Marci Johnson:  

I always wanted to be a mom when I grew up. My family and friends thought that was a wonderful idea. As it turns out, they were right. I am the mother of 3 handsome boys - ages 20, 16 and 10. For the past 16 years, I was a legal assistant at the fifth largest law firm in the world (President Obama and his wife met where I work). I was the assistant to the former Illinois Solicitor General who was nominated by President Obama as a federal judge for the Northern District of Illinois. On June 28, 2010, he was confirmed to this position and was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Kennedy on September 30, 2010. During the same time I was the assistant to the future federal judge, I was also the assistant to the future US Attorney for the State of Utah. On the same assignment, I also assisted a general litigator (white collar crime). What an honor to work for such prominent figures in our nation's government. My life has been very rewarding except for a few bumps in the road which, I believe, has made me a better person. I have a strong faith in God. I have been there for my oldest son's liver transplant which drew media attention across the country as it being the first side by side liver transplant in the history of Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago with one donor and two recipients. The donor's family gave a generous gift to our family and the Sroka family by saving two children. Many thank yous to my employer for understanding and giving me emotional support along the way. I could not have asked for better parents who have always been there for me and still continue to be. I a member of a wonderful church in Lake Forest which spiritually leads my path. I am financially sound with a great future ahead of me - thanks to God's love for me. I belong to a health club Equinox, in my neighborhood which offers palates, swimming, spinning classes, etc. The wildest thing I ever did in high school was hide in a closet with four friends who were supposedly housesitting for a friend. The friend gave the key to my friend. The owner's oldest son came home and was going to call the police because someone was in the house. I guess we weren't supposed to be there after all. We ran into a closet. My friends and I still laugh about this to this day. My hero is my mother - for all the patience in the world and love she has given me. She was my best friend as well. Our family friend, Anita, served as my mentor. Anita was great with business advice. She was the Manager of the Federal Information Center at the Federal Building in Chicago. If I had an...Expand for more