Outlining time! Outlines are my favorite. They make me feel organized. I like making colorful graphs, and using SmartArt (thank you Microsoft word). I also hate it, because I realize it is time for me to get serious and I start stressing myself out. Maybe start isn't the proper word, since I am always stressed. Start stressing myself out about finals, maybe that is more correct.
Let's talk about stress. Stress and law school go hand in hand. We always make jokes that everyone in law school is type A. That we all have anxiety disorders and a need to please. It's a joke, but somewhat true. Not every law student is this way, there are some laid back ones out there, but for the most part, we are pretty high strung. While this can work to my advantage (making me study harder, work longer, do more) it can also be a hindrance. I have had my breakdowns of feeling like I can't do it. Another issue is I tend to take on other people's stress. Other people's issues make me anxious and worried. I need to take a step back and realize I can't fix people and I can't fight their battles. I will always be there for a friend, but I can't let myself get sucked in. Easier said than done.
So, I'm going to take all this stress (mine and other's) and use it for good. Use it to power through my outlines, use it to get my homework done, and try not to let it take over. Good luck fellow studiers!
P.S.-I forgot to mention, I am now the "special projects" editor for law review! It is actually the perfect fit for me and I am super excited to take it all on. I am also super excited to work beside my friend Paige who is Editor-in-Chief (EIC). She is a VERY hard worker and it has already partially consumed her life, so I am glad to be a part of it. ;)
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
"I'll make you popular"
Not really, I don't know how to be popular. I accepted a long time ago that I am not a popular person, but I like me, so that's okay. I would rather be loved by few for who I am than loved by many for who I am not.
So, this post is about how law school is like high school. This means, sometimes you will find yourself in a popularity contest. Sometimes, your hard work WON'T pay off. It sucks. For me, this came in the form of law review elections. I work pretty dang hard in school. I'm not the HARDEST worker, obviously since I still have a social life, but I am up there. I also genuinely want everyone to succeed.
You see, most law schools are pretty competitive. You hear stories of people ripping pages out of books, hiding outlines, and refusing to share notes. That hasn't been my experience, thank God! I share my outlines and notes. I study with anyone who wants to study with me and I will teach what I know. For law review, I want to make everything easier for the incoming candidates (you are a law review "candidate" until you finish writing your paper. If you don't write your paper or miss deadlines, you may not make it to full fledged member).
So, I wanted to be an editor who worked directly with the candidates, but you have to be "elected." Well, elections are NOT based on merit. As much as I think they should be, they aren't. They are based on popularity. I did not win my election.
So, I threw my self a pity-party. I cried. Yep, cried. All those feelings of being sooo unpopular in high school and always being compared to my prettier, friendlier older sister. I felt like hard work will never get you to the top and life will always be a popularity contest. One I will never win because, I am me. I have very loyal and amazing friends, but I am blunt and can put my foot in my mouth. I am willing to apologize when wrong, but sometimes that is not enough for people (and if you aren't willing to apologize when YOU are wrong too, I just don't want to bother).
The next day, I got over myself, put on my big girl pants and sought out what I can do to be involved in law review. You can always find a way if you work hard enough and want it bad enough. Sure, somethings will be a popularity contest, and you will never fully escape high school. That doesn't mean you need to wallow in it. Sure, let yourself feel bad, but then build a bridge, get over it, and find a way to make things happen!
So, this post is about how law school is like high school. This means, sometimes you will find yourself in a popularity contest. Sometimes, your hard work WON'T pay off. It sucks. For me, this came in the form of law review elections. I work pretty dang hard in school. I'm not the HARDEST worker, obviously since I still have a social life, but I am up there. I also genuinely want everyone to succeed.
You see, most law schools are pretty competitive. You hear stories of people ripping pages out of books, hiding outlines, and refusing to share notes. That hasn't been my experience, thank God! I share my outlines and notes. I study with anyone who wants to study with me and I will teach what I know. For law review, I want to make everything easier for the incoming candidates (you are a law review "candidate" until you finish writing your paper. If you don't write your paper or miss deadlines, you may not make it to full fledged member).
