The heavy, warm velvet robes and berets filled the Detroit Opera House on a sunny Monday afternoon. After a concise but spirited ceremony, smiling faces flooded the Detroit streets taking pictures with family and friends, celebrating their accomplishments. This was a memorable day for everyone, myself included, because we officially became Juris Doctors. That’s right, I made it through the most challenging part of my schooling yet, law school! Several years of blood, sweat and tears led me to this moment!! AND I was able to share such a special occasion with the people who mean the most to me: my family. Not only was this event important for me, but it meant something more to my loved ones. I have been reflecting back to this day and thinking about the impact my law school graduation has had on my family as a first generation college student. [Read more…] about What My Graduation Means – First Generation Law Student Perspective
About Shirlene Armstrong
Best Regards From a Law School Grad – Reflecting Back on My Law School Career
Once upon a time there was a girl who decided to do something crazy and go to law school. Three long years have passed since she started her journey, and she successfully made it through the jungle that is law school. That’s right, I am done with law school FOREVER and I am officially a JD! To be perfectly honest, it is a crazy and weird feeling. I have been in school since I was 3 years old and now I never have to go back (if I don’t want to, of course!) I have always loved learning and law school was an exciting adventure for me. It was also one of the hardest things I have had to do in my life. Now that I am done with school and feeling sentimental, I have been looking back on my life at Wayne State and remembering the good ol’ times. These are my reflections on my law school journey and what I have learned along the way. [Read more…] about Best Regards From a Law School Grad – Reflecting Back on My Law School Career
Finishing 2L Year and Reflections on the Craziest Year of My Life – A Rising 3L Perspective
I pushed through, got over spring fever, and finally made it! 2L year is OVER! I made it through all of the difficult classes, insane schedules and loads of activities and meetings. When time was called during my evidence final, I practically jumped out of my seat. I was finally free and could be a normal person again! No more stressing about finishing my readings, no more anxiety about upcoming exams, and no more sitting in long lectures debating about friendly versus hostile mergers. Well… at least for the summer. That’s right, my second year of law school was over. This means I now wear (with pride) the shiny new title of 3L. Although everyone who knows me would say otherwise, I am going to miss being a 2L. Yes, it is was an insane year but, now that it is over, I feel nostalgic. So here are my reflections on my 2L “work to death” year and how I finished out the year strong. [Read more…] about Finishing 2L Year and Reflections on the Craziest Year of My Life – A Rising 3L Perspective
How do I Remotivate Myself In My Last Semester – 3L Perspective
I am a 3L law student. Actually, I am a 3L law student who is graduating and sitting for the bar exam VERY SOON. Panicked? I wish that panic was the only emotion I was feeling right now… I am overwhelmed, anxious, worried, and of course, burned out. This is a common phenomenon for law students in their last semester: helplessness, procrastination, and the feeling of dread when you enter law school. Just going to classes feels exhausting and your motivation is at an all time low. But you have to pass your classes and finish the semester to graduate! What is a 3L to do? Here are some reflections on my own personal slump and how I am trying to remotivate myself in my last semester of law school. [Read more…] about How do I Remotivate Myself In My Last Semester – 3L Perspective
My Last Semester Resolutions – 3L Perspective
Have you ever gotten into the grind of everyday life? Then suddenly, you “wake-up” from your mesmerized state and realize that so much time has passed? This is kind of where I am right now. Don’t get me wrong, I have known all along where I was at in law school and know I am in my last semester. However, it has really hit me that I only have a few weeks left of being a law student. You get stuck in the grind of things: I need to make this deadline — I just need to study for this test — two more classes until the weekend. These are the thoughts that plague my mind and get me through each week. I am always looking to the next thing, the next assignment, the next meeting. So now, here we are, one last semester of law school. And shockingly (yeah right), I have so much to do before it’s over. [Read more…] about My Last Semester Resolutions – 3L Perspective
Why I Don’t Feel Guilty For Going on Vacation During Spring Break – A 2L Perspective
Spring/Winter semester starts off with a bang right after New Year’s. You get back in the swing of things, then you get back into the grind, and suddenly you are beginning to feel run down and overworked. The only thing that motivates law students to keep going and stops them from mental breakdowns: spring break. This makes sense, typically spring break is in the middle of the semester so it serves as a checkpoint for law students. Breaks are very important for your health. They give you a moment to take a breath, catch-up, and not feel constantly stressed. That’s why I didn’t feel bad about enjoying my spring break and taking a much needed vacation. [Read more…] about Why I Don’t Feel Guilty For Going on Vacation During Spring Break – A 2L Perspective