Some Bronx residents were thrilled President Barack Obama chose federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor for the vacant Supreme Court seat Tuesday.

Bronx neighbors who live at the Bronxdale Houses, where Sotomayor grew up, say they are proud to see a borough native meet such success. If confirmed, Sotomayor would be the first Hispanic to sit on the Supreme Court and the third woman to hold the position.

Sotomayor referred to herself as "a kid from the Bronx" in her speech Tuesday and credited her New York City roots with shaping her into the judge she is. Bronx residents say Sotomayor is a model of the American dream realized and is an inspiration to them and their children.