This article is part of the “Black Voices” collection, an ongoing collaboration with Dalhousie Black Law Students’ Associations.
First, I’d like to start this article by offering a HUGE congratulations.
If you’re reading this, you made it into law school – or you’re back for another year! This is a massive accomplishment, and you should be very proud of yourself for making it this far. Give yourself a figurative pat on the back!
In this article, I will share ten things I wish I had known when entering law school… Let's go!
Take care of yourself. Especially during busy periods like exam season, it’s easy to forget to get a good night’s sleep or regularly feed yourself. However, doing these simple things and taking care of your needs makes all the difference in being a well-functioning human being! (Go for that mental health walk, pray or meditate, write in your journal – do what you need to do to stay grounded!)
Try new things. Talk to people you would never talk to. Go out of your comfort zone. Be open. Go after the things you want, and don’t let fear or anyone stop you!
Get connected. In the legal profession, having a good network of people can really make a big difference in the quality of your experiences as a law student, articling student, and future lawyer. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a lawyer for a coffee chat or talk to someone you admire in the field. They’re usually willing to chat!
Find a balance. In law school, there will be many new opportunities, and I encourage you to try as many as you can. However, it’s also important to know your limits. It’s okay to say no to things.
Ask for help. (It’s encouraged, actually!). Due to the rigorous nature of law school, it’s more than likely that you may feel overwhelmed or anxious at times. That’s okay. Just remember to pace yourself, and if you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help. People are usually understanding and happy to help lighten a load because we’ve all been there before.
Surround yourself with good people. Try your best to stay out of drama and unwanted situations. Engage with people that lift you up instead of pulling you down – and remember that you’re surrounded by your future colleagues.
Stay true to yourself. While law school is a new experience that will provide you with lots of opportunities for growth, it's important to remember to stay true to who you are. Keep your values, beliefs, passions and interests at the center of who you are. Don’t let the outside noise sway you too much, and try not to compare yourself. We are all on different journeys in life.
Work smart and hard. There’s no way around it. Try your best to do all the readings, go to office hours, and ask questions when you need clarification. Oh, and try to join a study group!
Believe in yourself. You made it this far. You are endowed with all the intelligence, capabilities, and power to do anything you put your mind to. Know that you belong at this school.
Lastly, trust that everything will work out. A ‘C’ in a class or a poor grade on an assignment is not the end of the world. You will be okay. Everything will work out as it’s meant to.
Remember that you are loved and supported, and there are tons of people cheering you on and rooting for your success. You got this – and don’t forget to have fun. :)
Comments