Our first semester as 1Ls ended yesterday when we took our last final.
It was monumental as we all put down our number 2 pencils when the proctor called time.
That was it, 17 weeks and $20,000 later we are officially on break for a little over a month.
I really do not know what to do with myself right now.
I have a list of "Things to Do" during the break, one of them is to officially start the holidays and another was to no wake up or get out of bed until some ridiculous time like 2pm. But last night as I was trying to catch up on Dexter all I could think about was what was the next case I had to read. I just kept thinking I had to IRAC something for the next day, then realized that I had no responsibilities, no obligations for the next 5 weeks or so.
Hope my list of "Things to Do" actually gets done and I don't sit around like a lazy bum for all those weeks because before I know it, my journey of 5 more to go will begin again.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
From Party Girl to Party Pooper
As most of my San Diego friends are out celebrating milestone birthdays (Happy Birthday Kat (25) and Emm (30)) I am laying in bed, about to catch some ZZZs before heading back to my second home, the law library at TJSL.
I thought I mentally and emotionally prepared for this journey of long hours of work and draining reading, but I did not. I've left behind a worry free life. A life where all I lived for was shopping, traveling and partying.
Now, what I live for are Memos and outlines and IRAC and MPC v. C/L and Erie and UCC and RPP. I'm drowning in a river of endless information and the levies are going to give in. By far, this is the most challenging experience of my life and it's only the beginning.
After 4pm on December 13th there are 5 more 15-week semesters left of this road called law school. Until then, I hope I can embrace all this information and enjoy the ride.
I just have to keep on telling myself to keep my eyes on the prize.
Although my life has changed, I do not regret this decision. I'm happy that I moved back home to San Diego, although I miss my Bay Area life terribly. Living at home with the parentals is great! They cook, clean and do my laundry. I almost forgot how it felt like to be a princess in her castle.
Even if there are few available times to socialize outside of school it's always fun to catch up my SD BFFs. I've also had the chance to meet awesome people in and also outside of my section. I love my Tres Amigas/Three Stooges group and I can't forget about my Jabalawkies too, although I barely see them. Oh and the late night, second floor crew... we should think of a name!
There really isn't anything to complain about. I'm actually lucky to be able to be in the position where I am today. Just have to remind myself that I would not be where I am today if I was not supposed to be here. If I was not supposed to be in law school, I would have never gone through the process of even getting here. I'm here now and I'm not going to let anyone down, especially myself. Just have to remember that the stress is part of the journey and is part of the learning process.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Things I Wish I Knew...
... before entering law school.
There is a list of different things that I wish I knew before finding it out on my own as a 1L.
Perhaps it is a "right of passage" to learn theses things on your own during the first year of law school but, if there are any potential, asprering law school students out there, I hope this list will be useful.
1. Time Management
I cannot stress the importance of being able to manage your time.
During your first year your classes are picked out for you.
You are placed in a Section and for one year this group of 1L students are your classmates, friends or competition. They are however you want to describe them.
There will be nights where you sleep late and have to wake up early for the classes the next day.
Be prepared for that.
Also, be prepared to cut down your social time. If you are used to hanging out with friends and going out late at night, you can say goodbye to the good ol' party days. I prepared for that the summer before law school. I went out, drank, partied and had a good ol' crazy time up until the day before orientation.
2. Do NOT shut yourself off from the real world
As described above, you may not be able to "hang out" with your family and friends as often as you did before but that is where Time Management comes into play.
I make time to have dinner with at least one BFF, once a week.
It is always nice to see someone that is NOT in law school.
I do love my TJSL folks but you must give yourself a break from the people you see everyday.
Did I mention that yet? Class is everyday, for fulltimers.
It's funny because my friends always ask me how school is and I always answer them with a short "it's good. it's okay. it's going." Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for attending law school and love what I am doing but if they honestly wanted me to answer that question it would turn into a lengthy converation about cases, rules, reading and writing. I'm sure no one will understand what I am talking about so I don't even bother. Also, the whole point of hanging out with non-law people is to get away from it, for just a little while. I don't want to talk about it, let's talk about something else in life, please?!
