Here we are, 5 weeks into the Fall semester of 2020. How are you doing? The purpose of this post is to provide some encouragement, some positive vibes, and to remind you that you have what it takes to successfully make it through law school and thereafter, through life! You are here, you got accepted to law school and you’ve made it through this far, whether you’re a 1L, 2L, or 3L student. You would not even be here in the first place if you did not have the capability to handle 3 rigorous years of learning the law.
I’m going to tell you a story about myself. When I was a child, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer, I just knew. Whenever anyone would ask me what I wanted to be when I grow up, each time I would proudly say, “A lawyer!” That was not the typical answer a child would give, as it has nothing to do with unicorns, arts & crafts, or princesses. But I was just so sure of myself. Then as I grew older, many people questioned my career choice since I was known to be the “shy and sweet” girl. Sometimes it bothered me and made me question whether I was able to become a lawyer. After watching TV shows and movies entailing courtroom settings where lawyers would yell and intimidate the witness, I highly questioned my ability to ever do something like that as a lawyer. Then college started and I had to start thinking seriously about my career choice. After doing much research and listening to what people around me were saying, I decided to change my career choice from law to dental. I majored in Biology in undergrad, typical of any Indian student. I enjoyed my classes, despite the fact they had nothing to do with law, and I became very involved in dental club. I even became a dental assistant, working at a dental office for a little over two years. I really thought this was it, this is my life calling, until I got an email for an interview at a dental school in Arizona.
At the interview, I felt so blessed to be there, the school was nice, Arizona is a beautiful state, but extremely hot! The day started off with a welcome from the dean of the school. He was very sweet, very knowledgeable, but what made him really stand out to me was that he said he achieved his DMD degree as well as his JD degree. For some reason, I hooked onto those words, “JD Degree”. It was as if I stopped paying attention to everything he said after that moment and started doubting myself and questioning whether I wanted my JD degree or DMD degree. I continued with the day and proceeded through the multiple rounds of interviews all with the same thought in the back of my head. I got back home and that’s when I did some major research on law schools across the US and decided that any law school that didn’t require an LSAT score, I would apply to, just to see if I even had a chance without having to lose a whole year just to take the LSAT. I found some schools, but out of all, I found that MSLAW had a curriculum that was flexible, had many classes to offer, and most importantly for me at the time- no LSAT was required! I immediately spoke to my parents about applying, just to see if I would get in and they were nothing but supportive. I applied, flew in for the interview, and soon after, received a letter in the mail stating I was accepted. You would not believe the joy I felt when my dad told me that I got into law school. I was thrilled! I can tell you, as a 3rd year law school student, I am so blessed to have made such a sudden career change and for MSLAW to be there at the right time for me. I can say with confidence, I am so happy I chose to get my JD degree over a DMD degree! I am also reassured that as an attorney, you do not have to yell in a courtroom at a witness to get them to answer you in a way that’s most favorable to you; I’m sure the judge wouldn’t be pleased with you if you actually did, nor the jury.
Hope I didn’t bore you with a chapter of my life! The moral of my experience is that you shouldn’t limit yourselves to the thoughts of those people around you. People will always have an opinion about anything you do, anything you decide on, anything and everything! However, they are nowhere close to knowing you and who you really are, what you are capable of, and what your goals are. You are the only person who knows yourself the best. You must own yourself and push yourself to turn your dreams into goals. You must believe in yourself and take a step outside your comfort zone and you will come to realize you can run. You must have confidence that you will do well, and indeed you will. These are all lessons I have learned when choosing my career path. I know some days may seem very tough, as if you’re unsure whether you can make it. Those are natural thoughts to have, but don’t dwell on them. Surround yourself with positive people who will help you grow, take the walls out of your mindset that are limiting you from your true potential, and don’t be afraid to get back up and keep pushing forward. In the end, no one is going to live your life for you, you must live it yourself and choose to live a life you’ve always dreamed of. Focus on the positive aspect of things and you will find yourself to be happier. Someone once told me, “If it won’t matter in 5 months, don’t spend more than 5 minutes thinking about it”. It is very easy to be angry; it takes close to no effort to be upset or angry, but it takes a mature person to overcome such emotions and keep pushing through, focusing on the positives, and staying focused on what really matters: your happiness.
I hope reading this helped you in some positive way. I want to end off with saying that if any of you feel the need for some motivation or some encouragement, I am open to speak with you. I understand the importance of positive thinking and I hold true to it. With that, I hope to say nothing more than to recite a quote by Nelson Mandela:
“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up”.
Do You Have a Favorite Quote That You Hold True to Yourself During Tough Times? Share with us Down Below!
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