“You’re worthy. You’re going to do things. You’re going to be somebody. You’ll get through this. You’ll make it through what comes next. You can do everything alone. You don’t need anyone, except your kids. You’re a lawyer. You can make and spend your own money. You’re going to have your own voice. You can raise the children on your own if you need to. You can do this. You can accomplish so much more.” (p. 132)
The passage above beautifully summarizes the personal and professional journey of Hon. Rosemarie Aquilina. Her continued devotion to giving herself and those without a voice the ability to be valued and heard plays a primary role in “Just Watch Me: A Memoir,” the book written by the judge in Ingham County’s 30th Circuit Court.
Aquilina attended Michigan State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in English and journalism, then attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School, graduating with her law degree in 1984. After passing the bar exam, she worked as a campaign manager for state Sen. John Kelly, was a partner in Kelly’s lobbying firm, formed Aquilina Law Firm, and hosted a radio talk show called “Ask the Family Lawyer.” She was also the first female member of the Michigan Army National Guard Judge Advocate General’s Corps, serving for 20 years, and then became a 55th District Court judge for four years prior to her appointment to the 30th Circuit Court. She is also an adjunct professor of law at Cooley Law School and Michigan State University School of Law.
Aquilina begins the book by delving into her childhood, exploring the profound ramification and impression her grandparents, parents, and siblings had on the trajectory of her life. She describes growing up in a German-Maltese patriarchal home and the interplay between that environment and her announcement to someday become a lawyer and, ultimately, a judge. Aquilina’s childhood and high-school stories, anecdotes, and narrative make the reader reflect on how all experiences and relationships — both positive and negative — affect both the course and outcomes of our lives.
The book then pivots to her early adult years and the many occasions throughout her career and personal life when male colleagues and men she was in relationships with tried to usurp her authority and steal her power. Aquilina discusses her determination to succeed and her sources of strength — including her children and her family — and how she channeled her personal drive to achieve her goals. Many times throughout the memoir, when told she won’t succeed or asked why she would even try, she says to others around her, “Just watch me.”
The final chapters describe Aquilina’s experiences after being appointed to the Ingham County bench. She shares inspirational stories and describes how her personal goal of making a point to listen to every victim and defendant who passes through her courtroom can lead to rehabilitation and justice. Aquilina brings her memoir full circle with her thoughts and reflections on the Larry Nassar USA Gymnastics sex abuse trial and her role in empowering 169 people — all but 13 of whom were survivors — to speak prior to the disgraced Michigan doctor’s sentencing. She also notes the profound impact the order for Nassar’s sentencing had due to the national attention the trial had garnered — it “spoke to the pain of girls and women, boys and men, of all ages, cultures, and sexual preferences, who have suffered at the hands of predators all around our nation and the world,” she wrote (p. 239).
Overall, “Just Watch Me: A Memoir” is certainly a worthwhile read. Aquilina’s determination, perseverance, and grit inspire the reader to appreciate her story and her ability to uplift others by asking a simple question: “What would you like me to know?”