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Mid-Semester Check-in – 3L Perspective

November 7, 2018 By Shirlene Brown Leave a Comment

Mid-Semester Check-in - 3L PerspectiveThe days are getting shorter, it is starting to get colder, and classes are in full swing. And somehow we are already in the middle of the semester. And somehow it is my 3rd year of law school. And somehow I am supposed to take the bar in a few months????? Okay, I’m not panicking, you’re panicking. This year is my last year of law school… actually, my last year of school ever. But really, I am actually excited for what is to come in the coming months and how I will be that much closer to becoming a lawyer. I remember being at this point in my first semester of law school. Although I cannot believe that I am already over halfway through the Fall semester, the mid-semester crunch is here! So here is an update on my life since classes have begun in my last year of law school.

My 3L Year

I would really like to know who told 1L and 2L me that your last year of law school is your best year ever because you’ll be bored more than anything. Because I am requesting my refund now! My 3L year is BEYOND busier than second year and MORE stressful than my first year! I am not necessarily trying to complain because I signed up for a bit more than I can chew but even without the extra time commitments, there is still the MPRE, preparing my bar application, and studying for the bar! 3L year is overwhelming and I am so ready to have a diploma in my hand.

Life, Hawaii, and My Next Steps

Long before I started law school, I knew I would be going to Hawaii for the last weekend in September/first week in October of this year. My significant other’s sister was getting married and had been planning her Hawaii wedding for 3 years. All the family and couples that were going have been making payments for the trip which included our lodging and activities on the island. Unfortunately it fell in the middle of my 3L fall semester. Since my law school does not have a fall break, it was like having a scheduled school break but I had to miss my classes, work, and activities. So, there was a lot of preparation before leaving to get ahead of the work I would miss, and I had a boat load of stuff to do when I returned to the mainland (and am still trying to catch up fully). However, I will say that Hawaii was GORGEOUS and if you ever get the opportunity just go and take in paradise!! Also, literally the day before we left (and the day after my 24th birthday) I had another amazing life event, I got engaged!!! My boyfriend (now fiance) surprised me with the proposal and now I have a wedding to plan. If you have ever been involved with planning a wedding, you know that it is an exciting time that consumes your thoughts and dreams. So it has been a bit difficult to focus on classes and preparing my bar application.

Burning the Candle at Both Ends

What happens when stress gets in the way? We’re heading into the thick of the semester and personally, I have been feeling a bit burnt out. For my last year of law school, I have taken on more than I ever have before in my life. There are some days that I am at the law school for over 12 hours and doing things/classes/meetings the entire time. I have always taken on way too much but this year has been extremely intense. In my opinion, one of my best qualities is juggling a million things at once. Even though stress rules my life, I am able to successfully get everything done. Life is about prioritizing, using your time wisely, and working efficiently. (Well, at the very least, the life of a law student/lawyer). Since we are in the mid-to-end of semester crunch, these concepts are even more important. All of my classes are coming to a head in terms of assignments/activities. My extra-curriculars and jobs are also increasingly becoming busier, and my third year is almost halfway over. It is safe to say that I am stressed and trying my best to get everything done without completely burning myself out.

Ready for Winter Break

It is safe to say I am looking forward to the holidays and having a break from law school. I cannot wait to have a moment to catch my breath. However, even though I am feeling a bit worn out, I know what my end goal is, and I have my eyes on the prize. This is my last year and it is not a time to be slacking off or falling into a slump. I am looking forward to what the last bit of the semester has left for me and what new challenges the last of my law school experience has left for me!


 

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About Shirlene Brown

Shirlene Brown is a first-generation student in her last year at Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, Michigan. At Wayne, Shirlene has been involved with numerous organizations and clubs, including mock trial, LexisNexis, the Women's Law Caucus, and the Journal of Law and Society. Shirlene enjoys mentoring others and sharing what she has learned on her legal journey and continues to work hard in accomplishing her dreams.

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