I have lost 100 lbs!!! Well, not literally, but it certainly feels like I have. For months I have wrestled with whether or not to transfer to another law school. This decision has involved much investigation, conversation, perspiration, and prayer. My grades are high enough that I could probably transfer to a Tier 1 school (or at least be taken seriously).
Every year, approximately five percent of law students “trickle up” to higher-rated schools. The purpose in transferring lies in the ultimate goal: to get the best job offer possible, and the best firms recruit at the best law schools. Since LU is such a new school, it is not even officially “rated” yet, and it does not have an alumni base; these are two very serious concerns when contemplating future employment for the law school’s graduates. LU is more concerned with getting “any” job offers for its graduates, not just offers from the top firms.
So, in light of these and other concerns, I have been singing the “I’m going to transfer” song for months; but, in spite of my desire to transfer, I did not want to transfer just for the sake of doing so. I did my homework, and picked out three or four prestigious schools that met my criteria. First, I only wanted to move to a school that is ranked in the top 100 (also known as a “Tier 1” school). I also wanted to stay on the east coast—in or near the south. Unlike most law students, I have two children who are also in college, and I felt compelled to only pick schools that would allow me to be near them (i.e., within driving distance). I also wanted to avoid schools in North Carolina. Even though I’m a Tarheel fan, I fear that by returning to a school in North Carolina I would greatly limit my ability to work outside of North Carolina. And, while I love to visit N. C., and I realize a lot can happen in two years, I presently have no plans of returning to the state to work. Finally, I wanted it to be a good financial decision as well in light of the fact that I had a partial scholarship this year (which will likely be a full scholarship for the 2L year based on my class ranking). Transferring could add approximately $40,000 to $80,000 to the ultimate law school debt, and that's a lot of debt!
Finally, there are many things about LU that I like—even though there are policies that drive me crazy. The reality is that there isn’t a perfect school in the perfect location with the perfect faculty and perfectly agreeable policies. And, if I’m looking for this perfect Utopia, I am going to be gravely disappointed when I realize that I’ve only traded one bag of troubles for another. Overall, I like LU. Overall, I like its philosophies. I have spent a year building relationships with my classmates (and the upper classmen). I am part of the best study group ever formulated (or so I believe). The students at this school have integrity and ethical standards that are lacking at many law schools (a fact which isn't often told on the law school's web page). For instance, I have left my laptop, ipod, thumb drive, commercial outlines, etc., at my study carrol for days and weeks, and nothing has ever been touched, moved or stolen. Another example, my colleagues do not hide books from each other; instead, we share the materials. We haven't wanted anyone to fail and we have worked together, corporately, to help those who were working hard but struggling. And, I've finally come to realize that these intangibles are more important to me than the cost of tuition or the ranking of the school.
Most importantly, in analyzing the matrix and criteria for staying or transferring, there is the most important realization that I am not on this journey alone. Law school would not have been possible without the faith and trust that I have placed in God Almighty to lead the way and light the path. He did not bring me to this place to abandon me. In spite of applying to nine different law schools and getting accepted to four, I knew that LU is where I would attend. I knew this before LU ever accepted me, so there must be some reason why I am here in spite of the fact that I do not know what awaits me in two years. I don't suppose that I need to know as long as God does and He's working all of these things out for my good. I do know how important it is to be patient and wait; almost as important as admitting that I’m not in control of any of this, so why don’t I just do my best on a daily basis and let Him handle the rest. Oh, and even though LU isn't even ranked (like I mentioned earlier) almost 70% of our graduates have jobs or job offers, which is pretty impressive for an inaugeral class of graduates from a distinctively conservative law school.
As far as I'm concerned, this decision is final. There is no looking back. Time and energy will not be wasted on one "what if." That being said, the weight has been lifted from my shoulders, and I am able to focus on my summer plans. Now if I could drop the same amount of weight from my waistline, that would be fabulous!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Summer "vacation"
Prior to law school, I was an instructor at a local community college, and I became quite accustomed to enjoying summer vacations. Even though I taught classes during summer semester, they were usually online classes that I could attend at my leisure, and the summer was mine. So, what did I do with all of that down time during the summer? Many of you know that I usually returned to the law firm to make some mad money. Some things change; but most remain the same.
