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Trying to make it a point to post at least once a week. I recall back in my grad school and undergrad days writing down the day to day in this online journal or “blog” was a welcome break from the trials of academia. I suppose this time around it is a little different with me going to school at night now while working full time, but I think the occasional post here and there is actually beneficial, maybe even therapeutic. Life is moving along.
A lot of stuff going on in the world, I’m anxiously waiting for an October surprise, mainly in the form of a new invasion, or worse yet, a major terrorist hit of sorts that would embolden the extremists both abroad and at home. I say extremists at home largely due to the recent legislation that has passed that has essentially put all Americans in a legal classification that might possible lead them to being designated terrorists or enemy combatants. I really and honestly do not understand those people who blindly support the president as if he is a symbol of America itself. I think that he has crossed so many lines that he vaguely resembles any of the principles or values that this country was supposedly founded on. yet at the same time I’m extremely cynical in that if the American people decide to vote this election year to maintain the status quo in partisan structure AGAIN, then maybe it is all deserved.
There’s a really good article in this national law journal free news-magazine that is distributed at probably every law school in the country. I recall seeing one at UH, UW-Madison, Georgetown, GW, AU and CUA all at one point or another, sitting in a nice black wire basket. The article has to do with the ups and downs in moods that law students experience throughout their experience in training to become attorneys. Aside from some very realistic examples from classes and studying, the author had a very good graphical representation of the psychological highs and lows that are rampant in law school, ranging from elation to utter despair. The article closes in telling future employers (or aspiring law students I presume) some advice when talking to graduates of any law program who seem overly enthusiastic about their experiences.
Sure, highs and lows are to be expected in any discipline, but I’d argue that they are much more extreme in law school, simply in the level of willingness that the material (and the professor) are willing to fuck with your head. I say this after a relatively good week in which I feel like I’m not just keeping up with the class, but am actually exceeding expectations. things are just clicking along, readings, assignments, I even found myself frowning to myself after hearing the gunners in my classes volunteer their answers only to be shot down by the professor.
Of course we’ll see what next week brings. Maybe I’ll feel like a total dumbass and question why I’m putting myself through all of this. its a vicious cycle, I tell you. dont’ let anyone convince you otherwise. there will be time of doubt while you’re in law school, and telling yourself that this is just “another way of thinking” will only get you so far. I tell the numerous people and family friends I run into asking me about my take on law school that simply It’s a shark pool, be ready to swim.