Dallas Attorney Credits His Education For His Legal Success
When Anthony Eiland was growing up, his parents, who were both college graduates, instilled education as being key to success. While Eiland's parents worked hard to tout the benefits of education, little Anthony didn't make education a priority. He was interested in sports and having a good time. He struggled in high school and graduated with a 2.0 grade point average.
"I always had in the back of my mind that I would buckle down and do what I needed to do. I took all the standardized tests and did well on them but still I didn't study or go to class. My teachers knew I had the ability but I didn't apply myself," said Eiland who went to the University of Louisiana at Monroe. "I did OK after the first semester and earned a 2.7."
"My dad tried to motivate me to do things; he showed me what the other side was. I worked on cars and repaired his rental houses. He made it clear that if I didn't get my education, that I would end up doing manual labor not because I wanted to do it but because I had to do it. Ultimately, I turned things around and my grades improved dramatically."
"I met a girl in college [who later became my wife] who was studying to become a pharmacist. I saw her transcripts and she had all straight A's. I thought there is no way she is going want to be with me if I'm not on the same level academically. In my second year, I turned things around and made a 3.83. I became motivated and began making sacrifices. When my friends were going to clubs and parties, I was in my dorm room studying. In order to succeed, you have to put forth effort and focus," said Eiland who graduated with a 4.0 grade point average in his final semester.
Eiland's interest in law grew when he was in high school. His mother would have him learn legal history and recite the Constitution. Eiland earned his law degree from the Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge. At George Washington University, Eiland earned a Master's of Laws in Litigation and Dispute Resolution.
"The most encouraging experience was earning my LLM at GWU. I had nationally recognized instructors and developed my trial skills."
Eiland's biggest reward: "Becoming a success. I came from a position of not doing well to succeeding academically and professionally." Eiland has worked for the District Attorney's office in Dallas and is now in private practice handling criminal defense cases.
Eiland's advice: "Don't give up. Even when times are hard and you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, just rest a moment, then pick it up and carry the world a little farther."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com