Sonia Sotomayor: Her Life in Photos

See the journey traveled by Judge Sotomayor | President Obama's selection for Supreme Court judge.

Sotomayor's Journey - Last week, President Obama nominated federal Judge Sonia Sotomayor to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Sotomayor, who is of Puerto Rican descent, was born and raised in the Bronx, N.Y. She grew up in the Bronxdale Housing Project.

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Sotomayor's Journey - Last week, President Obama nominated federal Judge Sonia Sotomayor to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Sotomayor, who is of Puerto Rican descent, was born and raised in the Bronx, N.Y. She grew up in the Bronxdale Housing Project.

Early Years - A young Sonia Sotomayor is photographed here with her sister Miriam and cousins. After becoming a fan of the “Perry Mason” TV series at an early age, she was motivated to enter the law profession.

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Early Years - A young Sonia Sotomayor is photographed here with her sister Miriam and cousins. After becoming a fan of the “Perry Mason” TV series at an early age, she was motivated to enter the law profession.

Father's Passing - Sotomayor is pictured here with her parents. Her father, Juan Sotomayor, passed away when she was 9 years old, at age 42.

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Father's Passing - Sotomayor is pictured here with her parents. Her father, Juan Sotomayor, passed away when she was 9 years old, at age 42.

Educational Foundation - Sotomayor dons a cap and gown for her eighth grade graduation. Education was important in her family’s household; Sotomayor’s mother kept an Encyclopedia Britannica in the home. She graduated valedictorian of her high school, Cardinal Spellman, in 1972.

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Educational Foundation - Sotomayor dons a cap and gown for her eighth grade graduation. Education was important in her family’s household; Sotomayor’s mother kept an Encyclopedia Britannica in the home. She graduated valedictorian of her high school, Cardinal Spellman, in 1972.

Princeton Alum - She graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University in 1976. While a student, she was active in Acción Puertorriqueña, a Puerto Rican student organization, and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She graduated from Yale Law School in 1979 with her Juris Doctor.

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Princeton Alum - She graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University in 1976. While a student, she was active in Acción Puertorriqueña, a Puerto Rican student organization, and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She graduated from Yale Law School in 1979 with her Juris Doctor.

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Mother's Influence - Sotomayor credits her mother Celina for setting the example for success she followed.

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Mother's Influence - Sotomayor credits her mother Celina for setting the example for success she followed.

Illustrious Career - Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s 30-year career includes positions as the Assistant District Attorney of New York County, a lawyer in private practice, U.S. District Court judge for the Southern District of New York and her current position as a federal judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

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Illustrious Career - Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s 30-year career includes positions as the Assistant District Attorney of New York County, a lawyer in private practice, U.S. District Court judge for the Southern District of New York and her current position as a federal judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Supreme Court Nom - Judge Sonia Sotomayor appears at the White House alongside President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden as her nomination is announced. If appointed, she would be the first Latina justice to serve on the Court.

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Supreme Court Nom - Judge Sonia Sotomayor appears at the White House alongside President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden as her nomination is announced. If appointed, she would be the first Latina justice to serve on the Court.