Tag: Motivation

Categories
Advice Daily Dose

When All Else Fails: Vent.

Venting helps. I think there’s a whole lot to be said about compartmentalizing, but – in my experience – there’s even more that comes with keeping those compartments shut. Hence this need to vent.

I’ve been keeping walls up for several weeks now, trying to stay focused on this goal: pass the fucking bar. I’m already doing the work, helping clients, pushing my knowledge of the law forward – but I’m making the same amount of money as our secretary and that kinda blows. I’ve actually laughed at this, because I’m currently the most educated I’ve ever been in my life and, yet, making the least amount of money I’ve ever made in my life. I know it will be worth it in the long run. But, presently, I need to sit and voice this and let go of this thought. It’s pretty comical though, right?

Thankfully, I took the last month off from work. I setup my out of office notification and peaced-out. But, that doesn’t mean I don’t know there are already more than 800 emails sitting in my inbox and I’m feeling so guilty at the thought of my boss feeling overwhelmed. But the simple fact is this: he gave me the time off, so I could come back to the office, confident I’d put my best foot forward on this exam. So, that’s exactly what I’m going to do. The look on his face when I failed the Bar during attempt Numero Uno was awful. I don’t want to see that again. I’d much rather be able to help him by attending hearings and actually partaking in a true lawyering role. #DreamJob

This past month was a whirlwind of comedic missteps and happenings. A pipe burst in our house, I got physically hurt (not once, but 3 times), and there’s a heap of personal health stuff going on with my grandparents. I won’t go into this because I will cry.

So yeah, life’s been incredibly stressful. And it’s not even the kind of stress one brings on themselves, it’s genuinely things I cannot control. That’s the worst kind of stress. I wish I could tell you that I can just put all of this in a box and deal with it later, but that’s not a gift I possess. I feel like I’m handling things, compartmentalizing. And then, little bits of my mind obsess with these compartmentalized boxes and decide to open them when I’m sleeping (hence the night terrors). Needless to say, it’s been rough.

I’ve been putting on a brave face, getting out there for several runs a week, and even started yoga and daily meditation. I’m trying to keep as balanced as possible, but sometimes these efforts feel like a losing battle. It’s completely possible that I’m feeling this way because the exam date is creeping ever closer. Going through it once was hellish, going back for a second time is difficult to do without a bit of a defeatist attitude. I get it, trust me. But, few people know what this is like; putting your brain through this much concerted effort must be akin to a bomb specialist running down to the wire.

*Actual Footage* of Bar Examiners Giving Out Exams

Getting this out there was quite cathartic. There’s quite a few emotions running through this body and I needed more room for Texas Essay rules, so I had to empty the vessel. I will not apologize for putting this all out in the open. It helped. Do what you need to do to get yourself in the right headspace for this exam. Put yourself first, at all costs, from now until the exam is over.

I highly recommend you let go of whatever minutiae you’ve got stored up because 1) it’s scientifically proven to be unhealthy, 2) you’ve got absolutely no time for wallowing or thinking anything else other than Bar concepts for the next 12 days, and 3) you’re a boss babe/dude and you gotta keep pressing on.

Here’s some positive motivation from a cute bunny:

Categories
Daily Dose

Why Wait?

After the year I’ve had – I’m a huge fan of instant gratification. But, since there’s really no way to fast-forward to Spring Bar results, I’ve been left to ponder my studies and the ever useful Barbri countdown, complete with hours spent studying and what I need to study daily in order to complete the program. It’s cool – I’m not type-A or anything. I really appreciate the extra anxiety.

If there’s anything I’ve learned recently, it’s that time stops for no one, and sometimes you’ve got to be your own cheerleading section. I say this not because I’ve ever been left truly alone, but because it’s become glaringly apparent that struggle is relative and failing the bar exam is just not that big of a deal.

I still have my law degree and an MBA. I’m still a competent individual and a damn good law clerk. I’ve got a wonderful job – with a guaranteed associate position after passing the February Bar – and amazing family and friends. So again I say, this was a humbling experience, but not the worst thing in the world.

