Inez Tenenbaum entered law school in her 30s. She cashed out her state retirement to pay for her first year of law school. That was a turning point in her life, and she credits that move for later success, including top positions at state and national levels. She was a two-term Superintendent of Education in South Carolina and served a four-year term as Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. She oversaw implementation of major legislation to protect children nationwide -- the 2008 Consumer Product Safety Act. She said her law degree gave her the tools to be a more effective advocate and to have more confidence. “Once I understood the law and how it could protect children and families, it took me to different venues,” she added.
Her advice for young people:
“… I’ll say, what really makes you happy, what do you love doing? And they’ll tell me what their interest is. I’ll say, then find a job that focuses on that interest. And then you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Inez Tenenbaum entered law school in her 30s. She cashed out her state retirement to pay for her first year of law school. That was a turning point in her life, and she credits that move for later success, including top positions at state and national levels. She was a two-term Superintendent of Education in South Carolina and served a four-year term as Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. She oversaw implementation of major legislation to protect children nationwide -- the 2008 Consumer Product Safety Act. She said her law degree gave her the tools to be a more effective advocate and to have more confidence. “Once I understood the law and how it could protect children and families, it took me to different venues,” she added.
Her advice for young people:
“… I’ll say, what really makes you happy, what do you love doing? And they’ll tell me what their interest is. I’ll say, then find a job that focuses on that interest. And then you’ll never work a day in your life.”
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Women Vision SC Learning Activity
Women Vision SC is a program that focuses on issues affecting women throughout the state and the nation, and a new generation of young people pursuing public service for their communities and the...
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