30 May 2009

Word.

Posted by Shake sense into me

I've been tagged! I love these things...(thanks lawful lady!) Here it is, The Best and the Worst of my first year in law school.

Best memory: I have two great memories, and I can't choose between them. The first occurred mid-first semester, when a group of about 10 of us went out to dinner and a bar, and sang karaoke at the top of our lungs. At that point, I knew that some of the people in my class were real gems that would stay in my life for a long time. It also helped me feel like I was a part of something, and like I had friends and people that liked me. I blogged about the trials and tribulations of first semester, but that night was awesome and something I will always remember fondly.

The next memory that was great was when I checked grades and had an A. I never thought I could ever get an A in anything in law school, and the fact that I pulled that off really gave me a huge sense of accomplishment.

Worst memory: First semester was a really rocky ride for me, and this post comes to mind when I think of my worst memory because it sums up all the mistakes I made that only weakened my spirit. There isn't one thing I can point to that stands out because I messed up so many times over my first year, that I think the result is really what's horrible. Result being my rock bottom self-worth. While I know in my head that I have a lot going for me, for some reason after everything, law school has left me feeling hopeless.

Okay, and I'm gonna tag...Laughing.

27 May 2009

It was terrifying.

Posted by Shake sense into me

So, ya, there was a lot of paperwork to be filled out yesterday for sure. However, I also had to sit down and actually work, too.

A million questions come into my head. And I'm afraid to ask them.

Does the firm have an unlimited account with Westlaw?
Am I taking too long on a seemingly simple research task?
How long is too long?
Can I be fired?
Will I be fired?
Please don't fire me!?
How do I make coffee?
Who is the cool secretary that will help me out?
Is there a cool secretary that will help me out?
Should it feel like I'm competing amongst the other clerks or that we are old friends?
If I work overtime, should I actually say so on my timesheet, or should I just put the regular hours and not mention the extra?

I've had a job where they hold your hand through the process, and one where I had to learn on my own. This is the one where I guess I have to learn on my own. Only ask necessary questions. But I really, really want to be introduced to the cool person who will tell me like it is...

26 May 2009

I'm terrified.

Posted by Shake sense into me

I start working today as a summer associate. Oh. My. I'm. Scared. It should be fine. I'll probably just be filling out paperwork...but, still, yikes.

If the first sentence was any indication, I'm done with my first year of law school. For some reason, this day never seemed like it would come. I sorta had this idea that I'd eternally be a 1L. It will be weird going back to school in the fall (should I be invited back) to see a new flock of fresh-faced law students. I imagine it will be much like high school, where I won't believe how young and little they all look.

They told our class last year that we would have trouble finding summer jobs (most of us did, many of us aren't working at all), but by the time we graduated, the economy would be better and we best thank our lucky stars we didn't graduate this year. Is it just me, or does it seem like this whole crappy economy isn't going to go away by 2011?

16 May 2009

I'll cut out the melo-dramatics after finals.

Posted by Shake sense into me

I came across this post at Starting to Melt, and it is so true. Personally, this whole law school thing has gotten in between me and many friendships. It seems a little unfair, because it is true that some students manage to balance their old lives with their new lives, but for many of us it is truly impossible and we are either neglecting law school (and thus feeling guilty) or neglecting friends and family (and thus feeling guilty). It sucks. And for those that don't understand, or feel that law school should not take priority, or that there are more important things in life...the pressure gets to us, it gets to a lot of people. And our only way to deal is to give up law school, or life, and we constantly swing back and forth, and those in our lives that don't understand or refuse to let us be selfish for a second...don't usually remain in our lives.

I'm not saying that it isn't our fault that we can't handle it, or that we handle it in the ridiculous ways that we do...but a little understanding goes a long way. And for a first year law student - to be selfish is the only way to make it work.

13 May 2009

Ok ok ok...

Posted by Shake sense into me

So. I am not through with finals yet.

I felt absolutely fabulous about my last exam. Then, today happened. I realized I missed a big wording difference, and...well, fuck.

Also, the rule that a commenter made about exams, re: don't freak out until you get your grade, or something to that effect - so true. And when I receive the grade in that class...I will let you know if my inclinations are right or wrong. But, as my mom always tells me, my instincts are dead on. Even friends that don't know me very well...my instincts tend to be pretty correct.

However, I vow, that if they are wrong, I will let you all know. I predict, so far, that I will receive a C and a B. I have no clue where I will end up in my writing and research class...everyone I've talked to seems to think they have done well on that exam. So, who knows. I don't want to guess.

Keep truckin' through, everyone!

I can't believe this is almost over...I can't imagine what will be so interesting to blog about next semester, but I'm sure I'll come up with something. As well as some nice tidbits about a employed summer!

11 May 2009

What happens when you fail a class:

Posted by Shake sense into me

Technically I suppose the procedure is different at every law school for the real steps one goes through when failing. Some schools, one failing grade isn't the end-all be all; some schools you need a couple before they will give you extra help; and some schools require you to take a mini-bar exam before they let you back in. I don't seriously think I'll be facing any of these prospects.

Right now, I'm counting my blessings that I have a job, don't have my actual grade in the class (though I'm certain it's going to be a grade that is not passing), and it will *hopefully* be my lowest grade in law school.

So...while I feel defeated by the prospect of receiving a bad grade, I likely earned it since I couldn't write down what I knew on exam day because I was gripped in fear from the questions, I must move on and just chalk it up to a bad day.

07 May 2009

Crap.

Posted by Shake sense into me

If ever encouraging words were needed...now is the time.

What really happens to someone who fails a class in law school?

I didn't think I would face this!