Failing gave me a new perspective on my career. I want it more than I thought possible. I have a direction that now feels much more purposeful and the support I received was a reminder that this path is not one I’m on alone. This personal militia showed up for me in unexpected ways. After reading my results, I publicly posted about my failure. What came next was the most unexpected outpouring of love and support. In case you need some motivation for your own studies, or just some positive energy to get you going down this – very long – road, here’s some good juju:

I’ve thought about missing the mark every single day since. It’s taken this long just to start feeling motivated because I was more frustrated in myself than determined to push past this point in my life. I browsed study tools, re-upped my book order and Barbri enrollment, and even met with professors. But when Barbri screwed up my order – resulting in my books not arriving until 4 weeks after their order date – and a series of other random events, I felt it harder and harder to sit and study. Focusing took every ounce of effort and with all the crazy batcrap going on in my personal life, I just didn’t have the energy to give. I still don’t, but learning to compartmentalize is a skill I’ve learned to hone.

Many of these events were entirely insignificant. But I made them bigger than they needed to be. These moments were reasons I gave myself to keep me from studying, getting in my own way. Today I realized there was no point in waiting. I’m just putting off the inevitable. I have to study. There’s no way around it. So, today’s the day I put practice in motion.

I hope you find the steel you need to get through this, too. Best of luck and may your grit get you through.

Categories
Advice Law School

Law School FAQs

A few months back, I met Briony. She’s a fellow law student from the UK. I love that she enjoys my recipes and advice, but – even more – she shares the same law school struggle and writes about it, too! I find it increasingly harder to come across female law bloggers, and am thrilled to have met Briony. We opted to collaborate on this blog post and decided to share our perspectives on law school preparation. You can check out her posts HERE.
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Do you type or write your  Law School Notes?
I prefer to use the dual method. I write my notes down and then later type them into a full outline for the course. After taking notes in class, I (try) to type them up later in the day. But I regularly fail at that, so I end up typing them up by the end of the week. I blast instrumental pop music and review my notes after typing them. 

What kind of Law do you intend on practicing? 
After working two Federal clerkships this summer, I honestly think Criminal Law is a great option. However, I still hope to use my Biology major in some way. That said, I haven’t completely ruled out Patent Law and Intellectual Property Law. It’s safe to say I am split between these two career paths. Let me just say, I don’t know many students who have a clear idea of what they plan to practice and it’s completely alright if you’re still deciding. You may not figure out what you want to do until you’re practicing! Don’t freak out – you’ll find your niche.

How do you study for a subject that you hate? 
This one’s easy. I talk about it! I thought I was going to love the structured order of Federal Civil Procedure, but I did not! So, early on in my 1L year, my fiance figured out that (since I couldn’t sit and read about it for too long) he could get me to learn the law by teaching it to him. The guy was stealthy about it too. He started with “so, what’s the deal with subject matter jurisdiction, does it affect your outcome of a judge or something? Why does it matter?” From then on, he asked tons of questions and helped me build flow charts on massive flip chart notepaper. Freaking incredible!

Will you be practicing Law in the same city as your Law School?

I’d like to say, YES! However, making plans (in my experience) tends to have hilarious outcomes. For practical reasons, I will say that I’d love to practice in Dallas. We’ll see what the fates decide.


Is your favorite subject to study, the subject you intend on practicing?

My favorite classes so far are Criminal Law and First Amendment, with Constitutional Law coming in for a close third. So I guess it’s very possible I will practice in the subject areas I find most fascinating. I’ve enjoyed criminal work (both defense and prosecution) and think that appellate work is chock full of challenging opportunities.

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What’s the favorite class tool or online learning study aid/guide etc.? 

I really love note cards. It’s old-school, and they work for me. One of my law school besties and I created a bit of a tradition where we start an outline together and then break the info down into notecards to study/review before our exam.
[If you’re the type that loves pre-canned study aids, I recommend Short & Happy Guides. They’re concise and really helpful!]

