"The road to womanhood is not always glamorous," according to Sarah Holt. In reflecting on her achievements thus far, Holt admitted she doesn't see herself as a role model.
"I have many regrets," she explained. "The paths that led me to where I am today were full of roadblocks and unexpected obstacles."
Despite those obstacles, the 30-year-old said her stubborn spirit aided her persistence in following through. Now a practicing attorney, Holt hopes to use what she's learned to empower young people within her community to keep pushing forward.
Holt graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 2005. She attended the University of Mississippi, double-majoring in psychology and history before enrolling in the University's law school.
She graduated in 2014 from the University of Mississippi School of Law and now works at Edmundson, Innes and Warren, LLC in downtown Poplar Bluff.
Holt said her decision to pursue a career in law is rooted in her passion for people.
"My Christian beliefs combined with the example set by my family lit a fire inside me that eventually led to law school," she said. "I have quickly learned the effect you have on others is the most valuable currency in existence."
Holt said when she's at work, she often finds herself taking charge of situations. She said it is her job to take the reins and help folks navigate their issues through the justice system.
"A very accomplished lawyer once told me that being an attorney was comparable to leading a cavalry," she said. "You have to lead the fight. You have to advocate for those who seek your help."
She said one of the most rewarding aspects of her career is when an emotional client thanks her for helping them achieve justice, specifically for the loss of a loved one.
"Money is secondary to genuine gratitude. I love what I do. I love solving problems for others. I love where I work. I am fortunate and grateful to be part of a team of experienced attorneys and staff that put others first," she said.
When she isn't working, Holt spends time with her 9-year-old Goldendoodle, Beau, and her boyfriend, Alex Nicolini.
She also dedicates much of her spare time to serving on various local boards. Holt is a member of the Haven House and Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors, among others.
She said her involvement in charitable organizations is truly the heart of her career.
"How we help the youth of our community has a direct impact on the future growth, welfare and safety of our community," she said. "I believe Franklin D. Roosevelt nailed it when he said, 'We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future."
Holt said to young women looking to find a place in the world, "Be relentless in pursuing the desires of your heart."
"I aspire to have a family of my own and I know that day will come," she said. "Meet the seasons of your life with grace and gratitude. We all have insecurities. Lift up and empower other women. Walk with purpose and let the Lord be your guide through the mountains and valleys of your life."
Holt said young women should be mindful that the world is changed by example, not by opinion.
When blending her work and personal lives, Holt said she's had to establish a decent work-life balance. She said she knows the people she loves the most often fall victim to her erratic schedule and the emotions of a cranky, sleepy lawyer.
"I am still learning to balance that element of my career," she added.
Above all, Holt said she wants her message to focus on resilience. She said resilience is essential to accomplishing any worthwhile endeavor.
"We often underestimate what we can accomplish in the long-term and over-estimate what we can accomplish in the short-term," she said. "I still struggle with implementing that in my own life."
Through her ups and downs, Holt said aside from resilience, reliance on her family and her faith helped her to persevere.
"I have had to adapt and be flexible about the methods in accomplishing those goals," she said. "I have failed over and over again -- in life, in relationships, in my law practice. Those failures come with valuable lessons.
"Implementing those lessons and seeing God's plan for my life has brought me to a place that has far exceeded my expectations or imagination. I hope this is just the beginning and have faith that the best is yet to come."