It has been less than two weeks since final exams; yet, most of the pain from this year has moved to the recesses of my memory (much like a new mother forgets the pain of labor). I think I have caught up on my sleep, if that is even possible. I have returned to some type of exercise regime--to work off the weight that was added by lattes, cappuccinos, and midnight chili cheese fries with the study group. And I have started the summer job(s).
My primary job is working as a research assistant for a professor at the law school. This will generally be a full-time paid position during the summer. I can work up to 40 hours per week; and, the best news is that most of the time I can work from home.
I am also working as an intern at the Commonwealth Attorney's office two days per week. This is a volunteer position, but it exposes me to members of the local bar, and is great experience for me as I try to determine if I am really interested in pursuing a career as a criminal prosecutor. By the time we complete this summer internship, I should have been exposed to each area of the Commonwealth Attorney's office as well as each step in a trial, including interviews, victim assistance, case management, hearings, trial, etc.
Summer will also include a few days in Minnesota as I visit Westlaw headquarters for training as a Westlaw student representative. This will be a part-time job for me next year as I work on campus as the Westlaw representative. I was very excited to be offered this position with Westlaw. While I am familiar with Westlaw (from my days in the law office), I believe that this position will make me a better researcher, which will also make me more valuable in my position as a research assistant. Then, if I make it on Law Review, the skills that I learn through Westlaw should help with research for the Notes (20-30 page articles) I will be required to write.
Finally, I will be completing a course of independent study in order to become a CASA volunteer (Court Appointed Special Advocate) . CASA volunteers represent the interests of abused and neglected children in court. I should complete this course during the summer and be ready for my assignments by fall.
Other than these four priorities, I am still struggling with whether to apply for a transfer to another law school. For now, it is a matter of great prayer and informed research. I do not want to transfer just anywhere. If I transfer, I only want to move to a school that is ranked in the top 100. Because of my kids, I also feel compelled to choose a school that is geographically convenient (so, Pepperdine is out). Obviously, there are financial concerns. And I don't want to trade one bag of troubles for another. There are good things at LU that I appreciate; I do not want to sacrifice those just for the sake of change. Finally, I hate moving; so, if I'm going to turn my life upside down again with another move, it must be for something bigger and better on all fronts. I have sought the advice of trusted friends and legal professionals on this issue, and have taken each word of advice to heart. But the time has come to select schools that will fit into this matrix of criteria, and I covet your prayers. Yet, as you can read, so much is falling into place at this law school, I wonder if I already have my answer.
I am looking forward to all of my summer adventures. Sprinkle in a cruise to the Bahamas and several trips home to NC, and the summer "vacation" will be complete.
It has been less than two weeks since final exams; yet, most of the pain from this year has moved to the recesses of my memory (much like a new mother forgets the pain of labor). I think I have caught up on my sleep, if that is even possible. I have returned to some type of exercise regime--to work off the weight that was added by lattes, cappuccinos, and midnight chili cheese fries with the study group. And I have started the summer job(s).
My primary job is working as a research assistant for a professor at the law school. This will generally be a full-time paid position during the summer. I can work up to 40 hours per week; and, the best news is that most of the time I can work from home.
I am also working as an intern at the Commonwealth Attorney's office two days per week. This is a volunteer position, but it exposes me to members of the local bar, and is great experience for me as I try to determine if I am really interested in pursuing a career as a criminal prosecutor. By the time we complete this summer internship, I should have been exposed to each area of the Commonwealth Attorney's office as well as each step in a trial, including interviews, victim assistance, case management, hearings, trial, etc.
Summer will also include a few days in Minnesota as I visit Westlaw headquarters for training as a Westlaw student representative. This will be a part-time job for me next year as I work on campus as the Westlaw representative. I was very excited to be offered this position with Westlaw. While I am familiar with Westlaw (from my days in the law office), I believe that this position will make me a better researcher, which will also make me more valuable in my position as a research assistant. Then, if I make it on Law Review, the skills that I learn through Westlaw should help with research for the Notes (20-30 page articles) I will be required to write.
