Or so the song goes.
People say in the midst of law school (is this the midst? I'm not sure. It's only week 4) that one has to sometimes take a step back and think about the reasons for coming in the first place, and that if we were smart enough to get into law school, we are smart enough to get through law school.
Erin, you were smart enough to get into law school, so you're smart enough to get through it.
Remember, you want to get through this because this is what you are called to do. You are going to advocate for those who can't do it for themselves. That's it. Not big law, not partner-track, just for the disenfranchised. You don't have to be in the top 10%, you just have to pass.
Right.
What a horrible, discouraging day.
Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteThis is carol brown.
Hi sweetie...I found this blog and thought it might help...
ReplyDeleteI love you...you're awesome....you'll get there! 8o)
Mom-moo
September 23, 2011
The Right Attitude for Law School
I recently asked some of my former undergraduate students who are now 2L's if they could give me a short blurb on what they wish they knew before they started law school. My students have gone on to schools across the country, from schools ranked in the top 10 to lesser-known and regional law schools. I received some wonderful responses, but one stands out for me. The response was from a student who did well, but not outstanding, his 1L year, goes to a very good but not elite law school, and attends a law school that was his second choice. Doesn't sound like a recipe for happiness and success? Well, his response to my question is a good reminder that attitude makes an enormous difference in what is defined as “success.”
(I have edited his response to remove identifying details , but my changes are not substantive.)
On being ready for law school
"I honestly think the mental aspect of law school is harder than the academics.You need to be able to remain calm and collected and that is tough to do when you have hundreds of pages of reading, on concepts you won't immediately understand....Just remember, keep calm, and just try your best, try not to freak out, think big picture (you will be a lawyer), then think how foolish it seems to be worrying yourself sick over a reading assignment. Don't get me wrong, reading assignments do matter, but don't beat yourself up over it."
On not feeling guilty about taking time for yourself
"...don't stop doing the things you love to do. You need to do this stuff to keep a somewhat balanced life. Don't feel guilty about putting studies away for a bit to do stuff for yourself. It's important to keep your sanity. Don't feel guilty when your friends or classmates mention how much time they spent reading last night when you spent the night enjoying the [baseball] doubleheader (or your daughter!) If you need a break, you need a break. As long as you get the work done, it doesn't matter when or how you do it."
Law School in the Bigger Picture
"Have fun, don't be afraid, push back--don't let your thoughts be completely dominated by other students, or even professors for that matter. I enjoy law school because I know I want to be a lawyer, and law school is training to be a lawyer."
GO ERIN!
Thanks, mommy moo. :)
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