M E E T
T H E
J U D G E S
by Lyndsey E. Siara – Thirteenth Judicial Circuit
Continued from page 22
Florida Circuit Court conference on the topic. Judge Tesche Arkin found great
joy in the Juvenile Delinquency Division, feeling that she could make a
difference in a child’s life. Her time in the Dependency Division was especially
consequential; the weightiness of the decisions that must be made have stayed
with her over the years — a child’s life truly is on the line in child welfare cases.
Where possible, she tried to make special connections with the children, even
dyed her hair pink because she thought the youngsters would enjoy it. Of
course, she remembers the heart-wrenching cases where it felt as though there
is little the system can do to change the course of a child’s life. But Judge Tesche
Arkin held tight to the skills and lessons imparted by her dad —
communication, listening, and being fundamentally optimistic. In her newest
judicial assignment in the Civil Division, Judge Tesche Arkin sees it as an
opportunity to expand her mind, and especially looks forward to those cases
with scientific evidence — an obvious ode to her dad.
Judge Tesche Arkin ended our time together with a sweet story that
intersected her familial and judicial lives. She has fond early childhood
memories of going to Native American pueblos with her mother, having lived
in New Mexico as a child. She showed off a special Native American bracelet
and ring that belonged to her mother, and that she now wears. Judge Tesche
Arkin shared a story of travelling to Santa Fe for a judicial conference,
wandering into a jewelry store, and noticing a ring that had an uncanny
resemblance to hers. After inquiring with the shop owner, she was delighted
to learn that the modern version of her 80-year-old ring
was made by the grandson of the artist who made hers; she
felt a special connection to her mom indeed.
Should you get the chance to attend a Tesche Arkin
backyard soirée, ask her about her “epic” guacamole, her
Native American jewelry, or her butterfly garden — any of
which will elicit a warm smile, and plenty to talk about.
Until next time . . .
Author: Lyndsey E. Siara – Thirteenth Judicial Circuit
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