Back to school

For those of you who continue to follow my plight, I am happy to report that I returned to law school on the eve of spring semester to complete this year as a 1L. If there was never any doubt in your mind, so be it. I can attest that there was plenty of doubt in my mind about what I would be doing in the spring (and for the rest of my life). The thirty days that I waited for grades to be posted were filled with dread and fear. I clearly remember the verse from Sunday School that says, "He has not given us a spirit of fear" so I guess I just gave it to myself. In the end, my grades were much better than I expected, which only now requires that I maintain these high standards, which takes me back to "dread and fear."

These first few weeks of the semester members of the 1L class are in the process of applying and interviewing for summer internships. I have applied for several positions in the federal government and have a few interviews scheduled. Working with the federal government (like the Department of Justice, Attorney General Homeland Security, the White House, etc.) is my preference. But, should it not work out, I’d be happy staying in town during the summer and working as a research assistant for a professor or for a local attorney.

There is a different vibe amongst our class this semester. We have all formed friendships and alliances. We have studied together, laughed together, griped together, and--in the process--formed a freakishly large family. It is quite difficult coming off of a five-week break and diving in to the deep end of the ocean. The transition back to the law school life (a/k/a monastery) has been made easier with the help of these friends.

After spending five weeks at home during Christmas break I have come to the realization that North Carolina is not where I want to be. The only reason I return is because of the family and friends. On the return trip to Lynchburg, I spent a few hours reflecting on the visit. It is strange to go back. Even though it looks familiar, it is simultaneously so foreign to me. I am so hopeful that I will not have to return to North Carolina during the summer.

I don’t know that I’ll always live in Lynchburg. The good news is that I am free to travel and relocate to just about anywhere; and, even better, I am ready to do it. I suppose that’s why I find this summer internship process so exciting. It’s the equivalent of picking the best summer camp for law students.

I hope that my friends and family in North Carolina will understand. Some of them could never imagine leaving; and I just can’t imagine going back. Of course, a lot can happen on this three-year journey, and I have no idea what tomorrow holds...except more reading assignments. Good night.