My Busiest Summer Yet – A Rising 3L Perspective

My 2L year really wore me down. I was constantly running from one activity to the next while in a perpetual state of exhaustion. I was excited to taste freedom and break the chains of the “work to death” year in law school. When I finished my evidence exam, a weight was lifted, and I was free! I had so many fun and exciting plans for my rising 3L summer, the last summer before the bar. I was going to be working full time again, gaining more experience, and seeing loved ones. I was excited for my relaxing, stress-free summer. Or so I thought. Here’s a look at my busiest summer yet.

My Last Summer Before The Bar

The sweet release of summer. It is crazy how most law students’ troubles seem to disappear at the start of summer. I was excited for this summer in particular because it is the last summer before I sit for the bar exam, and the last summer of law school. I had no classes for the summer semester so my load was lightened, and I could focus on other pressing needs in my life. I was looking forward to catching up with my personal life, sleep, and activities I had been putting off during the school year. Although my summer was my designated time for rest and recuperation, I was also extremely busy. Honestly, it does not surprise me that my hectic schedule followed me into summer. However, I cannot lie and say I wasn’t bummed out that my intended “relaxing and fun” summer was going to be a fantasy. Unfortunately I worked, had 6 weddings to go to and had a bunch of preparation to do for my 3L year and mock trial.

The Busy, Busy Summer

My summer has been insane. If you looked at my planner before the summer began, you would see some activities planned and events scheduled but a largely blissful calendar. Slowly but surely, things kept coming up and my schedule began to fill. I knew that I would be working full-time at the same law firm that I’ve been at since 1L year. I was looking forward to working hard and taking on new and more challenging assignments. And boy was I right about the whole “new and more challenging assignments” thing. In addition to working all week, I also had a bunch of work to do for the mock trial program for this coming school year since I am the incoming commissioner. This meant answering numerous emails, attending meetings, and so much paperwork. I also had emails and meetings for the Journal of Law and Society since I also decided to take on the business editor position. In between all that was 6 weddings (one of which I was the maid of honor for), numerous home and construction projects, seeing friends and family and catching up on everything else.

Take Time To Have Fun

Although my schedule has been busy and my summer has been more work than break, it is still important to take time to have fun. You deserve time to recuperate and time to take your mind off of law school. Being a law student is a very stressful endeavor. Whether this is your first summer of law school or your last, you need time to just relax. Otherwise you will get burnt out from all the studying, preparing, attending meetings, going to classes, reading, and other law school activities. Thus, you need to take care of yourself. Set aside time  and do things that you enjoy doing with a focus on rejuvenating and replenishing. During my summer, I was able to see friends and family that I had (admittedly) been unable to see since the semester began again. It was great to just be a normal person and not a crazily-stressed law student for once.

Looking Ahead to 3L Year

Although my summer was not exactly how I planned it, I still had a productive break. I was able to take time off for myself, gain new experience in my profession, and get stuff done that I had been putting off. Most importantly, I was able to get into the mindset of a 3L. And no, I am not talking about being “bored” with school and ready to skip classes. Instead, I feel excited for another busy but exciting year. This is my last year of law school which is a crazy thought in itself. Looking back, I am amazed how much I have accomplished and done. I have learned A LOT and have grown into a more professional individual. I have taken leaps and bounds in my legal journey, and I am getting so close to accomplishing my dream of becoming a lawyer. As a first generation law student, there has been a lot of things that I have had to work my way through (and honestly, still working through), and I am nervous about the next step. However, I am excited for my 3L year. It is going to be another crazy and busy one, but I am determined to make it a great year.