So, I wanted to be an editor who worked directly with the candidates, but you have to be "elected." Well, elections are NOT based on merit. As much as I think they should be, they aren't. They are based on popularity. I did not win my election.
So, I threw my self a pity-party. I cried. Yep, cried. All those feelings of being sooo unpopular in high school and always being compared to my prettier, friendlier older sister. I felt like hard work will never get you to the top and life will always be a popularity contest. One I will never win because, I am me. I have very loyal and amazing friends, but I am blunt and can put my foot in my mouth. I am willing to apologize when wrong, but sometimes that is not enough for people (and if you aren't willing to apologize when YOU are wrong too, I just don't want to bother).
The next day, I got over myself, put on my big girl pants and sought out what I can do to be involved in law review. You can always find a way if you work hard enough and want it bad enough. Sure, somethings will be a popularity contest, and you will never fully escape high school. That doesn't mean you need to wallow in it. Sure, let yourself feel bad, but then build a bridge, get over it, and find a way to make things happen!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Acceptance
There are a lot of things I would never do in my life. Just because I personally would never do them, doesn't make them wrong. I guess I just don't understand why different gets the label of "bad" or "questionable" (*eye roll*).
I would never have a relationship with a woman. I am not attracted to women. Does this make it wrong? NO! In fact, my Uncles are my shining example of what marriage should be! They have been together for 27 years and are still in love and each other's best friend.
I would never be a stay at home mom. Heck,I am not even sure I ever want to BE A MOM! Does this make it wrong? OF COURSE NOT! I admire women who dedicate themselves to raising our future. Kids need intelligent parents to teach them and nurture them.
So why is it okay for one person to say what is or is not acceptable in another person's love life? As long as there is no abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual)-who are you to judge? No relationship or person is perfect and everyone is going to have struggles and hardships. But unless you are one of the people actually in the relationship, you have no idea what is really going on.
Until we learn to accept differences WITHOUT QUESTION, we will never have equality. Don't YOU want to live in a world where all men are not only created equal, but also treated equal?
I would never have a relationship with a woman. I am not attracted to women. Does this make it wrong? NO! In fact, my Uncles are my shining example of what marriage should be! They have been together for 27 years and are still in love and each other's best friend.
I would never be a stay at home mom. Heck,I am not even sure I ever want to BE A MOM! Does this make it wrong? OF COURSE NOT! I admire women who dedicate themselves to raising our future. Kids need intelligent parents to teach them and nurture them.
So why is it okay for one person to say what is or is not acceptable in another person's love life? As long as there is no abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual)-who are you to judge? No relationship or person is perfect and everyone is going to have struggles and hardships. But unless you are one of the people actually in the relationship, you have no idea what is really going on.
Until we learn to accept differences WITHOUT QUESTION, we will never have equality. Don't YOU want to live in a world where all men are not only created equal, but also treated equal?
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Hard Work Really Does Pay Off!
Well, I had been told that the second year is SOOOO much easier than the first. Well, not the way I did it! I worked my tail off. It did pay off, though. This semester I got my first Am Jur (American Jurisprudence). This means I got the highest grade in the class. I received this award for Wills and Trusts, which is even more exciting since that is what I want to do.
At the beginning of this semester, a classmate and I were discussing what we want to be when we grow up. She is working in Oil and Gas and I decided I wanted to do Estate Planning. She joked about how great it would be for her to Am Jur O&G and for me to do so with Wills. I laughed at her. There was no way I would have the highest grade in Wills. There were just too many smart people in that class. Plus, the guy who got the highest grade in our professor's property class was in there. I was sure he would Am Jur again. I settled myself in with hopes of making an A and learning a lot.
I stayed after class and asked questions. I did every practice test and went to every review. I created my own hypothetical and answered it (yes I am a nerd). I loved every moment of that class and frequently stayed after to talk with the professor (whom I love). I studied my butt off around finals time. I went to multiple study groups and taught other people what I know (which is a good way to practice). Day of, I made test aids, worked backwards (Here is the answer I want-now create the problem), I read and re-read my outline. The test was not bad. Sure, she threw a few tricks in there (had a 15 year old write a will which is a capacity issue because you have to be 18 to be considered to have capacity). There were some tough policy questions, but that is every law school final! I felt pretty good about it. Solid A, I thought.
