After a single week of law school I have already unraveled a mystery. Working with lawyers for most of my professional life, I have often been perplexed by the arrogance and superiority that emits from many in the legal profession. (Before proceeding, please note that I said "many" and not "all." If you are not one of the many, then please do not take offense.) When I finally decided to apply to law school and was ultimately accepted, I often joked that I would let my friends and colleagues know when I had completed Arrogance 101. Certainly it must be a class? Or tested on the bar exam? Otherwise, why would so many lawyers--who before were just average Joes--transform into these condescending, opulent creatures with more money than personality after appending "Esq." to their name?
After attending a week of orientation, which required reading, writing and studying; and after the initial shock of the workload required before we ever stepped into our first class, and after being challenged to "think on my feet" during the first day of class, I think I am getting a glimpse of where and when the arrogance takes root. It is here. It is in the process; in the tremendous amount of study, preparation, and writing that must take place to even show up for class. Because, if you're not prepared, you are told, "Don't show up." Oh, and by the way, if you miss too many classes, don't bother coming back. So, you can't miss class, but you can't show up unprepared. Thus, you must be prepared, which requires an inordinate amount of preparation on a nightly basis--just to stay caught up. I am not alluding to reading ahead or tweaking notes or extra curricular activities. No; the workload to simply stay caught up--i.e., ready for the next class--is overwhelming. After investing this amount of time, energy and effort into this goal; after losing sleep and skipping meals; after watching the world from a window while reading or writing or thinking or stressing; after getting up while it's dark and going to bed while it's dark--or not going to bed at all, I suppose that is where the transformation begins. It's in paying the dues, increasing in knowledge, and realizing that you can read, understand, and apply the law, which is one of the most powerful skills in our society. And this knowledge and power, coupled with the price you've paid to attain it, makes you feel superior.
Please do not read what I have not written. I certainly do not condone this attitude. Personally, I believe it is evidence of a shallow soul. I do not believe that one person is superior to another based on the trappings of society, academia, or pop culture. Once again, I do not believe that all lawyers or law students are guilty of this offense; but, to avoid its appeal takes great effort of self-control and inspection.
As for me, there are some wonderful people that I left in behind in rural North Carolina that I hope (in fact, I know) will "set me straight" (a great Southern phrase) should I get too big for my "breeches" (it's a Southern thing). And, I'd be willing to give them all permission to do so; but, truth be told, none of them need permission to remind me of who I am and how I got here, and most of them wouldn't ask for permission anyway. And that's fine with me.
The first week of law school is history. Ninety-five weeks to go before graduation; 105 weeks before the bar exam; and 113 weeks before the bar exam results.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Saturday, August 19, 2006
America's Best Colleges
Orientation is over. Next week, it's the real thing. In the interim, I have a tremendous amount of reading to do, which makes me wonder, why am I spending precious time with my blog? Answer: To keep me centered and sane.
According to statistics from the ABA, the student workload at LU School of Law is in the top 1% of all ABA-approved law schools. For example, at most law schools the 1Ls are taking three classes; some are taking four. I am taking six. You know, if we had to be No. 1 (or close to it), I would prefer it be in athletics. ;-)
There are benefits to this rigorous schedule. They have been explained, and I agree with the logic. So, it's time to get to work and quit whining.
In the meantime, in case you haven't heard, Liberty University has made the 2007 edition of America's Best Colleges published by U. S. News & World Report. That's impressive for a school that's less than 40 years old. I have copied below an excerpt from commentary by Jerry Falwell on www.worldnetdaily.com with more details:
On newsstands this week, U.S. News & World Report's 2007 edition of "America's Best Colleges" highlights three universities: UCLA, Cornell and Liberty. It is truly an honor for Liberty to be featured in this manner, especially when one considers that Cornell (which started in 1865) and UCLA (which started in 1919) have been around for so long.
The USN&WR article, titled "They Pray as they Go," is very complimentary. It underscores Liberty's rules (no co-ed dorms, no drinking or smoking, etc.) and features interviews with some of our students and faculty, including Dr. Ergun Caner who calls an education at Liberty "Green Beret training for Christians."
The article also focuses on things that make Liberty unique: dorm prayer groups, a Christian environment (even in the classroom) and our university debate team (which is No. 1 in the nation in all three national debate tournament polls, which no other school has ever achieved).
