Staff
Ray Curtis Petty Jr., ESQ is the epitome of a fighter, having surmounted countless challenges throughout his life to reach his goal of becoming the first lawyer in his family.
He triumphed and achieved history as his family’s first-generation lawyer, despite a mountain of hardships and youthful shortcomings. He remembers his teachers telling him that he should be in special education classes, as he recounts his story on Instagram.
As a kid, his coaches questioned his ability to recall a playbook.
Petty Jr went on to Albany State University and earned his first degree, proving his critics wrong.
He would, however, find another roadblock in his pursuit of a law degree.
“I was denied by every law school that I applied to, but one.”
When he finally got to Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Petty Jr had a great impact on the school and the students, serving as President of the Student Bar Association and also working as a paralegal in the US Air Force Reserves.
Adversity struck during this time when he lost his sister in his arms just before his final semester of law school. He said he fought depression and overcome it while taking five classes.
He graduated as the valedictory speaker of his law school class despite the challenges life threw at him. He became more resilient with each wound.
He graduated as the valedictory speaker of his law school class despite the challenges life threw at him. He became more resilient with each wound.
Attempting to become a lawyer was also a challenge, as he failed his first shot.
”Took the Bar exam and failed the first time. Passed the Bar exam on my second attempt.” ”Now, I am the first attorney in my family,” he said.
His account has inspired many internet users. The team indicated: ”We don’t know each other but your story is inspiring! God bless you!!” Boldenjr_ said: ”Congrats bro, you deserve everything that comes your way. I will forever appreciate you helping me. ” Frilancy commented: ”I don’t know you but I am proud of you brother.”
On his Instagram account @raycurtispettyjr., he gave a quick walkthrough of the obstacles he has to pass through in life. From being told by his teacher that he should attend special education classes, not too smart by his coach, was denied by every law school he applied for, lost his sisters in his arms, went through depression while taking 5 classes, failed his first attempt on the BAR exam to being the first lawyer of his family. He even added in his caption, “Is there anything too hard for God?”
Ray Curtis Petty Jr. showed us that indeed, nothing is impossible. As long as you have persistence, determination, and the mindset with the right heart, you can always achieve your dreams in life. There may be times that you might have tripped yourself along the way, but what matters the most is your willingness to stand again and come back even stronger.
