My non-law school friends often say I should be happy that I have earned this opportunity. But it is the smaller, day-to-day things that count more in my life.
I have already lamented many bad and ugly aspects of my law school experience. In fact, I am writing this after coming out of some of the lowest points I have had here. And I am sure there are lower points to come. So, finding good attributes will be a therapeutic exercise.
Here are four good attributes of law school that have kept me going through a stressful fall.
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Affinity groups.
I have been overloaded with mentors.
As a man of color with no lawyers in my family, various affinity groups have offered resources, advice, and a general sense of community. The 2Ls and 3Ls of color inspire me. And they genuinely care about my success in whatever I choose to do.
Though I have plenty of friends outside of my affinity groups, there are perspectives and concerns that are particular to my socioeconomic status. We are spread thin throughout our individual courses. So, building 1L and non-1L relationships within these affinity groups has made me feel not as alone.
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Legal writing class.
There is some actual fun in deleting pages worth of arguments to fit a limit before a deadline.
But bear with me on this one. Although this class has created most of my stress, it has also showed me what kind of work is expected of lawyers. In a weird way, it has been the biggest contributor in reassuring me that I want to be a lawyer.
Food.
I have sat through some very boring talks for a sandwich.
I like to eat. And there is a lot more free food at law school than I thought there would be. So trying to find ways to not cook or pay for food becomes a game among us.
There have also been some very motivating talks I might add, but the food tends to be worse at those.
Office hours.
My longest office hour was an hour and a half. And, I was the one who had to end it.
They can be magical. Either you realize you were on the right track all along, or the professor quickly puts you on the right track. A professor trying to perform in front of a class full of gunners can be a hot mess. But the learning process just feels more complete after going into office hours.
Office hours are also where you can go to find encouraging words about life, mental health, career prospects, and fun activities to do outside of law school. And some professors have amazing stories about the art or photos on their walls.
Overall, I still feel that attending law school was the right choice. Trust me, this place is not perfect. But I love it.
Earl Grey (not his real name) is currently a 1L at a T14 law school. You can reach him by email at [email protected].