Some may be amazed that, in just 35 years, Liberty has risen to such a prominent position in the world of higher education.
Another great feature of Liberty is its diversity. With no quotas or affirmative action in place, we will welcome this fall students reflecting many cultures, backgrounds and ethnicities. In fact, our student body includes young people from 83 nations. Our students are connected by one common goal: to impact the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
As a result, Liberty continues to rapidly grow. This summer, we built five new apartment-style dorms, which house 420 students. We will quickly begin more new dorms this fall and are mapping out designs to open more classroom space.
Readers who would like to see the article in full should purchase the 2007 edition of "America's Best Colleges," now on newsstands.
According to statistics from the ABA, the student workload at LU School of Law is in the top 1% of all ABA-approved law schools. For example, at most law schools the 1Ls are taking three classes; some are taking four. I am taking six. You know, if we had to be No. 1 (or close to it), I would prefer it be in athletics. ;-)
There are benefits to this rigorous schedule. They have been explained, and I agree with the logic. So, it's time to get to work and quit whining.
In the meantime, in case you haven't heard, Liberty University has made the 2007 edition of America's Best Colleges published by U. S. News & World Report. That's impressive for a school that's less than 40 years old. I have copied below an excerpt from commentary by Jerry Falwell on www.worldnetdaily.com with more details:
On newsstands this week, U.S. News & World Report's 2007 edition of "America's Best Colleges" highlights three universities: UCLA, Cornell and Liberty. It is truly an honor for Liberty to be featured in this manner, especially when one considers that Cornell (which started in 1865) and UCLA (which started in 1919) have been around for so long.
The USN&WR article, titled "They Pray as they Go," is very complimentary. It underscores Liberty's rules (no co-ed dorms, no drinking or smoking, etc.) and features interviews with some of our students and faculty, including Dr. Ergun Caner who calls an education at Liberty "Green Beret training for Christians."
The article also focuses on things that make Liberty unique: dorm prayer groups, a Christian environment (even in the classroom) and our university debate team (which is No. 1 in the nation in all three national debate tournament polls, which no other school has ever achieved).
Some may be amazed that, in just 35 years, Liberty has risen to such a prominent position in the world of higher education.
Another great feature of Liberty is its diversity. With no quotas or affirmative action in place, we will welcome this fall students reflecting many cultures, backgrounds and ethnicities. In fact, our student body includes young people from 83 nations. Our students are connected by one common goal: to impact the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
As a result, Liberty continues to rapidly grow. This summer, we built five new apartment-style dorms, which house 420 students. We will quickly begin more new dorms this fall and are mapping out designs to open more classroom space.
Readers who would like to see the article in full should purchase the 2007 edition of "America's Best Colleges," now on newsstands.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Never let anyone steal your dream
If you read the initial post (August 9) you certainly could appreciate the questions and turmoil that were keeping me up at night. I heard a preacher recently say that it's not a sin to question God because even Jesus asked "Why?" during the crucifixion. So, I don't mind asking God questions (Is this the right decision? What if I fail? What if the money runs out? Etc.) and then trying to be patient while He provides an answer.
Only a few days after vocalizing these questions, I received cards from two friends (Camille and Carol) that were so encouraging. Yes, I checked the postmark, and the cards were mailed the day before and the day of the initial posting. I think that's rather amazing, i.e., that God knows the questions of our heart before we even ask it AND puts the answer in motion before the question is penned.
The next "answer" to my questions was received on Saturday, August 12, as I was enjoying a cup of coffee on the patio. I picked up a pamphlet produced by a favorite radio station of mine (KLOVE) and these are the words I read:
When you dream you move closer to the way God sees things; you see beyond your limitations; you move from where you are to where He wants you to be; you begin to see your goals in their completed state. The question isn't can you dream, but do you have the courage to act on it? If your dream doesn't stretch you to the point of discomfort it's probably not of God. Furthermore, God won't miraculously lift you out of your dream and set you down in the middle of its fulfillment . . . We need to get up every morning with our eyes on our destiny and move steadily toward it. Now for a warning: someone will always try to steal your dream. Always! Often it'll be someone who never had a dream of their own, or if they did they abandoned it. It could even be a family member who reminds you of what God couldn't or wouldn't do through someone like you. What do you dream about? What has God enabled you to see that doesn't yet exist? You'll never out-dream God! "God can do . . . far more than you can ever imagine." Eph. 3:20.
