A time to work, a time to rest

My GPA dropped this semester from 3.11 to 3.02; this resulted in my class rank dropping from 10 to 12. Fortunately I am still in the top 20% of the class. Of course, I would have rather improved, but I am still happy with my class ranking (and hope that it doesn't slip anymore). I also found out this week that I "booked" Torts, which means that I had the best exam grade. (Those with the best grade get a "book award.") So, in spite of the slight drop, I'm still celebrating (and contemplating how I can do better next year).

I have just completed my first full week of work, and my one-word synopsis of the week's schedule is "exhausting!" I thought that after surviving two semesters in law school, work would be a lot like vacation. Well, in some ways it is not as intensive or demanding. Obviously I do not have to "study" the night before going to work. And my work is not labor intensive. However, the work that I am doing is still mentally challenging, and it requires a great deal of concentration. And, rather than sitting for two to three hours a day (in class), I am concentrating and researching for eight hours a day. Afterward, my mind is fried!

On Wednesdays I spend the day at the Commonwealth Attorney's office. Last Wednesday was my first full day there. My day consisted of reading a lot of material about the different programs offered through the office (e.g., community court, victim/witness assistance, juvenile court, etc.). I also spent a few hours in juvenile court. On Friday I returned to the office to volunteer as an evaluator for community court. Community court is an new, innovative solution to non-violent first offenders. If you'd like to know more about it, here's a link to the Commonwealth Attorney's webpage about community court.


The most significant difference between work and school is that I am (thankfully) getting more sleep. My day starts at about 5:30 a.m. By the time I take care of the pets, do some inspirational reading, and light exercise, it's time to get ready for work. After work I change clothes and do some serious exercising; then it's time for a quick, light dinner. It's typically 7:00 p.m. before I get home for the night. Some nights I have time to read; and some nights I am in bed by 9:00 p.m. My personal goal is to be in bed no later than 11:00 p.m., and I have met that goal most nights this summer.

Have you yawned yet? I know, it's not the most exciting schedule, but I am so thankful for the opportunities I have this summer to hone my research skills, meet attorneys and local bar members through the Commonwealth Attorney's office, and the luxury of having a few hours a day to take care of my physical, mental, and spiritual needs as well. I am also most thankful for the wonderful gift of sleep. It's been approximately one month since exams, and I am finally feeling rested. This morning, even before I put together my thoughts for this blog, I was reminded of the wisdom of Solomon's words, "there is an appointed time for everything." In the first few days of this summer season I have found time to celebrate, time to contemplate, time to read, time to exercise, time to work, and time to rest. And I'm thankful for each of those opportunities.