Shelby Smith
Assistant District Attorney, Bristol County District Attorney's Office
Education/background: Tufts University, BA; Northeastern University, JD
Community involvement: Board of Directors of town baseball / softball league
Family status: Married with two children
1. What do you think Dr. King would think about the state of the world today?
I think he would be impressed to see that there are so many groups of people from all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and cultures working together to further his goal of equality and social justice. However, while there have been great strides in achieving those goals since his death, I believe he would also think there is still much more work to do in our country.
2. What advice do you wish you could have given your younger self?
Take risks and always trust your instincts.
3. Who do you admire most, and why?
There is no one person I admire over another. Instead, I admire individual qualities in people. Specifically, people who are generous, fair, and have compassion for others. These are all qualities that Dr. King embodied.
4. How are you helping to make Dr. King's dream - of a world where people are judged not by the color of their skin, but by their character - come true?
Dr. King also said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" Keeping the two quotes in mind, I hope that through my profession and my work in my community, I have improved the lives of those around me through service and fairness toward others.