City official tells of education changing life
by Randy Johnson, reporter

    The doorway to success starts with a good education, a local attorney and community leader said last week on NE Campus.

    Wendy Davis, a member of the Fort Worth city council and graduate of Texas Christian University and Harvard Law School, talked about her humble beginnings rather than her present success.

    Davis began with tales of her high school pregnancy and life as a single mother.

    Expressing interest in education, she applied for a minimal amount of hours taking paralegal classes at TCC. After working four nights a week waiting tables while going to school, she decided to apply to TCU, where she was accepted and given a scholarship.

    “I would not have applied to a four-year college if TCC hadn’t opened the door for me,” she said.

    At TCU Davis majored in philosophy and English. She attended four years while working a full-time job. She graduated first in her class.

    “During this time, I had married,” she said. “I was unbelievably lucky to have such a dedicated husband who supported and helped me through.”

    Getting teary eyed and choked up, Davis talked about her acceptance into Harvard Law school, a moment which she described as unimaginable.

    Davis commuted to school in two-week intervals. She would spend two weeks in school and two weeks at home. While she was at home, she had someone taking notes for her.

    “This time was unbelievably tiring and stressful. But I just kept telling myself that I had to stick it out because in the end I could say that I went the distance,” she said.

    Finally, after three years of studying and working, Davis graduated with honors.

    “I can’t explain to you the emotions I felt; it was unimaginable,” she said.

    Shortly after graduating, Davis went to work at a law firm clerking. She moved from firm to firm before establishing herself on councils and committees around the DFW area. She was recently elected to the Fort Worth City Council.

    “I represent a large portion of the Fort Worth area and do my best to establish a good relationship with the people in my district,” she said. “I feel the low income areas in my district can trust me more because of my background.”

    Davis explained that her goals are not over.

    “Once you succeed in accomplishing what you are trying to accomplish, you should automatically create new goals for yourself,” she said.

    Davis concluded by reminding the audience of the importance of education and again recognized TCC as her doorway to a better future.

    “Never lose faith in your dreams,” she said. “Let’s make education part of everyone’s world view.”