Legally Blonde, America’s favourite reality star has decided to become a lawyer. Consistently mocked for her ‘undeserving’ rise to fame, Kim Kardashian’s credentials have often been questioned. Over the years, she has got a bad rap for building a brand on what a lot of people have declared to be 'no talent’, but we’ve got to admit that it is unlikely that she would have made it to the top and stayed there without a considerable amount of business acumen. In all the attention that Kim and her famous family have received for their ample butts, high-profile relationships and entertaining family feuds, everything was made out to be larger than life - except, of course, for her brain. Now, this selfie-obsessed pop culture icon has decided to re-invent her career, making a leap from entertainment to an intellectual field.  

In a sense, Kim has always possessed a wide range of skills that make her perfectly suited to this profession. From hacking ex-boyfriends’ phones & emails, grilling Khloe on her secret relationships, exposing Taylor Swift during the infamous feud with Kanye and even getting an X-ray of her butt to prove that it is real {all of which are documented on her reality show}, she has demonstrated that she will go to any length to uncover the truth and in her pursuit of it, has displayed a perfect combination of resourcefulness, tact and persistence. Add passion to the mix and she’s got everything she needs to be an excellent lawyer.

Kim’s father is renowned American attorney, the late Robert Kardashian, well-known for his key role in the O.J. Simpson trial. Kim, seemingly following in his footsteps, is currently working with social justice attorneys, and of this choice, she states ‘I could have gone into the entertainment field, but I chose this because I saw my Dad’s passion to do the right thing.”

Not long ago, Kim became involved with the case of Alice Marie Johnson, an imprisoned grandmother who was serving time for a drug crime. She passionately pursued her cause, going as far as the White House to secure her freedom, speaking about how it brought her so much joy to be able to effect change and impact someone’s life so greatly. In an interview with CNN recently, she stated, “When I did go to the White House and when I learned so much about the system and what is going on, I was honestly so surprised, I really had no idea how broken the system is and I just figured if I know more about the system, I can do more. That’s just the kind of person that I am.” Doesn't that sound like women everywhere? Our hearts are stirred to fix what's broken - whether it's a child's arm or your friends leaky Kajal, we are moved to change things for the better.

As with everything else, Kim is taking an unconventional route toward achieving her goal. But a difficult one, nonetheless. Kim is doing a four-year law apprenticeship under the guidance of two lawyers. Of this path she has chosen, she stated in a lengthy Instagram post, “Last year I registered with the California State Bar to study law. For the next 4 years, a minimum of 18 hours a week is required, I will take written and multiple choice tests monthly. As my first year is almost coming to an end I am preparing for the baby bar, a mini version of the bar, which is required when studying law this way.”

The reactions have been polarising, with some applauding this step, while others are not as impressed. “I’ve seen some comments from people who are saying it’s my privilege or my money that got me here, but that’s not the case,” she continued on Instagram. She has been forthright about the hard work and hours she is investing is making sure she does the groundwork, asking her husband, Kanye West, to share the load at home with the kids as she stays up late into the night to study. She already has a packed schedule with filming the TV show, her beauty business, appearances, as well as raising a family. She says, “there are times I feel overwhelmed and when I feel like I can't do it but I get the pep talks I need from the people around me supporting me.”

It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your professional background is. It is simply never too late to chase your dream. Kim talks of a comment that someone made on her career move, telling her to “stay in her lane” and “not be too ambitious.” Kim recalls how she reacted to this comment, telling her husband that “this will push her even harder”.  On Instagram, she said, “I want people to understand that there is nothing that should limit your pursuit of your dreams, and the accomplishment of new goals. You can create your own lanes, just as I am. The state bar doesn’t care who you are.” She gives some very encouraging advice to those juggling multiple passions, stating, “I don’t like to be put in a box..I also love to do makeup, I also love to do fragrance.”

It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your professional background is. It is simply never too late to chase your dream. Kim talks of a comment that someone made on her career move, telling her to “stay in her lane” and “not be too ambitious.” Kim recalls how she reacted to this comment, telling her husband that “this will push her even harder”.  On Instagram, she said, “I want people to understand that there is nothing that should limit your pursuit of your dreams, and the accomplishment of new goals. You can create your own lanes, just as I am. The state bar doesn’t care who you are.” She gives some very encouraging advice to those juggling multiple passions, stating, “I don’t like to be put in a box..I also love to do makeup, I also love to do fragrance.”

Is she privileged enough to pursue her dreams? Sure!
Is she an exception to the rule? Maybe!
Is she known to do everything to gain fame? Yes.
Is there a possibility that this time it is actually her intention to do good for the society? Yes of course it is a possibility!

Whether we agree on Kim’s many historic life choices, I think this pivotal decision is one we can all collectively applaud, for the bravery of pushing past complacency and her comfort zone, for the sacrifice of time with her family that she is making to follow her dream and the intentional effort to pursue a career with a sense of purpose, despite the naysayers. So instead of just sitting back and assuming it’s a gimmick, let’s give her the benefit of the doubt. Let’s save our judgements and inspired and hope she nails it and uses her position and power for the betterment of the world!

In the words of wise and beloved American character, Elle Woods, “I have come to find that passion is a key ingredient to the study and practice of law -- and of life. It is with passion, courage of conviction, and strong sense of self that we take our next steps into the world, remembering that first impressions are not always correct. You must always have faith in people. And most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself.”

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