Crunch Time

I cannot believe how fast this semester has flown by. I can only imagine how fast law school is going to fly by. But, now its crunch time. I have my LAST CLASS tomorrow night, and then it is time to eat, sleep and breathe real property, torts and contracts until December 15th. :/ Wish me luck.

I think the key factor is going to be stress management. I was fortunate to be part of a group that helped first year students as they struggled through the first semester. The Professor continually emphasized the importance of exercise during this time, as well as breathing exercises to eliminate the stress. I would have to agree completely. I started yoga again in the middle of the semester, and that 1 hour a week has helped me cope with the stress of school.

As for studying techniques, I am still trying to figure that out. I have never really studied for tests - most of my final exams were in the form of an essay or research paper. I am very worried about trying to figure out a study technique that will work for me. I've made flashcards, but haven't looked at them yet. I'll try the outline, and study groups. I'm hoping that one of these methods will work for me.

As of right now, I think law school was about what I've expected. But I guess I can't give a significant answer until I get my final grades back. Over break I will finally watch Paper Chase, which I was warned not to watch until after finals.

I am glad semesters only last 13 weeks. I am looking forward to reading a few books on my reading list.

Week 4 Already?

I can't believe how fast time flies. It's already the middle of September, and I'm starting my 4th week of law school.

What began as a confused mess is finally starting to make sense. During orientation, we were constantly told that we will be really confused for the first six weeks. I've found that the material is finally starting to make sense and connect, and I'm hoping for it to solidify within the next couple weeks.

I'm still having a hard time thinking outside of what the reading is about, and questioning different situations. I think I've always just taken situations as they are, accepted them and moved on. I've never questioned people's motives or their actions. But I know I need to in order to be a good lawyer. The professors keep saying that the first year is to learn to think like a lawyer, so I am hoping that I will be able to start questioning situations soon.

While I go work on reading, I leave you with this wisdom; a graduate of law school shared this with me, and I think it helps me get an idea of what to expect:

The first year they terrify you to death, the second year they work you to death, and the third year they bore you to death.

Survived Week 1!

A week ago I was completely nervous about starting law school...unsure of what I should be getting out of the reading, and worried about getting to class on time.

I've made it through the first week. Still nervous about class everyday, but it's getting better. Each professor requires something different from the reading, so it's been confusing trying to remember what to look for in the reading for each class.

The classes themselves are getting better, and I've been fortunate enough not to be called on. The discussion moves so quickly, sometimes it is hard to keep up with it while trying to take notes, but not to take too many notes as to be transcribing the discussion.

As for the reading, there is so much! I knew to expect a lot, but I still haven't found an effective method of reading, plus I know I am taking way too much information down in my notes. Every time I read, it gets better, but I still have to figure out a good system.

My second week of classes starts today!

First Day of Law School

Nervous. Excited. Prepared, yet unprepared.

That's how I feel about the first day of classes. I've spent 2 days doing reading and taking notes, freaking out about the discussion questions, and now its here! I'm not quite sure what to expect. On one hand, orientation has made me feel a little more confident in what to expect, but I also have no idea what to expect in class discussions.

So today begins the first day of the next 3-4 years of my life. The next 13 weeks will be devoted to Real Property, Torts and Contracts. Yay!!

Introduction to Me

I am the law student at the local law school of your city.

I am the law student that any law student could be. On the eve of my first orientation (computer orientation), I have a mixture of emotions. And perhaps that is what you could consider this blog: the reflections of a law student.

Law school is a daunting adventure, to say the least. I am nervous about what to expect, excited to start classes, worried about time management...the list goes on and on. But I know it will be worth while. I've worked in law for 2 years now as a paralegal, and while I love the work I am doing, I would really love to be the one making the decisions. It's exciting!

Procrastination is one of my biggest worries. I try hard not to procrastinate; however I always seem to get myself into 'last minute' situations. For instance, I just unpacked my new computer, unwrapped the law books I ordered on Amazon.com, and tried on my suit pants. Excited about the computer, apprehensive about the books, a little worried about the pants. The Banana Republic saleswoman told me that I could order a pair of pants on-line that would match the jacket I already had. Liar. The pants are a different material. SO I just have to hope that no one looks close enough to tell that they are different. Last minute worries...at least I'll have cute shoes.

I have looked a little at my reading. I suppose I probably should have looked closer, but I guess that's what my lunch hour is for. I should mention one thing about myself - I am a part-time student, continuing to work as a paralegal part-time. I decided to chose a part-time program because I want to be able to work while I am in law school, especially since I am working at a law office. However, I still think my law school experiences will be very similar to others, and I am excited to share them with you.

And so I must go. I have a pile of reading that awaits.