No one knows more than Sophia Greaves what it means to overcome misfortune and hardship, especially just as life begins to soar.

Last week, Ms. Greaves, 25, of Paget, celebrated a milestone when she was called to the Bermuda Bar after completing her law degree as well as a Master's degree in Politics and Communication.

Born with Lupus, she led a fairly normal life until she was 14 – when she suffered acute kidney failure and required a transplant if she was to survive.

She ultimately would, thanks to her father, Franklin (Bucky) Greaves, who gave her his kidney after finding out he was a perfect match for his daughter – perhaps sparing her an agonising and depressing wait.

"From the time my kidneys went into what's called renal failure, I was on a dialysis machine for a year," Sophie intrepidly reflects. "That was in 1996 and in 1997, I received a kidney transplant from my father.

"After that I would describe it as a quick recovery for me. The kidney was an excellent match and within about five months I was back to living a relatively normal life."

It was a desire for versatility and challenge that helped to set her ambitions on practicing law. She attended Bermuda High School, where she was head girl in 1999.

Then, she went on to obtain her International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) from Malvern College in England, in 1999. In 2001, she attended King's College at the University of London, where she obtained her undergraduate Law degree.

Not stopping there, from 2004 to 2005, she completed the Legal Practice Course, also in London before earning her Master's degree in Politics and Communication in 2006.

Proof of how much she is admired within the community, during her Bar ceremony last week, it was standing room only — filled to capacity with friends, family and well-wishers, there to see her through the final stage in her dream.

She said of the event: "I was sort of nervous before the ceremony. But I read my speech numerous times and I don't think you're quite fully prepared after you've done that.

"Some things are hard to prepare for such as the emotions that accompany that kind of event. I really enjoyed it, it was a lovely experience.

"I do think I have matured compared to ten years ago in certain ways. Certain experiences have caused me to see things differently. I also love my parents, Linda and Franklin Greaves, they've been very supportive of me, and most importantly, God."

Ms Greaves said she has chosen to practice commercial law, for which she is currently gaining experience, in the UK, where she lives and works.

"It was recommended to me that I gain experience first in another country, which is what I'm doing right now. I'm home for Christmas break and will be returning to the UK in the New Year."

Asked why she chose to practice commercial/corporate law as opposed to criminal law, she said it boiled down to a matter of natural skills for the latter, she explained.

"I think I'm more sort of a big picture thinker and with commercial transactions, it encompasses more negotiation skills and working toward a common goal — that's what I prefer.

"Obviously, there is versatility within a contentious background. I'm looking at the options to (work as an) in-house (counsel) with a commercial background and perhaps to do something completely different.

"With this part of law, it can lead you to accounting firms, insurance and reinsurance, that's one of the main attractions as far as I'm concerned."