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The Importance of Being Present
We’ve discussed reacting to inappropriate comments in class, but I think this topic is important to revisit because of the mental impact this can have on us as students of color. The reality is that for those students who are in more conservative environments or placed in sections that have little diversity the idea of having to sit through class and decide whether or not to speak up against ignorance is exhausting. So many students decide to not participate for their own mental health—because being labeled as the angry student, the agitator, the contrarian, etc. also impacts you beyond that specific classroom. So I get not wanting to be the…
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Conquering the Bar Exam with Kids
There’s no way I can imagine what it’s like to study for the Bar as a parent. I’ve mentioned before that I noticed that mom-law students were always the best prepared (so well organized!), but I can’t imagine the added stress of children + the Bar. It’s tough, no doubt. For those February Bar takers that are juggling the exam and their family responsibilities, we have a guest writer today: Ariana Marte. She gives some tips and advice for parents as they head into the last month before the Bar. This past summer I studied for the July New York and New Jersey bar exams, and my son turned…
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What Happens When You Hate Law School?
There’s a (completely not true) saying that people either loved law school and hate practicing or they hated law school but love practicing. Obviously, the winning combo is the latter because you do that for longer. But having to do something that you seriously dislike for three years really takes its toll. And law school often has it’s highs and lows, so there are moments you’re loving it and times you really believe you’ve made a huge mistake. That kind of love/hate relationship is super common, but then there are also situations for people where there aren’t many highs with constant lows. You get to a point where you seriously consider…
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Latinas, You Should Go To Law School.
I feel like I’m breaking a code when I discuss the negative aspects about law school. Above all, I do not want to dissuade anyone from achieving their higher Ed goals. And the reality is that we need more Latinas in the law, for real, but I also want to give practical information and be as real as possible. And the reality is that the job market still sucks—especially for those interested in public interest/government jobs. There just hasn’t been a bounce back like we’ve seen in the private sector. This, on top of the crazy amount of student debt so many of us have to take on if we…
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Planning Ahead for the New Semester
I am so eager to get back into the rhythm of my normal. The last three months of 2015 were kind of out of control-I easily worked every weekend to meet some deadline/research. It was really out of the ordinary for my job. Thankfully, I think things are settling down and getting back to normal. Having said that, I really like the beginning of the year. It’s totally cliché, but the idea of starting fresh just really appeals to me. Maybe because I went to school for a million years so I’m still used to starting fresh in January. For those that are actually in school and starting a new…
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New Year Motivation
A reader had the brilliant idea to share some motivational movies/reading materials for people pursuing the law. And what a better time to get some motivation than during the new year! For those on break, take the time to read or watch things that will inspire you to take on spring semester. For those practicing, any time is a good time to be reminded of why we do this. Now, these recommendations are mostly fictional and somewhat frivolous–I questioned whether to post this now in light of the recent events involving our criminal justice system; because honestly the motivation we should have as people of color is the constant injustices…
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Life After Law School Finals
This is re-post from last year, but it still holds true! Enjoy your break! And for those of us practicing, take advantage of the season to indulge in self-care! Seven years ago, my husband (then boyfriend) and I celebrated our first Christmas together after finishing my first semester of law school. I recently stumbled across a picture of our tree: I have to smile at the sparseness of the apartment; the newspaper wrapping paper; and the window treatments because the apartment was always freezing! The struggle was real! Aside from upping my decoration game, this picture reminds of the difficulties of that first semester. During the midst of my first…
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Gift Guide: Pre-Law to Attorneys
This gift guide is a little more inclusive and also my favorite because it’s less about practicality and more about inspiration. Can I just say that 1) I have loved discovering new Latina-owned businesses online? Latinas are increasingly more likely to start their own small businesses and the things I see online make it obvious why–such good products! And 2) it is crazy how adding a few touches of motivation can really inspire you to do work. This gift guide are items that I have found to be inspiring and that I think other Latinas in the Law, whether pre-law or seasoned attorneys, will appreciate. Kick-ass Tees. I paired…
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Gift Guide: Law Students
I remember how eager I was for winter break my 1L year. First semester is no joke and it’s not just because it’s stressful–it’s also intimidating because you are so much in the dark about the process. Are you understanding the material? Will you know how to do the essay the right way? Will you beat the curve? What is the curve?! It’s tough. But here is some light towards the end of the tunnel: presents! If you’re looking for special items that law students will love here are some guaranteed favorites: Stress Relief. Manzanilla, lavender, etc all have some calming influences that law students need. Not only are…
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Final Freakouts: Handling Mishaps during Law School Finals
If you’re in the midst of studying for finals, you’re likely stressed (ha!) so I don’t want to add more to your plate, but I want to give a one small warning about finals. Not the study time leading up to the actual exam, but the day of and the (minimal) possibility of an emergency during the exam. An emergency meaning you have a mini-freakout because something goes awry. What would you do if your software exam crashes and you suddenly can’t type your exam? What if the person next to you has a cold that means they’re constantly making distracting noises? It may seem like overkill, but there is…