3. Sleep
Sometimes it is not possible to allow yourself a full 8 hours of sleep each night but get at least 5 or 6 and then try to catch up on the weekends.
Getting rest will keep you sane. It really will.
4. Exercise
Now I'm no gym freak but being just a little active will again keep you sane, just like sleep.
I walk my doggie Jaden everyday and at least every other day go on the eliptical.
I'd love to workout more and shed some pounds but just getting in a slight routine of getting some motion each day will be sufficient for now.
5. Prepare yourself for at least 4 hours of reading, studying, homework outside of class time each day
4 hours is good enough to fit in reading and facebooking! If you want to take notes and review previous notes and fit in Legal Writing Research prepare for 5+ hours.
6. Start your outlines early
What is an outline?
An outline is comprised of the main issues of the class.
They include the topics and brief information on each topic to be studied for the midterm (if your school even has midterms) and the final.
DO NOT DEPEND on others for their outlines.
I have looked at 5 outlines from others and some of the information can either be omitted or was completely different from what I knew.
It's all about what YOU know.
7. Go to class... On time
My Torts Professor has a "Wall of Shame".
If you walk in even 1 minute late, you put your name up and you will be called on.
Not only is is important to arrive to class on time but it is good to make your best effort to attend.
At TJSL you are allowed up to 4 absences per course. Save up those absences for emergencies. Going to class is your benefit and you did not pay up to $20,000 a semester to not attend.
8. Find Section Friends, not Frienamies
It may be the impression of other law schools for your classmates to be your competition but at TJSL they emphasis to help each other out. You want to make section friends so you can have study groups. Duh! And if you miss a class, you can ask for their notes. And, if you get called on and need help, they might be able to give you a hand. It all works out for the best!
9. Know where other law libraries are in your area
When it is time for Memos to be written you will fight for the same books in your law school's library. If there is an alternative, (county law library other law school libraries) take advantage of it. The San Diego County Law Library is totally empty and your books will mostlikely be there for you to use.
10. Take ALL the FREE stuff they give you
During orientation the school was giving away free t-shirts, water bottles and highlighters. TAKE THEM! Take them all! You'll never see these free things again. You've paid thousands so you're entitled to take them, unless they give you a limit and they Don't. My mistake was not taking enough highlighters. It's week 10 and I've gone through 4 highlighters. You WILL NEED them! Also, if there are events that are free and include free food... GO! Some meetings for clubs are actually interesting and you might just want to get involved.
11. Make sure your cell phone and laptop are on silent.
Just save yourself the embarassment. One of my Professor's makes you buy breakfast or lunch for the class if your phone rings in class.
12. Stay ahead of the game
Try reading ahead for class so you don't read it all the night before. Go ahead and read a class or 2 ahead if you can and if your Prof. does not advise you to not do so.
13. Office hours and help sessions
If you are HELLA lost or just want some construcutive feedback or have some questions. GO to office hours and help sessions. They really do help!
14. Buy Black's Law Dictionary
You can look up definitions online but I like Black's. If you have an iphone you can dl the app.
15. Have Fun!
Although there is endless reading you have to remember to have fun. I study everyday with my Law School bffs and we make it fun since we have jokes and stories that are "outside" of law school. We're silly girls too so it's pretty funny being around us!
... This list will continue throughout my 1L year but for now it's back to Memo 2 research!
There is a list of different things that I wish I knew before finding it out on my own as a 1L.
Perhaps it is a "right of passage" to learn theses things on your own during the first year of law school but, if there are any potential, asprering law school students out there, I hope this list will be useful.
1. Time Management
I cannot stress the importance of being able to manage your time.
During your first year your classes are picked out for you.
You are placed in a Section and for one year this group of 1L students are your classmates, friends or competition. They are however you want to describe them.
There will be nights where you sleep late and have to wake up early for the classes the next day.
Be prepared for that.
Also, be prepared to cut down your social time. If you are used to hanging out with friends and going out late at night, you can say goodbye to the good ol' party days. I prepared for that the summer before law school. I went out, drank, partied and had a good ol' crazy time up until the day before orientation.