Wow! I know that's a bit lengthy for a quote, but it was so powerful that it just blew me away. I had to read it over and over, and now have a copy of it attached to the frig (where all important paperwork is filed). I hope that it is encouraging to you as well.
My name is Jackie. I am a 1L at Liberty University School of Law. Last night we enjoyed a semi-formal reception with the Interim Dean of the law school, Mr. Matt Staver, and today was Day 1 of orientation. It has been a long day. A lot has been accomplished, and two more days of orientation await. But, today was special because it was a first. It wasn't about an entrance exam, or an application, or a law school visit; it was the day that the dream became a reality.
I am the first to admit that there have been times when I have struggled with this dream. It seems so much bigger than me (and, of course, it is). It has overwhelmed me more than once, and I have ran away from it on more than one occasion. But, it never went away. It didn't hunt or pursue me; it just patiently waited for me to grow up and grow into this idea that I can be so much more than even I see. And how can I say that? Because, it is not me; it is God doing far more than even I could ever imagine. Pardon me for saying it twice, but Wow!
Only a few days after vocalizing these questions, I received cards from two friends (Camille and Carol) that were so encouraging. Yes, I checked the postmark, and the cards were mailed the day before and the day of the initial posting. I think that's rather amazing, i.e., that God knows the questions of our heart before we even ask it AND puts the answer in motion before the question is penned.
The next "answer" to my questions was received on Saturday, August 12, as I was enjoying a cup of coffee on the patio. I picked up a pamphlet produced by a favorite radio station of mine (KLOVE) and these are the words I read:
When you dream you move closer to the way God sees things; you see beyond your limitations; you move from where you are to where He wants you to be; you begin to see your goals in their completed state. The question isn't can you dream, but do you have the courage to act on it? If your dream doesn't stretch you to the point of discomfort it's probably not of God. Furthermore, God won't miraculously lift you out of your dream and set you down in the middle of its fulfillment . . . We need to get up every morning with our eyes on our destiny and move steadily toward it. Now for a warning: someone will always try to steal your dream. Always! Often it'll be someone who never had a dream of their own, or if they did they abandoned it. It could even be a family member who reminds you of what God couldn't or wouldn't do through someone like you. What do you dream about? What has God enabled you to see that doesn't yet exist? You'll never out-dream God! "God can do . . . far more than you can ever imagine." Eph. 3:20.
Wow! I know that's a bit lengthy for a quote, but it was so powerful that it just blew me away. I had to read it over and over, and now have a copy of it attached to the frig (where all important paperwork is filed). I hope that it is encouraging to you as well.
My name is Jackie. I am a 1L at Liberty University School of Law. Last night we enjoyed a semi-formal reception with the Interim Dean of the law school, Mr. Matt Staver, and today was Day 1 of orientation. It has been a long day. A lot has been accomplished, and two more days of orientation await. But, today was special because it was a first. It wasn't about an entrance exam, or an application, or a law school visit; it was the day that the dream became a reality.
I am the first to admit that there have been times when I have struggled with this dream. It seems so much bigger than me (and, of course, it is). It has overwhelmed me more than once, and I have ran away from it on more than one occasion. But, it never went away. It didn't hunt or pursue me; it just patiently waited for me to grow up and grow into this idea that I can be so much more than even I see. And how can I say that? Because, it is not me; it is God doing far more than even I could ever imagine. Pardon me for saying it twice, but Wow!
Thursday, August 10, 2006
The initial post
I am old. (Correction: I am feeling old.) And I am very tired (no correction necessary); yet, I cannot sleep. Why? Feeling old and being tired should be the perfect recipe for a good night's rest. What could keep me from sleep? That's exactly what this blog is about tonight, tomorrow, and hopefully for the next three years.
