Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on Monday told the Senate Judiciary Committee that she has dedicated her career to ensuring the words on the front of the U.S. Supreme Court building—Equal Justice Under Law—are a reality.

Jackson spoke at the end of the first day of hearings on her nomination to the Supreme Court, a day dominated by opening statements from the committee’s 22 members. She referred to her “many blessings” and her faith. She also assured committee members that she understands the limited role of judges.