2. Do NOT shut yourself off from the real world
As described above, you may not be able to "hang out" with your family and friends as often as you did before but that is where Time Management comes into play.
I make time to have dinner with at least one BFF, once a week.
It is always nice to see someone that is NOT in law school.
I do love my TJSL folks but you must give yourself a break from the people you see everyday.
Did I mention that yet? Class is everyday, for fulltimers.
It's funny because my friends always ask me how school is and I always answer them with a short "it's good. it's okay. it's going." Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for attending law school and love what I am doing but if they honestly wanted me to answer that question it would turn into a lengthy converation about cases, rules, reading and writing. I'm sure no one will understand what I am talking about so I don't even bother. Also, the whole point of hanging out with non-law people is to get away from it, for just a little while. I don't want to talk about it, let's talk about something else in life, please?!
3. Sleep
Sometimes it is not possible to allow yourself a full 8 hours of sleep each night but get at least 5 or 6 and then try to catch up on the weekends.
Getting rest will keep you sane. It really will.
4. Exercise
Now I'm no gym freak but being just a little active will again keep you sane, just like sleep.
I walk my doggie Jaden everyday and at least every other day go on the eliptical.
I'd love to workout more and shed some pounds but just getting in a slight routine of getting some motion each day will be sufficient for now.
5. Prepare yourself for at least 4 hours of reading, studying, homework outside of class time each day
4 hours is good enough to fit in reading and facebooking! If you want to take notes and review previous notes and fit in Legal Writing Research prepare for 5+ hours.
6. Start your outlines early
What is an outline?
An outline is comprised of the main issues of the class.
They include the topics and brief information on each topic to be studied for the midterm (if your school even has midterms) and the final.
DO NOT DEPEND on others for their outlines.
I have looked at 5 outlines from others and some of the information can either be omitted or was completely different from what I knew.
It's all about what YOU know.
7. Go to class... On time
My Torts Professor has a "Wall of Shame".
If you walk in even 1 minute late, you put your name up and you will be called on.
Not only is is important to arrive to class on time but it is good to make your best effort to attend.
At TJSL you are allowed up to 4 absences per course. Save up those absences for emergencies. Going to class is your benefit and you did not pay up to $20,000 a semester to not attend.
8. Find Section Friends, not Frienamies
It may be the impression of other law schools for your classmates to be your competition but at TJSL they emphasis to help each other out. You want to make section friends so you can have study groups. Duh! And if you miss a class, you can ask for their notes. And, if you get called on and need help, they might be able to give you a hand. It all works out for the best!
9. Know where other law libraries are in your area
When it is time for Memos to be written you will fight for the same books in your law school's library. If there is an alternative, (county law library other law school libraries) take advantage of it. The San Diego County Law Library is totally empty and your books will mostlikely be there for you to use.
10. Take ALL the FREE stuff they give you
During orientation the school was giving away free t-shirts, water bottles and highlighters. TAKE THEM! Take them all! You'll never see these free things again. You've paid thousands so you're entitled to take them, unless they give you a limit and they Don't. My mistake was not taking enough highlighters. It's week 10 and I've gone through 4 highlighters. You WILL NEED them! Also, if there are events that are free and include free food... GO! Some meetings for clubs are actually interesting and you might just want to get involved.
11. Make sure your cell phone and laptop are on silent.
Just save yourself the embarassment. One of my Professor's makes you buy breakfast or lunch for the class if your phone rings in class.
12. Stay ahead of the game
Try reading ahead for class so you don't read it all the night before. Go ahead and read a class or 2 ahead if you can and if your Prof. does not advise you to not do so.
13. Office hours and help sessions
If you are HELLA lost or just want some construcutive feedback or have some questions. GO to office hours and help sessions. They really do help!
14. Buy Black's Law Dictionary
You can look up definitions online but I like Black's. If you have an iphone you can dl the app.
15. Have Fun!
Although there is endless reading you have to remember to have fun. I study everyday with my Law School bffs and we make it fun since we have jokes and stories that are "outside" of law school. We're silly girls too so it's pretty funny being around us!
... This list will continue throughout my 1L year but for now it's back to Memo 2 research!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Writing Too Much
I've never had a problem with writing.
