U.S. District Court Judge Reggie Walton, District of Columbia, hasn’t let circumstances or other people define him. A talented football player, whose college injury took him out of the game, he discovered his intellectual abilities and rigorously applied them to getting a law degree. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C. his reputation for diligence and success in the courtroom brought him to the attention of the White House. He was appointed to judgeships by three Presidents and named to high-profile public service assignments by two Chief Justices of the United States. His advice for facing adversity: Don’t let outside forces define you or determine your future.