"The Project of Law School" [John]

So Orientation is unofficially over. We have no class tomorrow but only a welcome reception with the Dean tomorrow night. So I would like to use this post to sum up this past week and to lay out my expectations for the weeks to follow.

Orientation was definitely very helpful in easing the pressure and uncovering the mystery that is law school. Most of the lectures they had us sit through delivered very helpful tips on how to approach my law school career and also highlighted the many services that Catholic Law provides its students. The days were long--and I mean very very long, but I definitely appreciated them.

As for next week, I still am a little nervous about what to expect. Granted, today we did have a "model class" which went through the steps of an average day of class. It cleared up many questions I had and left me feeling confident that I will do good in class. However, one of the constant themes throughout orientation was to actively participate in class and don't get left behind. This shouldn't be a problem for me, but there is always that lingering question--what if it does happen?

This is not undergrad; teachers are not going to hold your hand up to commencement. (and yes you all know what I mean...paper extensions, excused absences, postponed exams...no more) They will however, do their best to guide you but of course that is within reason.

That brings me to my next point. Law school is like a job. You show up at 9 and leave around 5. You are suppose to bring an asset to the table that will help benefit the company. In law school, that was your resume and the skills you developed throughout undergrad. The expectation now is not what the law school can do for you, but rather what you can do for the law school. My law school experience not only affects my reputation but also that of the law school. Today, I want to make it clear that I am up for the challenge and cannot wait to delve into what one professor rightfully called it "the project of law school."