Then people start talking "I put ____ on the essay." "____Short answer was this, i know, I have the Am Jur's outline." I started doubting myself. I though, well, I bet I get at least a B or a B+. Then you just start hoping you passed everything. You have more finals and you forget what you wrote. Lesson here-DO NOT TALK ABOUT FINALS! It's like Fight Club. The worst part is, you don't even get grades from the Fall Semester until after the Spring Semester starts. It is torture!
So, Spring semester started, the stress increased. It seemed to take forever for grades to come out. Then a rumor started that grades would come out at 3PM on Friday-right in the middle of my 6 hour long class. *sigh* You could tell grades were coming out because no one was paying attention, everyone was checking grades. I couldn't help but squeal in delight that my grades turned out so well. It was also my first A+.
So, while my second year was not easier, my grades were definitely better. Moral of the story-hard work pays off!
At the beginning of this semester, a classmate and I were discussing what we want to be when we grow up. She is working in Oil and Gas and I decided I wanted to do Estate Planning. She joked about how great it would be for her to Am Jur O&G and for me to do so with Wills. I laughed at her. There was no way I would have the highest grade in Wills. There were just too many smart people in that class. Plus, the guy who got the highest grade in our professor's property class was in there. I was sure he would Am Jur again. I settled myself in with hopes of making an A and learning a lot.
I stayed after class and asked questions. I did every practice test and went to every review. I created my own hypothetical and answered it (yes I am a nerd). I loved every moment of that class and frequently stayed after to talk with the professor (whom I love). I studied my butt off around finals time. I went to multiple study groups and taught other people what I know (which is a good way to practice). Day of, I made test aids, worked backwards (Here is the answer I want-now create the problem), I read and re-read my outline. The test was not bad. Sure, she threw a few tricks in there (had a 15 year old write a will which is a capacity issue because you have to be 18 to be considered to have capacity). There were some tough policy questions, but that is every law school final! I felt pretty good about it. Solid A, I thought.
Then people start talking "I put ____ on the essay." "____Short answer was this, i know, I have the Am Jur's outline." I started doubting myself. I though, well, I bet I get at least a B or a B+. Then you just start hoping you passed everything. You have more finals and you forget what you wrote. Lesson here-DO NOT TALK ABOUT FINALS! It's like Fight Club. The worst part is, you don't even get grades from the Fall Semester until after the Spring Semester starts. It is torture!
So, Spring semester started, the stress increased. It seemed to take forever for grades to come out. Then a rumor started that grades would come out at 3PM on Friday-right in the middle of my 6 hour long class. *sigh* You could tell grades were coming out because no one was paying attention, everyone was checking grades. I couldn't help but squeal in delight that my grades turned out so well. It was also my first A+.
So, while my second year was not easier, my grades were definitely better. Moral of the story-hard work pays off!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
New Semester
So, I got my 40 page law review paper turned in! I am 99% sure it will never get published, but that's okay. I did it! now it is time to turn my attention to the new semester, which starts the 17.
I love the beginning of the semester. It's a fresh start. I break open my planner with nothing written on it. i write in my schedule, put in study time and add work out classes and feel like this is the semester-the semester I will ACTUALLY stick to my schedule! I'm going to do all my homework early and focus on my classes. I'm going to work out every week and feel good about myself. I feel like I can do anything!
This feeling usually lasts a week or two. Then, I start slacking off. Hopefully I won't this semester, but if I do, I will still be fine, I will still be able to make it up and get the work done. Plus, this semester I am only taking 12 hours, so, it should be easier to keep it up.
Yay to a new semester!
I love the beginning of the semester. It's a fresh start. I break open my planner with nothing written on it. i write in my schedule, put in study time and add work out classes and feel like this is the semester-the semester I will ACTUALLY stick to my schedule! I'm going to do all my homework early and focus on my classes. I'm going to work out every week and feel good about myself. I feel like I can do anything!
