It is that time of year to begin reflecting on the past year and looking forward to what’s to come. Sometimes law students get caught up in the hustle and bustle of classes, studying, and preparing for exams (shocking, I know!!). However, it is important to look back and contemplate what happened in your life, what have you learned, and where you plan on going next. In this tranquil exercise, it is also helpful to think about what you are thankful for. Here is a list of five things that I’m thankful for as a law student (and maybe you can be too):
1. Your Family
This should go without saying, but you should be thankful for your family. Whether or not they are your actual blood family or the people you consider to be practically your siblings, your family loves and cares about you. And believe it or not, they are really proud of you. Law school is challenging and overwhelming. There are so many moving parts and you are constantly bogged down by the amount of time and effort that you have to put into classes, jobs, and extra activities. Your family sees you going through this and they try to cheer you along the way. Your best support system is typically the closest one.
2. Your Significant Other
Personally, I am a very lucky gal and have an amazing fiance. We started our relationship about 6 months before my first year of law school, and I was worried about what the stress of law school might do to it. I was going to be starting this crazy new journey, and I didn’t know how that would affect my relationship. Fortunately, I have a very supportive and encouraging partner. I could go on and on about the perfect man in my life, however the point is that you should be thankful for your significant other. Regardless if they are a fellow law student or not, they are also affected by the stress and craziness that is law school.
3. Who You Are
Not everyone can go to law school. Not everyone wants to go to law school. And I don’t blame them. It definitely takes a certain type of person to willingly commit to some of the most difficult, stressful, and anxiety-inducing times of your life. You also have the ability to go to law school. First, you are able to afford the opportunity of attending law school. Law school is expensive. You will spend thousands in application costs, even more on casebooks and tuition, and don’t even get me started on those bar fees. You also have the intelligence and work ethic to be able to survive in law school. In case you haven’t realized, law school is hard, not only in the amount of work you get, but also in the content. You have to process A LOT of information every day, then analyze it and apply that information to your problems or cases. You are a special type of person, and you should be thankful for that as well.
4. Your Professors
Did you know that your professors don’t enjoy torturing you with hypos? True story, I promise you. Professors want you to be successful and do well in class. Law students forget that professors are (actually) human. Long ago when the world was young, your professors were struggling law students trying to survive law school. So it shouldn’t be surprising that law professors understand law students better than anyone else. Like you, they had to attend classes, study hard, deal with law professors and pass the bar exam. Get to know your professors! They are great for advice, guidance, referrals and references! You should give thanks for your professors for all of the wisdom and help they provide to you.
5. The Resources You Have Available To You
Resources are a law student’s best friend. Something that you hear pretty often in the legal field is “don’t reinvent the wheel.” At first glance, that may sound like someone trying to take the easy route, but it is actually sound advice. The law is a specialized profession, it is very likely that someone has already figured out a great way to do something. Thus, you should take advantage of what you have access to as a law student. Resources are out there for your benefit! These range from resources that your law school provides, like the libraries and research attorneys, the outlines and outline banks, and even the online resources and blogs! So be thankful for the variety of materials that you have access to as a law student (and seriously, use them!!)
Reflect Back
It is important to reflect back on what is important in your life and remember how you got to where you are today. It has taken you a lot of resolve, dedication, and perseverance on your law school journey. You have also had a lot of love, support, and resources to help you on your way. Thus, it is crucial to step away from the craziness of law school and take time to be thankful. By allowing yourself to meditate on the people and things you hold most dear, you will have a clearer mind and better focus to keep pushing through the whirlwind that is law school.
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