We had the good fortune of connecting with Lydia Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lydia, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Every person on this Earth has a story that we walk out of our childhoods with. The story can range from the way our parents always argued, our siblings being supportive, school being hell, or even having “too perfect of a life”. I think a lot of people try to use a straight and narrow guideline of what a “hard” or “easy” life is. But understanding that no matter the background or upbringing, it is all relative. Just because you grew up with money doesn’t equate to having a perfect life, despite popular opinions. I am originally from a very small town in Iowa. I have lived in Colorado, Tennessee, Minnesota, and now I am in Texas pursuing my law degree. I would say my upbringing and background had a huge impact on who I am today. Like so many people I did not have the “perfect” childhood. Honestly, once I accepted that all the things I went through was much bigger than me, is the moment I actually started to bloom. Not having the most stable home growing up pushed me to create stability for myself and one day create that same stability for my children. I do sometimes wish I had the perfect “Cobsby” family. But you see what happened to Bill * sips tea. But seriously understanding that the grass isn’t always greener made me appreciate so many things beyond what the world told me I should be grateful for. I am actually not a “victim” of my childhood. At one point, I refused to be. Even if I did not have the nicest clothes or a biological father that loved me. I had a mom who would give me her last and 2 sisters that would always go to bat for me. I focused on all the things I DID have opposed to the things I did not have. All the love and support I did not get, did not stop me from working hard for the life I wanted. I truly understand how easy it is to focus on the bad things in life and all the things that went wrong. That is how I fell into depression at one point. I pulled myself out with God, family, and therapy. I accepted(and still accepting) I can not change my past or people but I can adjust and adapt how I handle it. Healing is a journey, not a destination. Not being able to shop at the Limited(this super expensive kid store) would not change but working hard so I could buy myself designer and all things I wanted was my new focus. My upbringing and background impacted me in a positive way. It was not glitter and gold but I promised to make my future all the things I did not have. Now I am months away from being an attorney, I have my own blog (ADOLydia.om), and most importantly, JOY!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I felt like the first day I walked into law school orientation was the first day of my career. I always knew that studying law was what I was meant to do, and law school was where I was meant to be. I knew that I just need to get in the door, and I could buy the building next. I had to take the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) 4 times. I got so many denial letters from law schools. At one point, I started to wonder if law school was even for me, but I knew God would not bring me this far, only to bring me this far. I have interned with Federal Judges, interned at the District Attorney’s office, became an Associate Editor for the Law Review, finished my first year of law school at the top of my class and so much more. Every day is a confirmation that I was created to a lawyer and advocate. I have learned so many lessons on my life journey. I have learned to surround myself with like-minded people. I want to continuously have conversations and discussions about how to grow and progress. I have learned to surround myself with full and ambitious people because empty people cannot feed you. Understanding that I cannot be the only one in my circle filling up cups and I need my cup filled up as well. My spirit will eventually hunger. I learned it is okay to fail and do what makes me happy. Which brings me to my brand/blog. Blogging that makes me HAPYY. I recently just launched my blog, January 2021. A Dose of Lydia Blog. ADOLydia.com. I love to write, blog, and inspire. In law school we are trained to remove our feelings from almost everything and think logical and be fact based. Aristotle once said, “the law is reason free from passion.” And in my blog, I am able to discuss feelings, passion, and express myself. I know my story and wisdom can help the world. I hope it will help the world. My love for blogging kind of ties into my purpose behind becoming a lawyer. I knew I always wanted to be an advocate and forerunner of change. I am not sure where my blogging and legal career will take me, but trust I will go FAR. Although being a blogger and lawyer are on completely different spectrums, in both I seek to advocate and express. Everything that I do, I do with passion and a whole heart. More times than not my passion speaks before my words do. I am excited to see where my career as a lawyer and blogger will be in the future.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Houston is sooo huge and has almost everything for everyone. We would definitely explore, who doesn’t love food? Some of my favorite restaurants are Soul Food Vegan, Turkey Leg Hut, The Breakfast Klub, Phil & Derek’s Restaurant &Jazz Lounge, Taste Bar & Kitchen, and Green Seed Vegan. And if she needed to hit the nail shop, Glossed Glam Factory. Places we would drink and hang out would be possible Seaside Lounge, Grooves, The Address, Z on 23 Rooftop Bar, and even Rise Rooftop. I love rooftop bars. I get fresh air and drinks in one  Houston has a great mid-town and downtown scene. Not too busy or fast. With the pandemic going on a lot of things and places have changed. Overall, Houston is a great city with TONS to explore. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not be who I am and as successful as I am without my mom, Nikki, and my two sisters, Dominique and Myeisha. They have always been there to support me, love me, and encourage me. I am forever grateful and forever blessed for them. Also, my man Justin has been beyond supportive and encouraging through my journey. God truly sent me forever on this side of Heaven. I am who I am because of all the love, care, and reinforcement I get and have gotten so far!

Website: https://adolydia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lydiathegreat_/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-davis-juris-doctor-candidate-b86868ab/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lydiathegreat_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lydia.a.davis.3
Youtube: A Dose Of Lydia

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