This feeling usually lasts a week or two. Then, I start slacking off. Hopefully I won't this semester, but if I do, I will still be fine, I will still be able to make it up and get the work done. Plus, this semester I am only taking 12 hours, so, it should be easier to keep it up.
Yay to a new semester!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
New Year's Resolutions
I don't really believe in these. I also don't believe that once the New Year hits, you get to start over. I do think it is a good time to reflect on your life up to this point and decide where you want it to go. This is why I don't believe in resolutions. I'm not going to get my life to where I want it in one year. I think there are good resolutions out there that you can do in one year. You can quit smoking, you can find a work out regime and stick to it (If you do it for a few months consistently, it will be a habit), and certainly other things. These are not my life goals, though.
So, I sat and reflected on my life this year. I have been so focused on school, which is good, but why? What do I want to get out of it? Of course I want a career. I want to be able to support my family so my husband can find out what he loves to do. Those are all selfish reasons though. I feel the need to give back. I think I should use my degree for something good in this world besides my own personal happiness.
I mean, of course I will do Pro Bono work. I would love to continue volunteering with VPO court. I hope to do more volunteer work at the battered women's shelter. While it is heartbreaking to go there, it is uplifting to know there is a place for women to go who have no one. My mom's parents both passed away by the time she was 24. She was a single mom with no parents. She was lucky enough to be able to support herself. Not every woman can do that. Stay at home moms who have never had a job need help to escape bad situations.
I want to do more than volunteer, though. I want to help change this world. I want to help put laws into place that shape our country. I want to do work with the HRC, or make it a law that family judges must have domestic violence training. I want my degree to mean something other than making money. So, my resolution will not be for "this year", it's for my life. I'm going to start with the (wo)man in the mirror (thank you Michael Jackson!)
So, I sat and reflected on my life this year. I have been so focused on school, which is good, but why? What do I want to get out of it? Of course I want a career. I want to be able to support my family so my husband can find out what he loves to do. Those are all selfish reasons though. I feel the need to give back. I think I should use my degree for something good in this world besides my own personal happiness.
I mean, of course I will do Pro Bono work. I would love to continue volunteering with VPO court. I hope to do more volunteer work at the battered women's shelter. While it is heartbreaking to go there, it is uplifting to know there is a place for women to go who have no one. My mom's parents both passed away by the time she was 24. She was a single mom with no parents. She was lucky enough to be able to support herself. Not every woman can do that. Stay at home moms who have never had a job need help to escape bad situations.
I want to do more than volunteer, though. I want to help change this world. I want to help put laws into place that shape our country. I want to do work with the HRC, or make it a law that family judges must have domestic violence training. I want my degree to mean something other than making money. So, my resolution will not be for "this year", it's for my life. I'm going to start with the (wo)man in the mirror (thank you Michael Jackson!)
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Christmas Break
I'm not good at taking breaks. When school ends and the break begins, I tend to get depressed. It starts out as a "Oh my God I failed every single final" depression and is followed with sheer boredom depression. I don't think I could ever live a life of leisure and be jobless because I would do nothing. I would make goals for the day-"I'm going to volunteer," "I'm going to go to the book store," "I'm going to just get out of bed,"-but I would never follow through. As annoyed as I am with this dang 40 page comment for law review, it at least forces me to get out of bed and stop watching Buffy.
I think I'm one of a handful of people actually looking forward to school starting again. I've already filled in my calendar for next semester! Next semester will be MUCH better than this one. In fact, 2 of my classes will be OVER by the end of February! I also only have 3 finals-so much better than last semesters 5. Only 2 of my classes are on the Bar Exam. After this semester, I only have 2 required classes left! This means I can fill my schedule with fun courses!
Here's to a great Spring Semester!
I think I'm one of a handful of people actually looking forward to school starting again. I've already filled in my calendar for next semester! Next semester will be MUCH better than this one. In fact, 2 of my classes will be OVER by the end of February! I also only have 3 finals-so much better than last semesters 5. Only 2 of my classes are on the Bar Exam. After this semester, I only have 2 required classes left! This means I can fill my schedule with fun courses!
Here's to a great Spring Semester!
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