Sonia Sotomayor's life has been shaped by strong women. Her father, a factory worker, died when she was 9, and her mother raised her and her brother on her own. She grew up an avid reader of Nancy Drew stories, which inspired her sense of adventure, developed her sense of justice and showed her that women could be outspoken and bold. Now, in 2010, there are many more role models for a young student from Cardinal Spellman High School to choose from — and Justice Sotomayor, 55, is foremost among them. During her confirmation hearings last year, my colleagues quickly saw what I had known for years — that she would bring to the bench a deep understanding of how most people who walk down Broadway, or Main Street, live their lives.
She may not yet be a household name, but generations to come will celebrate her for helping carry our rapidly changing and diverse society into a new American century.
Schumer is New York's senior Senator