U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor paid a visit to San Diego Sunday to discuss her new, best-selling memoir, “My Beloved World” and addressed an issue facing lawmakers this week - illegal immigration.
The University of San Diego’s College and Arts and Sciences, along with La Jolla bookstore Warwick’s, hosted a book signing and discussion featuring Sotomayor at USD’s Shiley Theatre.
The U.S. Supreme Court Justice, who’s the first Hispanic and third woman ever appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, discussed her personal tale of triumph, from her early days living in a housing project in the Bronx to achieving her larger-than-life ambitions.
"You have to make people think that you're confident about yourself," she advised the audience.
She even shared candid anecdotes about her relationship with her mother.
"Every month I call her up and ask her to walk me thru making chuletas," she told the crowd.
She also shared her view on illegal immigration.
“It is illegal to be undocumented but you can’t paint all aliens with the same brush,” said Justice Sotomayor.
When she walked onto the stage, she received a rock star's welcome.
"She's a really inspirational role model," said Ninett Rodriguez with the CA Youth & Government Program. "She's someone to look up to, she's achieved so much."
"To have somebody that highly educated and decorated to represent us and not only have charisma and just be a kind, good person, it's important," said audience member Ermila Martinez.
The sold-out event began at 2 p.m. Admission tickets were $25 each and included a copy of Sotomayor’s memoir. A book signing was held immediately following the discussion.
In the book, Sotomayor shares every step of the journey that eventually led to her appointment to the Federal District Court before the age of 40.
"She's obviously an inspiration for our community and we hope that she comes back to San Diego, but they're gonna need a much bigger venue if she does," said audience member Rafael Castellanos.
On Sunday NBC Latino reported that Sotomayor’s candid memoir is now a New York Times bestseller.
Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego