It is July 22. One full month until classes start up again. Honestly, this summer absolutely flew by. Between the world cup (with my city being one of the host cities, there was ALWAYS something going on), internships, moving, putting my dogs into training together, getting sick like three times, being concussed, the weekly cycle of “peace deal in Iran! Just kidding!”, and now a diarrhea parasite on produce….a lot has happened to say the least. But I personally am very ready and very excited for the new school year to start.
And, okay. I get it. That is a vastly unpopular opinion. But this one is more controversial – I actually love law school.
I love being a student. Truly, I enjoy the freedom of knowing I can do my work on my schedule. I can set my own times that can be flexible to work with whatever pops up throughout the week, whether it is a vet appointment or emergency grocery run or even just “I really need a nap.” I thrive in an environment where I hold myself accountable. I am 100% the type of person that would rather do more work, but when I want to do it, rather than have the exact same schedule every day and live that cycle until I die. Please no.
So, that being said, I am in fact counting down the days until the fall semester starts. I cannot wait. It also helps that I have taken on a new mindset. Last year, my focus was more “how am I doing compared to everyone,” whereas this year, I have realized the focus should, more importantly, be “how can I be sure I truly learn this material so when I revisit it for the bar it doesn’t feel brand new.” I used to think I was only focusing on myself and my comprehension, but in reality the curve and the competition of school was very much overshadowing everything. It did unfortunately take me a full year to realize that, but at least I am there now. Better late than never.
This focus shift has helped remind me why I am in law school. It has helped bring back my “why,” which, don’t get me wrong, is always there (I literally carry pieces around everywhere), in a manner I hadn’t thought of before. But it also has me a bit nostalgic, reminiscing over how much my life has changed in the last year.
I started law school in May 2025. I quit my full time wedding dress fashion design job, then four days later walked into orientation. I had just moved to an apartment closer to the school, and went from living with a roommate, to having a studio by myself. A week in, my then-relationship ended. All my friends were scattered throughout the country, I was living alone, doing something new, and was way out of my comfort zone. So, naturally, I studied. And I tanned. And I went to watch the Stanley Cup playoffs at sports bars and made some friends. And then, right before finals, I met my now boyfriend. I visited some friends in Arkansas. I took finals, then flew to DC to see my best friend. I was invited to a lake weekend. Then, all of a sudden, it was 1L fall, with a new relationship, more friends, and a full cup.
I found myself again while starting one of the toughest educational journeys.
Over the year, I continued to nurture the things that nurtured me. I traveled internationally – (twice!) something I hadn’t been able to do yet. I made more friends. I tried new things. I went out for the mock trial team, and succeeded. I connected with a mentor working in one of the states I have an interest in working in after school. My boyfriend and I got a puppy. I became close with his family. We moved in together.
And, looking back, I don’t see or dwell on the things that didn’t go well. I don’t see or dwell on the grades, or the stress, or the mental breakdowns. Instead, I see an environment where I belong. I see myself working hard for my “why.” I see the relationships I have fostered, the personal growth I have experienced, and the ways in which I can use everything to continue on in my purpose in life. And I am eternally grateful for all of it.
So, yes, I am excited for the next year. I am excited to learn, to grow, to navigate the new challenges and stressors. And I do love law school.
Song of the Day: Unwritten, Natasha Bedingfield
the blawg 
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