It seems like yesterday it was a beautiful dream, a goal, a frontier to conquer. Now, it is keeping me up at night; and, at my age, I can't afford to lose any more sleep. So, let's just cut to the heart of it and put it on the page. My sleeplessness tonight (and many others) is caused by my returning to school. You see, I am less than one week away from beginning law school. I will be a 1L. I have dreamed of being a lawyer all of my adult life, and the journey will begin in a few days with my status as a 1L. But, it wasn't an easy road to get here (and who knows what lies ahead). My little town didn't have a law school close by, so I had to move. Actually, my school of choice was located in another state (which will be revealed in time). So, there's a "for sale" sign in the front yard (of a house yet to be sold), the children have been shoo'ed out of the house a few weeks before their college requires, and I have packed up all of my earthly goods and moved to an apartment in another state where I know absolutely no one. (Actually, I realized tonight that I had gone the entire day without speaking a word! You know, when there's no one to talk to, there's really not a lot to say.) I could--and have--talked to the dog and cat, but they are not great conversationalists.
My undergrad is in criminal justice. I worked in a law office for many years. And, most recently, I have taught legal courses at a community college. I am accustomed to teaching 18, 20, and 22 year olds; now I'll be in class with them. I will be their classmate, the antediluvian law student going to law school to pursue this dream of not just "working with" attorneys or teaching "about" the law.
"That's wonderful!" is the typical reply received from friends and acquaintances. "You'll do fine!" is another one. And, thank God for their encouragement; yet, with only a week to go, I am wondering. What was I thinking? Dreaming! At my age! Is this the right decision? What if I fail? Will I ever pay off the student loans? What if the money runs out? Who will want to hire me? Questions, questions, concerns, and more questions. I'm counting questions instead of counting sheep; thus, the lack of sleep.
I learned about blogging while at an educator's conference this spring. I have since started reading some blogs of interest to me and decided it might be something I want to do to memorialize this experience. This is the first posting. For better or worse, there will be more. And I hope you will join me.
Writing has always been cathartic for me; I hope this blog will be just the medicine I need in order to clear my head, and the motivation I need to chart my course and conquer the unknown. Youth and vitality are not on my side; but law school is a marathon, not a sprint, and I am hopeful that I can stay in the race and finish the course. I do not have to win; I just want to finish. It's going to be a long run, so let's get some rest.
It seems like yesterday it was a beautiful dream, a goal, a frontier to conquer. Now, it is keeping me up at night; and, at my age, I can't afford to lose any more sleep. So, let's just cut to the heart of it and put it on the page. My sleeplessness tonight (and many others) is caused by my returning to school. You see, I am less than one week away from beginning law school. I will be a 1L. I have dreamed of being a lawyer all of my adult life, and the journey will begin in a few days with my status as a 1L. But, it wasn't an easy road to get here (and who knows what lies ahead). My little town didn't have a law school close by, so I had to move. Actually, my school of choice was located in another state (which will be revealed in time). So, there's a "for sale" sign in the front yard (of a house yet to be sold), the children have been shoo'ed out of the house a few weeks before their college requires, and I have packed up all of my earthly goods and moved to an apartment in another state where I know absolutely no one. (Actually, I realized tonight that I had gone the entire day without speaking a word! You know, when there's no one to talk to, there's really not a lot to say.) I could--and have--talked to the dog and cat, but they are not great conversationalists.
My undergrad is in criminal justice. I worked in a law office for many years. And, most recently, I have taught legal courses at a community college. I am accustomed to teaching 18, 20, and 22 year olds; now I'll be in class with them. I will be their classmate, the antediluvian law student going to law school to pursue this dream of not just "working with" attorneys or teaching "about" the law.
"That's wonderful!" is the typical reply received from friends and acquaintances. "You'll do fine!" is another one. And, thank God for their encouragement; yet, with only a week to go, I am wondering. What was I thinking? Dreaming! At my age! Is this the right decision? What if I fail? Will I ever pay off the student loans? What if the money runs out? Who will want to hire me? Questions, questions, concerns, and more questions. I'm counting questions instead of counting sheep; thus, the lack of sleep.
I learned about blogging while at an educator's conference this spring. I have since started reading some blogs of interest to me and decided it might be something I want to do to memorialize this experience. This is the first posting. For better or worse, there will be more. And I hope you will join me.
Writing has always been cathartic for me; I hope this blog will be just the medicine I need in order to clear my head, and the motivation I need to chart my course and conquer the unknown. Youth and vitality are not on my side; but law school is a marathon, not a sprint, and I am hopeful that I can stay in the race and finish the course. I do not have to win; I just want to finish. It's going to be a long run, so let's get some rest.
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