I’ve been thinking a lot about the start of undergrad, as it is my only analogous experience to starting law school. Did the first six weeks fly by this quickly during my first semester at Cal? How soon did this new form of education start to feel routine—that is, how soon did I grow accustomed to lecture styles, to the reading materials? When did the novelty of dorm life wear off? When did I know that certain student groups would be my passion for the duration of my time there? When did I meet the people that had the deepest impact upon my understanding of education, of God, of life, of myself?
And yet, this isn’t Berkeley; in so many ways, the analogy falls short. After this, I’ll be entering the “real world,” not more school. My peers are older, more mature (for the most part). I’m surrounded by people who are all studying the same field—as diverse as our interests might be, everything is ultimately within the legal realm. I’m 2,849 miles away from home instead of 47. The setting is the epitome of urban, rather than a casual college town. Can I really compare the two experiences?
It is challenging, because I grew accustomed to life being a certain way in Berkeley. Within the first week of school each semester, I could always fill in my plans for the next 4 months in my agenda. Life was habitual. I have yet to establish habits here. I have aspirations as to how I’d like to live, certainly, but very few things that I’ve tried have emerged as habits yet. A very basic example: I don’t have a “spot” at the library. At Cal, I had a couple of places that were my favorite spots to study in the library. I lack defaults here; I must consider each choice anew. Consequently, I’ve been trying different places, to figure out what I like best. I’ve studied on every floor in each of our libraries. I think the 5th floor of Williams is emerging as my favorite, but it depends on whether I want a comfortable chair, or an interesting window view, or a big table, or simply to people watch. And, that cuts to the essence of my inquiries here: what do I want? What do I need?
And so, the discovery process continues.
On the lighter side, my Civil Procedure professor continues to amaze me with his incredible “words of wisdom” (thanks, Molly):
Professor: “His arm was torn off. I just…”Seriously, we all responded in chorus. You know you’re going to have an interesting semester when there’s a running joke about plaintiffs who’ve had their arms ripped off.
Class: “…hate it when that happens!”
By the way, I posted a D.C. to-do list; check it out beneath the Prayer to St. Thomas More in the side bar. Suggestions are welcome!
5 comments:
a) has your prof ever watched arrested development (have you for that matter?)? There is a whole ep about arms being pulled off.
b) I'm going to have so much fun living vicariously through your list. I have suggestions, but I don't know what you've done. So, here are some random suggestions: ride the longest metro escalator (I think Arlington, but I'm not sure), play kickball on the Mall, participate in a social justice movement (what better place than the Capital...I suggest contacting Jim Wallis), and see the President (my personal favorite goal from when I was living there).
P.S. I know exactly what you mean about the library spot. I found mine based on where my friends sat. Big table, back corner, next to the window, plenty of outlet availability, near printer.
a) I'm so jealous that you are going to see all nine justices much more easily than I am. But you should add to your list drinking that half-beer, half-sprite drink at Cap City Brewery (Molly says it's called a Shandy).
b) Some WOW from my crim pro prof, who wrote our casebook: Yeah, the notes after the cases... I usually write them when I'm on narcotics. I didn't write this particular note, but my co-author likes his Scotch.
It is great that you have a list of things that you can/should do, so many ways to escape the onslaught of studying.
A couple of weeks ago Leodis's arm was sawed off, it doesn't take much about 4 strokes and to quote "it is all in a day's work." Really an arm ripped off is no big deal.
PS Leodis is what we named our cadaver if you didn't figure that one out.
PSS Library seating is tricky and you don't want to rush it. The other day I couldn't find a seat at my normal spot but found a great place that is next to a window :)
Molly:
a) Nope, and I doubt it, but interesting.
b) Excellent! I've heard about the longest escalator... good idea! I'll have to keep an ear out for kickball enthusiasts. I get an email about social justice opportunities pretty much every day from Georgetown, which is awesome! I've done a little volunteering, and there's more coming up... and, hopefully I'll see the President at the inauguration! :-P
Emily:
a) You should come down to D.C. for Red Mass! Perhaps this weekend is a little short notice, but we could talk about next year... Seriously, I'll keep you posted on my Supreme Court opportunities. Also, funny you should mention Cap City--I went there for the first time yesterday with my roommates! A Shandy sounds... odd, but maybe good?
b) Nice. My Civ Pro prof says he wants to write a prank Civ Pro book in which all the footnotes are ridiculous and useless--but, until that time comes, we have to read all the footnotes in our book. :-(
Carla:
What? Where is your nicely lettered list like Molly and Emily?! Clearly doctors and lawyers think differently. I think you sawing off a cadaver's arm is way more bizarre than us having cases and hypotheticals about people with missing arms.
P.S. - Did you name your cadaver after a Buffalo Bills cornerback? You did, didn't you?! (Thank you, Google.)
P.P.S. - I am liking window seats the best, though it's a poor idea to sit on the West side in the evening, unless the sun has already set.
a) I will ignore the previous formatting.
"real world"
In my short time after graduating, the best thing I can say is do not stress out about the impending real world. Your real life is happening right now, enjoy it.
D.C. To Do List
Those are all good ideas. I went on a White House tour and to the Air and Space Museum. Both were fun. I learned from a guide the best time to hear an oral argument before the high court is to show up on one of the coldest and most snowy days in January. Tickets are on a first come basis, so the tickets are easier to get on those days. I would suggest trying to see the lesser known memorials around D.C. like the FDR one or the dozen other Smithsonian places.
One Arm ripped off
I have enjoyed rewatching Arrested Development over the last couple of months.
Good luck finding library spots.
Post a Comment