Tammy Fraley

"My whole life, I wanted to come to Brandeis."

graduated from UofL -- political science (2003)

"I used to walk by Ford Hall and say, 'One day I'm going to go to law school.'" I never staryed from that goal. Life happened. Got married, had two ids

worked for DPA as legal secreatry, paralgela, office manager

"I have to fulfill my dream. It's time now."

"It kind of felt like a mid-life crisis move because I quit my job and all my stability but it was time to become a lawyer."

"Everything I've done is just to get me here."

loves criminal law

got position with Commonwealth's Attorney Office -- did public service work there. worked for them every summer. funded by SBA and Greenebaum

kids are 7 and 9

"People ask how I do it. I say with little sleep. I'm constantly running."

commutes from Elizabethtown. enjoys that time to decompress.

"I'm strong and I have a great support system. When you're determined like I am to reach that goal, you do whatever it takes."

"I'm so glad to be here. This school has great support systems too." PALS, Admitted Students Day

"It's great to have somebody who knows what you're going through."

"I came in with a basis of understanding on some of these things."

"I always like to play devil's advocate"

middle of five kids.

In order for me to be noticed, have to state position and be argumentative

"I'm learning those skills here at UofL: how to properly engage in debate without getting overheated."

took business law in high school. also taught about trials, taxes

"The moment I did that, I said this is it. this is what I'm meant to do"

"Everything I've done is to get me here."

"I used to walk past the law school and just dream."

got full-time job after graduation, never applied to law school

"I always knew I wanted to go here. To finally be here is amazing."

tougher than she thought

always want to learn more --thought it'd be easy because she's a good student

difficult but worth it

"Everything worth having is worth working hard for."

"There's no doubt that I'll pass the bar. That's the ultimate goal."

plans to stay with commonwealth's office in Hardin County

great criminal law experience at DPA

"As a public defender, I felt like I was constantly reacting to all the charges. As a prosecutor, I feel like I am able to help the same people in a more effective manner. I am able to look at individuals from a broader perspective having both sides."

Her kids are proud of her for pursuing her goals "They help drive me. I want to show them what it's like to have determination and drive and never give up on a goal."

never too old to learn

Abramson -- she is his criminal law RA