Finally, I will be completing a course of independent study in order to become a CASA volunteer (Court Appointed Special Advocate) . CASA volunteers represent the interests of abused and neglected children in court. I should complete this course during the summer and be ready for my assignments by fall.
Other than these four priorities, I am still struggling with whether to apply for a transfer to another law school. For now, it is a matter of great prayer and informed research. I do not want to transfer just anywhere. If I transfer, I only want to move to a school that is ranked in the top 100. Because of my kids, I also feel compelled to choose a school that is geographically convenient (so, Pepperdine is out). Obviously, there are financial concerns. And I don't want to trade one bag of troubles for another. There are good things at LU that I appreciate; I do not want to sacrifice those just for the sake of change. Finally, I hate moving; so, if I'm going to turn my life upside down again with another move, it must be for something bigger and better on all fronts. I have sought the advice of trusted friends and legal professionals on this issue, and have taken each word of advice to heart. But the time has come to select schools that will fit into this matrix of criteria, and I covet your prayers. Yet, as you can read, so much is falling into place at this law school, I wonder if I already have my answer.
I am looking forward to all of my summer adventures. Sprinkle in a cruise to the Bahamas and several trips home to NC, and the summer "vacation" will be complete.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
The 2007 LU graduation experience
Bubbles...beach balls...silly string...photos...beautiful weather...videos..."the wave"...cheers... music...standing ovations...prayer...happy tears...and heavy hearts. Jerry would've been proud.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Proud to be one of Jerry's kids
This day has been marked with shock and sadness. The unthinkable has occurred. The man we thought would outlive us all has failed to do so.
You remember where you were at 9:00 a.m. on September 11, 2001? Absolutely. Well, residents of Lynchburg and students at LU will remember where we were when we heard that Jerry had collapsed. I was running errands with my daughter, Diane, when the announcement was made on the radio that Jerry had collapsed and was reported in "grave condition." It did not sound good. I prayed for the best, but feared the worst. Less than an hour later CNN reported that he had died.
I hope the media is kind to Jerry, but he was a public figure often embroiled in controversy, and that is how they identify with him. After spending a year at the university he built, I came to appreciate the Jerry that the media never knew.
Jerry was a mountain of a man. He was self-deprecating at times, calling himself an "old hillbilly" or "country boy" and believing it to be so. He was an icon on Liberty Mountain. He usually drove a black Escalade, and he would darn near run over you just for the fun of it. Then, he'd stop and offer you a ride. He's transported many a student from one side of campus to another, asking them all kinds of questions about what they like or don't like about the school. He took those conversations to heart and made changes that he felt were warranted. We remember the Jerry Falwell, who was 73 years old, but a kid at heart.
Jerry had a photographic memory. He was a very intelligent man. He was the valedictorian of his high school, but was not allowed to give the speech because of a prank he pulled on a teacher before graduation. That is the Jerry Falwell that we will remember: the man who loved a good laugh.
According to Jerry's own autobiography, he was quite the troublemaker before his conversion; but, from the day he made that decision, his life was never the same. He went to Bible college and then came home to Lynchburg to build a church out of nothing. In the beginning, he knocked on 100 doors a day for six days a week inviting people to church. Less than a year ago he beamed like a little boy at Christmas at the opening of the new sanctuary to celebrate the church's 50th anniversary. He was blunt and opinionated, but he was a pastor, and only his family meant more to him than the calling on his life to preach and reach the world.
The students at LU loved Jerry. Often, at or near the last convocation, they would erupt into "Jer-ry! Jer-ry! Jer-ry!" chants and applause. He usually could control the affairs of an entire college campus and mega-church, but he was helpless when the students starting chanting and loving him so. Everyone identified with him on some level, either as a pastor, grandfather, father, friend, etc.
I wish the media could have known this man. I shook his hand. I watched him work. I watched him interact in the community and in the church. What I saw and what I know makes me proud today to be counted as one of Jerry's kids, and very sad as a result of this loss.
II Timothy 4:7-9
You remember where you were at 9:00 a.m. on September 11, 2001? Absolutely. Well, residents of Lynchburg and students at LU will remember where we were when we heard that Jerry had collapsed. I was running errands with my daughter, Diane, when the announcement was made on the radio that Jerry had collapsed and was reported in "grave condition." It did not sound good. I prayed for the best, but feared the worst. Less than an hour later CNN reported that he had died.
