The Summer Before I Started Law School
Let’s discuss the summer before starting one of the craziest journeys of our lives. Whether you are graduating from college or took some time off, the summer before law school can be described with one word…..DAUNTING. Let’s be real…. you are going to try to enjoy your last few months of “freedom” but the start of school is going to be on your mind the entire summer. If it is not, the reality of it is going to creep on you fast. Most students are stressed and panicking before they even start their first class. But it does not need to be that way. The summer before law school does not need to be as stressful as you may think if you just PREPARE.
Preparation in law school is everything. I remember the summer before law school I was traveling to the shore with my family and friends, enjoying the summer sun, and going on different vacations. I remember one specific instance, I was in Key West, Florida taking a sailboat ride with my family. While I was looking at the sunset and the horizon in the distance, everything was so beautiful and calm. I remember spacing out and just thinking that this was the last time I would have any sense of calmness before I started the journey of law for the next three years. That is when I decided to change my mindset. You need to understand yourself and what strategies work best for you. For me, I perform at my best when I stay calm, prepared, and organized. So instead of panicking, I chose to focus on what I could control: preparing and organizing myself. Not everything has to feel so overwhelming. I am here to remind you that you sat for the LSAT for a reason, you applied to law school for a reason, you got into law school FOR A REASON. You want this and therefore, you will get it done.
During the summer, I bought notebooks, folders, law textbooks, highlighters, pens, pencils, a new backpack that made me feel happy and so on. I went over my class schedule time and time again. I bought an academic planner and filled in my schedule, noting important dates from each class syllabus and the law school calendar to ensure I wouldn’t miss anything. As I listed my summer assignments, I found nothing more satisfying than completing a task and crossing it off my list.When I arrived at law school on my first day, I felt confident. I had memorized my schedule, purchased all the necessary materials, and completed my summer readings with detailed notes. I felt as prepared as anyone could on their first day of law school.
To discuss briefly, COMPLETE ALL SUMMER READINGS. It is a great way to get comfortable with the structure and style of law school readings. It is important to recognize that college and law school are two completely different hurdles to get over. Get your readings done but do not drive yourself crazy. I remember I tried to memorize every word of every case brief before I started school. That was not effective reading, I was just so scared that I would be “cold called” on the first day. To be effective, read the entire case brief, outline, and pull out the issue, rule, application (how the rule applies to the facts), and the conclusion/ what was the court’s decision?
To conclude, the summer before law school I even began making friends that I knew would be going through the same journey as me. We have access to everything on social media. Take advantage of it and become familiar with your school’s platform, you may even make some great friends along the way. On my first day of orientation, I met my first friend, and we went on to study almost every day together in the library until we graduated. It is important to know that you are not ALONE.
Enjoy your summer, make memories, spend time with family and friends. But remember… prepare yourself, give yourself time, and work hard.
This will be one of the most dynamic and rewarding times of your life. With focus and balance, you can work hard and still make room for the things you love.
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