What’s a difficult law school experience that you wish other students knew to prepare for?
Law school is full of pitfalls and awkward situations. Study groups fail to meet on time, there’s too much free food and so many extra pounds to gain, and then you forget to read for class…so many things I wish I could prepare you for. I think the best thing to prepare you for is the diverse group of people you will meet. Prepare yourself to view the world through an open mind. Prepare yourself to try new foods at networking events, learn new facts to stay current and enable yourself to discuss a wide range of topics, and practice a firm handshake.

How do you deal with stress in law school?
This is a question I get often. There are so many ways to deal with stress, but I do two things: read for fun and exercise. I love rock climbing and running; I’ve been climbing for a few years now and do my best to go twice a week. This summer, I also took up 5×5’s (weightlifting). Everything is about balance. Dealing with stress is all about managing tasks and making time for yourself.

Or, if all else fails – play with puppies.

puppies

 

What’s the best advice you’ve been given so far?
Be kind. It’s simple, but so many people forget it. The Founding Dean of our law school recounted a story about one of his previous law clerks. This guy was hired because he interviewed well, was at the top of his class, from a great law school, and then put his fat foot in his mouth while working as a clerk for the Dean who was a Federal Judge. This guy was asked by the Judge’s court coordinator to move some boxes, and this dunce replied, “I didn’t go to law school to do clerical work.”

gasp

The coordinator told the Judge and, well, he never forgot how crappy this guy treated his staff. He obviously didn’t get a recommendation letter. What’s worse? Any firm calling the Judge was going to hear the truth, and no one wants to work with someone who is not a team player.

All he had to do was be kind, agree to move the boxes, and then ask if there was anything else he could help with. Clearly, he wasn’t raised in the South. ::major eye roll::

So, remember to be kind. Use those manners, say please and thank you, and never (seriously, NEVER) say that office work is beneath you. No one cares that you went to school for 7 years to become an attorney. They do care about what kind of person you became within those seven years. It’s these men and women that will remind the attorneys of your work once you leave, they’re the reason you will likely get a glowing recommendation letter – so don’t be a jerk.

What drives you to keep grinding on down this law school path?
The best motivation is a HUGE family. These amazing people push me forward on days where I feel lazy or scattered or just, not plain good enough. My family acts as my true North, and my life is all the better because of them. Law school difficulties are nothing compared to the stare down from my grandmother. I can’t disappoint her, or any of my other family members, which means I keep grinding down this path.

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Pieces of my Familia

I hope this year is a wonderful one for you. Find your balance, your motivation, and all the reasons why you’re putting yourself through law school. Keep those close at hand for the nights when your eyelids feel too heavy to study, on days when the sun’s out, and the pool looks terribly inviting, or when you want to slack off on those notes and go to the movies instead.
Do amazing things with this law school life so you can be a phenomenal attorney!
Categories
Law School

Let Me PUMP You UP!

studymoto

 

Finals week arrived. It was inevitable.
I’m not quite sure where the time went. Can you believe it’s been a year? This 1L is nearly finished. And, well, I don’t know about you – but I am exhausted.

I completely understand how tired you are. Tired of reading, writing, and thinking. I get it. Your classmates get it.

Trust me.
Everyone feels like a squished lemon, completely out of juice.

So let me tell you a secret.
You have a bit left in the reserve tank, kid.

Need some motivation? Here’s a little Pep Talk:

 

Advice to keep you on the right track:

  1. Set up your study schedule. Let your friends and family in on it – so they DON’T bother you during those time frames.
  2. Order in, or meal prep. You don’t want the hassle of cooking and cleaning, and getting distracted by Pinterest recipes.
  3. Settle into a good study spot. Find your little corner of the world with great lighting, perfect ambiance, and enough desk space for several snacks, books, and your laptop.
  4. HYDRATE! Make sure to have some water or some darn good sweet tea (you know, Texas’ drink of choice).

You’ve got finals in the bag.
Keep Studying, loves.

You’re almost through your 1L year!

Good luck on exams!