I recently (recently as in the last week) started law school, and let me tell you, almost nothing about this week was easy. Syllabus week is no longer a thing, and you can't wait to buy your books until after the first class. Doing the assigned reading is a must, and briefing every case you come across is the only way to maybe kind of slightly grasp what you're learning about. When realizing the week had come to an end and I could take a few hours off, I found myself thinking that I have learned more in the past seven days than in all my years of schooling combined. Here are some of those things.
The most important thing I've learned this week is that it's okay to be confused. I personally do not have a ton of background knowledge about the law, which means that every subject I come across is new. When learning anything from the beginning, it is normal to be confused, and this is a hard thing for me to swallow. After talking to my classmates though, I realized most people feel like me. Everyone is trying to figure it out, and the people who "have it together" are really just good at pretending.
Since day one, everyone has told me that law school doesn't teach you facts, it teaches you how to think. Seven days in, I can definitely confirm this to be true. Everything I've read so far, and every class I've attended has pushed me to think more critically than ever before. It's not sufficient to memorize laws, you have to understand their rules and be able to apply them to cases across the board. Critical thinking is an attorney's greatest skill, and law school is where you really shape your mind.
Reading for class is no longer equivalent to being prepared for class. To be truly prepared, you have to read the cases, read again, and then read it one more time before you finally get around to briefing it. Guess what? Briefing the case means you read the whole thing again for the fourth time.
It's okay to be nervous. I'm naturally outspoken and loud, but this week, I didn't say a word in class unless the professor specifically called me out. When a professor called on me for the first time, I actually said "oh, that's me" with a panicked look on my face before giving my answer. I was so caught up on being wrong or not being prepared that I was beyond nervous to say anything. Just like being confused, I've learned that this is a totally normal feeling that lessens every time I'm called on.
And finally, I've learned that you really do make some great friends. I know this is cliché, but I truly have already met some awesome people. Nothing is more comforting than knowing that you have someone to struggle with in this new and competitive environment. Having people around who can help you, make you laugh, and remind you to leave the library every once in a while is a must for keeping your sanity.
Thanks for the lessons, week one. Looking forward to the next.