Writing on and on about a subject and adding references to make my point even more valid was never something I had a problem with.
BUT, it becomes a problem when your MEMO has a page limit.
In the beginning I thought I would have a problem writing 8 pages on an issue that up until 2 weeks ago I knew nothing about.
I now feel like an expert on this issue.
We are not allowed to discuss our paper or what we wrote in our paper so I will spare the details.
Cutting those details down is the biggest issue yet.
I spent 3 hours cutting a 10 page paper down to 8 pages.
Many people think that an 8 page paper is easy to write but it is not easy when you have to condense information and you have to figure out what factors to leave out without cutting out points that are crucial to your argument.
Now it's time to put the revised paper down and look with new eyes tomorrow.
I hope my Memo kicks butt since I feel like it has been kicking my butt for the past couple of weeks.
It's the end of Week 7 and I've got to say, a lot of progress has been made.
The TJSL campus, especially the 2nd floor of the library has been my 1st home for these past 7 weeks but I've found a balance with it all.
I do not subject myself to whole days cooped up in this poorly decorated building but for the most part I'm here at least 5 hours a day outside of class time.
The blog is my sanctuary. It's me time right now.
My time to rant and rave about what bugs me and what bugs me right now is how all the books (mostly law reviews) are bound in colors that remind me of death or a hospital. Right across from me the Cardozo Public Law, Policy and Ethnic Journal is bound in a Bluish-Greenish color that looks the color of a barf bucket from the hospital. The walls of the study rooms are dreadful too. Why couldn't they just paint it good old fashioned WHITE? Instead it's an egg colored beige that looks like faded construction paper yellow.
Writing on and on about a subject and adding references to make my point even more valid was never something I had a problem with.
BUT, it becomes a problem when your MEMO has a page limit.
In the beginning I thought I would have a problem writing 8 pages on an issue that up until 2 weeks ago I knew nothing about.
I now feel like an expert on this issue.
We are not allowed to discuss our paper or what we wrote in our paper so I will spare the details.
Cutting those details down is the biggest issue yet.
I spent 3 hours cutting a 10 page paper down to 8 pages.
Many people think that an 8 page paper is easy to write but it is not easy when you have to condense information and you have to figure out what factors to leave out without cutting out points that are crucial to your argument.
Now it's time to put the revised paper down and look with new eyes tomorrow.
I hope my Memo kicks butt since I feel like it has been kicking my butt for the past couple of weeks.
It's the end of Week 7 and I've got to say, a lot of progress has been made.
The TJSL campus, especially the 2nd floor of the library has been my 1st home for these past 7 weeks but I've found a balance with it all.
I do not subject myself to whole days cooped up in this poorly decorated building but for the most part I'm here at least 5 hours a day outside of class time.
The blog is my sanctuary. It's me time right now.
My time to rant and rave about what bugs me and what bugs me right now is how all the books (mostly law reviews) are bound in colors that remind me of death or a hospital. Right across from me the Cardozo Public Law, Policy and Ethnic Journal is bound in a Bluish-Greenish color that looks the color of a barf bucket from the hospital. The walls of the study rooms are dreadful too. Why couldn't they just paint it good old fashioned WHITE? Instead it's an egg colored beige that looks like faded construction paper yellow.
Friday, September 10, 2010
I received a couple of calls Thursday evening at almost 7pm. Two of my friends told me that my old neighborhood was "up in flames". As I tuned into cnn.com on my laptop in the library I could not believe that the little ol' city that I up until recently called my home was disturbed by a disaster. The neighborhood where the gas line exploded is literally down the street from my old house. I used to walk the dogs down there. The television camera crews were situated at Lunardi's, a grocery store behind my house. Seeing it on television and knowing that my friends had to evacuate just came too close to home. Although I do not live there anymore, San Bruno was a place I called home for a little more than 2 years. I chose to live in that city and I loved it. It saddened me to know that this tight knit community was now engulfed with tragedy. Although this post has nothing to do with my emphasis on law school blogging, I felt that I needed to give a shout out to my chosen hometown. As the efforts to rehabilitate and rebuild begin and continue, please keep this neighborhood in mind. As of tonight there are 4 confirmed deaths and 30 homes completely destroyed and much more damaged. Can you imagine coming back to your street and what's left is a big crater?