I hope the media is kind to Jerry, but he was a public figure often embroiled in controversy, and that is how they identify with him. After spending a year at the university he built, I came to appreciate the Jerry that the media never knew.
Jerry was a mountain of a man. He was self-deprecating at times, calling himself an "old hillbilly" or "country boy" and believing it to be so. He was an icon on Liberty Mountain. He usually drove a black Escalade, and he would darn near run over you just for the fun of it. Then, he'd stop and offer you a ride. He's transported many a student from one side of campus to another, asking them all kinds of questions about what they like or don't like about the school. He took those conversations to heart and made changes that he felt were warranted. We remember the Jerry Falwell, who was 73 years old, but a kid at heart.
Jerry had a photographic memory. He was a very intelligent man. He was the valedictorian of his high school, but was not allowed to give the speech because of a prank he pulled on a teacher before graduation. That is the Jerry Falwell that we will remember: the man who loved a good laugh.
According to Jerry's own autobiography, he was quite the troublemaker before his conversion; but, from the day he made that decision, his life was never the same. He went to Bible college and then came home to Lynchburg to build a church out of nothing. In the beginning, he knocked on 100 doors a day for six days a week inviting people to church. Less than a year ago he beamed like a little boy at Christmas at the opening of the new sanctuary to celebrate the church's 50th anniversary. He was blunt and opinionated, but he was a pastor, and only his family meant more to him than the calling on his life to preach and reach the world.
The students at LU loved Jerry. Often, at or near the last convocation, they would erupt into "Jer-ry! Jer-ry! Jer-ry!" chants and applause. He usually could control the affairs of an entire college campus and mega-church, but he was helpless when the students starting chanting and loving him so. Everyone identified with him on some level, either as a pastor, grandfather, father, friend, etc.
I wish the media could have known this man. I shook his hand. I watched him work. I watched him interact in the community and in the church. What I saw and what I know makes me proud today to be counted as one of Jerry's kids, and very sad as a result of this loss.
II Timothy 4:7-9
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Another Day in the Dream
Life is good.
living a dream.
But life has a price.
And so does the dream.
Dreams can be exhausting.
Is it weariness?
Or nostalgia?
That makes me miss my daddy’s smile
Sleeping late on Saturdays
Planting flowers in my own yard
Granny’s chocolate pie
The ocean
My convertible on a starlit night
Being less cynical and jaded
Family forfeited in the divorce
When the kids would hold my hand
The sweet smell of puppy breath
Scrabble
Childhood friends
Simplicity
Another day
Pursuing the dream
Cherishing the moments that brought me here
living a dream.
But life has a price.
And so does the dream.
Dreams can be exhausting.
Is it weariness?
Or nostalgia?
That makes me miss my daddy’s smile
Sleeping late on Saturdays
Planting flowers in my own yard
Granny’s chocolate pie
The ocean
My convertible on a starlit night
Being less cynical and jaded
Family forfeited in the divorce
When the kids would hold my hand
The sweet smell of puppy breath
Scrabble
Childhood friends
Simplicity
Another day
Pursuing the dream
Cherishing the moments that brought me here
Friday, May 04, 2007
This is it!
Today is the last day of class for spring semester. I just submitted my final two projects for the semester. Exams begin next week. My classmates and I are just a few short (stressful) days from crossing the threshold from being 1Ls to 2Ls, which--at this point in time--is very hard to believe.
The updates here will be few and far between until exams are completed on May 18. Graduation is May 19, and I hope to be there cheering on all of the friends that I have made in the 3L class. They are truly a special group of pioneers.
Please keep me in your prayers during the coming weeks. Law school exams are brutal, but I know what to expect (after surviving fall exams), and I know that "this too shall pass."
The updates here will be few and far between until exams are completed on May 18. Graduation is May 19, and I hope to be there cheering on all of the friends that I have made in the 3L class. They are truly a special group of pioneers.
Please keep me in your prayers during the coming weeks. Law school exams are brutal, but I know what to expect (after surviving fall exams), and I know that "this too shall pass."
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