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Gift Guide for College Pre-Law Graduates
Happy Cinco de Cuatro! Lately, I’ve been starting my days in a much happier tone, and I think that’s because now that it’s getting warmer, I’m actually getting a sliver of real sunlight streaming into my office window. Like actual sun. I felt it streaming in the other day and was like, what is this?! Now I’m happy to actually feel sunbeams for a couple of minutes every day #itsthelittlethings. But speaking of things that make me happy: graduations! My family is celebrating a graduate in a couple of weeks and I’m so excited for her! Unique personalized gifts designed with some of our best memories are something I’m considering…
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Replace This with That: stress reduction while studying for finals
Ok so, I know that it’s easy to push the importance of healthy habits when I’m not in the middle of a stress storm. I totally get that in the heat of the moment most people will be inclined to pick what makes them feel good right now–I know that was almost always my default behavior. During school, I opted to eat whatever junk food I wanted because I was so miserable studying that a little treat like soda was, I thought, well deserved. Except–the treat became a daily habit and that was not good for my body or mind. My last year of law school I decided to give…
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Goal Digger–celebrating accomplishments (and fave links)
Recently, I was reading a book that advised how a good way to keep your goals in track throughout the year: break the year up in thirds so that you can really stop to assess, analyze, and celebrate what you’ve done in the past few months, and then make a plan of action for the next period of time. I think I’m going to try that to see if how that helps me accomplish some goals. How are you doing so far with your goalkeeping for the year? I’m sure for many one big goal is getting accomplished–finishing law school! For those finishing up this month–muchas, pero muchas felicidades! And…
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Networking: Why & How
I think many people feel apprehensive about networking because it can be an awkward situation. Perhaps it’s with a group you barely know; you feel weird about wanting to find leads on jobs; fearing awkward silence if you can’t think of something to talk about; or the worst– when you get iced out of a conversation when a third party joins the conversation. I can go on and on about how much I used to dislike networking. For those that don’t have a natural tact for networking it can seem overwhelming and confusing, especially when you’re still a student. As a student everyone is yelling at you to “network!” But what does…
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Breaking Barriers: Selecting a Law School
This series, Breaking Law School Barriers, tackles the big and small issues that come into play when you’re deciding if you’ll even attend law school. The purpose is to give practical advice for college students, and for current law students and attorneys to give suggestions about their real world experience. Applying for law school is an incredibly long process and it can be stressful, anxious, and tedious (and expensive!). For those that have just finished the application round, the next big step is deciding which law school you will attend. When I started my process, I constantly compared my experience to other students of mean, and saw that they were…
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Financially Surviving 1L Summer
Last week, I saw my supervisor from my first summer job as a 1L and I realized it’s been seven years (!), since I emailed her hoping that she’d hire me as an intern. Time flies guys! It was a great summer, but, like usual, it was not easy financially. I remember hearing of other students getting unpaid clerkships or needing to sublets apartments and all I kept thinking was how can they afford it?! And then as spring drew closer and closer, all I could think was how was I going to afford my summer? 1L summer can be a little tougher than 2L summer because many positions for…
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Social Media Mistakes
I remember when Facebook came to campus (omg does that make me sound old? lol); I was what they call an “early adopter.” Soon our college administration started having sessions to warn us about Facebook and what not to do. The litmus test was always, “would you be ok with your grandmother seeing this?” I always would roll my eyes because ascribing to the life norms of a woman decades older than me doesn’t make sense. It’s important for everyone to be aware of the impact social media can have and how a comment/picture/joke can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are some mistakes I have seen students do…
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Culture Conflict: Leaving the Home
A few weeks ago we discussed the dropout rates and the obstacles Latinas face in finishing high school. It is a real problem for our community, but thankfully it is improving because Latinas are starting to attend higher Ed at a rapidly growing pace. This fantastic news! However, even when Latinas are making strides in graduating from high school, they have an obstacle placed before them when it comes to earning their college degree. The obstacle being: Will my family be OK if I attend school away from home? Many young Latinas that have been accepted into four-year Universities feel pressured (consciously or subconsciously) to forgo an education at their preferred school…
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Try Out Tips for Moot Court.
One of my goals when I started law school was to participate in my school’s very prestigious mock trial program. It just seemed like the path to success. The day I tried I out, I had no experience doing mock trial; I had no attorney mentor or upperclassman to provide insight; and I didn’t dress the part. Surprise, surprise–I did not make it. I was disappointed because I knew that participation in this program would be so beneficial. In fact, participating in any law school trial advocacy or moot court is a great way to increase your skill set, and it also builds connection between you, alumni, and other members of…
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Ending the Latina Dropout Problem
I listen to the amazing Latinos USA podcast every week–it’s my absolute fave NPR program, second only to the late, great It’s All Politics, RIP :(. Last week’s story focused on Latinas and confidence–the first story pinpoints the problem with Latinas, confidence, and education (discussion starts at 3:3o). I think the producer identifies the problem incredibly well when she states that often Latinas struggle to feel empowered because we fear that we’re taking something from someone. This idea that if we feel too confident, too secure in ourselves and our goals, then we’re doing something wrong. I agree with her assessment and think this is a struggle many Latinas face when…