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Biggest Fear, check
My biggest fear is being called on and NOT knowing the correct answer.
The first full week of law school has come and gone and I have already faced my biggest fear.
I just had that feeling that I was going to be called on.
I was raising my hand for the case we were reviewing before hand, but of course the professor was not calling on anyone else expect the person that he picked to decipher the case.
So there I am, sitting in the back of the classroom, nodding my head in agreement with whatever was said and then raising my hand trying to help the other guy out.
Long and behold I get called on. Totally not understanding the vocabulary that the professor uses and mortified because I'm getting half of the questions wrong.
So glad that I was "saved by the bell" and class ended. I felt bad for dragging the class down with me, but I seriously was lost in the wording of his questions. I was trying my best and I absolutely read the case, understood the case but for could not get past a few points. I was jumping some high hurdles trying to answer those questions.
In the end, I spoke with the professor and he proceeded to give me a high five and some daps!
If I could get through it, anyone can.
I feel that I have already conquered something I never thought I would, although I was in forced to do so.
I wonder what this next week has in store for me next.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
1L
This is my first post as a 1L.
For those of you that do not know what 1L means, it is a term used to refer to first year law school students.
I decided to start this blog since I ended the one I made for the bay area the day I moved.
A blog is also a good release for the stress that I will undergo for the next 3 years.
I am hoping to keep the blogs going as much as I can but as you can imagine, law school take time and the best of me.
Kat and I are going on our 8th hour in the library. We have only been in law school for 3 days.
The reading is definitely unbearable but I think we could have knocked out a lot of stuff today if we did not log onto facebook. I'm estimating we wasted at least an hour on that darn website. Oh fb, you are so useless and time consuming at times.
I am actually done with my work that is due tomorrow. I probably should get to Tuesday's work but I'm going to credit myself by beginning this blog.
This blog also serves the purpose to let people somehow get the jests of what 1L's go though.
As I type this my cousin tells me to wake her in 5 minutes since she's tired as hell. LOL... and this is only the beginning.
I've got to say that I'm lucky to already have 2 people that I'm close to share this experience with me.
1 my closest cousin Kat
2 my LSAT buddy Kirk
It is pretty awesome that Kat and I started Thomas Jefferson School of Law (TJSL) at the same time.
At least we have a support system together. We already met some awesome people and created our own secret society, which will be revealed later on in the semester!
Anyway, I would like to apologize for anything that is grammatically incorrect. I will often write this blog tired and delirious, as I am now. I will never proof read it and it will probably not have a consistent flow.
For those of you that do not know what 1L means, it is a term used to refer to first year law school students.
I decided to start this blog since I ended the one I made for the bay area the day I moved.
A blog is also a good release for the stress that I will undergo for the next 3 years.
I am hoping to keep the blogs going as much as I can but as you can imagine, law school take time and the best of me.
Kat and I are going on our 8th hour in the library. We have only been in law school for 3 days.
The reading is definitely unbearable but I think we could have knocked out a lot of stuff today if we did not log onto facebook. I'm estimating we wasted at least an hour on that darn website. Oh fb, you are so useless and time consuming at times.
I am actually done with my work that is due tomorrow. I probably should get to Tuesday's work but I'm going to credit myself by beginning this blog.
This blog also serves the purpose to let people somehow get the jests of what 1L's go though.
As I type this my cousin tells me to wake her in 5 minutes since she's tired as hell. LOL... and this is only the beginning.
I've got to say that I'm lucky to already have 2 people that I'm close to share this experience with me.
1 my closest cousin Kat
2 my LSAT buddy Kirk
It is pretty awesome that Kat and I started Thomas Jefferson School of Law (TJSL) at the same time.
At least we have a support system together. We already met some awesome people and created our own secret society, which will be revealed later on in the semester!
Anyway, I would like to apologize for anything that is grammatically incorrect. I will often write this blog tired and delirious, as I am now. I will never proof read it and it will probably not have a consistent flow.
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