¡Bienvenidos! Welcome!
This blog will be a snapshot of my experiences as a 3L (third-year-law) student at Regent University School of Law.
Here, I, will share glimpses of the moments and the thoughts I have had during the process of studying law at Regent. As a law student who is a Christian and a Latina, my hope is to share a little bit about the unique perspectives this combination can create. There will undoubtably be Bible verses shared as well as stories about how God has worked (and continues to work) in my life. And, of course some Spanish language will be included to spice things up a little! Hopefully my blog posts will prove to be encouraging, enlightening, inspiring or if anything, entertaining.
So, "let's start at the very beginning, the very best place to start...."
I've finally learned to see what once seemed like impossible, as possible: I can survive law school! I am in full-swing with my (much awaited) beginning of the end. I am on my fourth week of my last year in law school....si se puede!!!
In the Fall of 2009, I drove my little car, fully-loaded with all I could fit in it, literally from "sea to shining sea" since I moved across the country, from sunny Southern California to Virginia Beach. That first year of law school was crazy for me, and probably for everyone close to me. I was incessantly anxious about whether I would make it; whether I had made the right decision. Throw in the shock of the transition: I missed my familia, my friends, my church, my life post-college, and so much more. Yet the worst part was realizing that deep down I was very fearful, every night and day. About what? About not making it. About not being cut-out for the study of law.
As a 1L (first-year-law student), the one phrase that I heard over and over was: "law school is a whole different animal." This phrase essentially means that law school requires re-training the way you utilize your brain in order to learn to "think like a lawyer." Plus, it involves re-learning the meaning of words you thought you knew (ask any law student and you will get a good list of examples); re-structuring most of your study habits and techniques; and mastering a new language of obscure words which are somehow critical in the world of legalese. Then, you learn that the acronym, IRAC, must become your faithful (though not always easygoing), best amigo. Throw in the Socratic method of learning and not ever knowing when will be your turn to get called on and you pretty much have a good, even if imperfect snapshot of my 1L year.
I always knew I could cry easily, but I never knew I could cry so much. Tears were a given practically every day that first year of law school. In front of others, by myself, you name it! I look back and I'm so thankful for the wonderful professors and mentors at Regent Law who would pray with me and remind to take a deep breath; to take it one day at a time. And some of the best advice (ever!!!) by one of my favorite professors: to not overlook beginning each day with "quiet time" going to the Source of all strength and wisdom, my God, who created me and knows me much better than I know myself (more on that to come in later blog posts).
So as I think back about 1L year, I smile. I'm so glad I didn't give up. And now, this 3L year, even with all its demands and surprises, well, I already know Who is really looking out for me.
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