That, my friends, was one for the books. No, really. There were a lot of books involved this week. Let me fast-forward past class today. I promise, we shall return to chronology soon enough.
I came home from class. I sat at my desk. I looked at my open civil procedure book. That is where the story ends. I could not bring myself to do any work.
What was wrong with me?
I was resolute to get as much work done today as was humanly possible so that I could enjoy my extended weekend. I guess an entire weekend without work is beyond me and my best intentions. My brain is not working correctly. I guess that is what happens when you use it too much for too many days in a row. My brain is out fishing.
Back to the earlier mentioned chronology.
I was, surprisingly, social last night. I accompanied my roommate and her group of Section B friends to a bar. I actually felt both odd that law school was not on my mind and I was without stress, and guilty that I was not doing work that awaited completion. It was a much deserved break.
I slept incredibly well last night as a result of the festivities, which was more of a detriment than a positive. It took me 1-hour of pressing my snooze button every five minutes to awaken fully.
Today I would attend my first Legal Research and Writing class with the professor who taught Legal Methods during orientation. Class with exceptionally engaging. I loved the discussions we had and the elements of writing and analyzing about which she spoke. She warned us that English majors usually have the most trouble with Legal Writing, closely followed by political science majors. I happen to fall into that second category, and was very afraid that I would struggle with the complete change in writing style and elements.
As luck would have it, I see legal writing as being very close to that of news and opinion journalism. The inverted pyramid style method of news journalism is combined with the opinion style writing of persuasive factual writing. This type of writing is not new to me at all. This is a good thing. It also seems that I am especially well-oriented with the basic analyzing and deciphering of concrete wording in statutes, laws and court decisions. I made a solid argument in opposition to both my classmates and my professor based on the plain wording of a statute today , in class, and was validated by the professor.
In addition, even though we have not seen her for 8 days, she remembered that I was the student who made an observation of the same likeness during legal methods. I was impressed because it was the only thing I said in class on that day. I guess she was impressed as well.
That was the conclusion of my week. Good start, sudden down-turn in the middle followed by a very strong finish. It is my hope that I will continue to know enough to keep my mouth shut as long as I can, until I have spots of brilliance again.
Week One: Done!
----
Whereas it is said:
"...grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference."
The more applicative version is such:
"... grant me the opportunity to learn that which I do not; the ability to correctly apply those things I do; and enough wisdom to know the difference."
----
An afterward: We discussed Senator Craig's happenings today in class. The professor brought up gay sex in a bathroom and realized that she did not give us a set up, which made her statement about doing such awkward and very funny at the same time. She is very quick on her feet and enjoys a good joke and a comedic story. Obviously, this makes it easier to pay attention in class, as the hours are full of fun. We talked about how absurd it is that a United States Senator would act as if he does not know the law. He makes the law. He also had a few weeks in between his arrest and arraignment. Absurd. My professor said she did not think he would resign at all. I said that I would be surprised if he did not resign TODAY, if not by Monday at the very latest. (Let's face it: if your own party hates and wants you out, you leave. It is no longer your party. You cannot cry if you want to.) I was correct.
I love this class. The professor is great as well.
Here is to being right. Cheers!
Senator Craig To Resign
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
A Casual Update - Of Sorts, August 30, 2007
With guns-a-blazing, I walked into my criminal law professor's office. I was ready to take on the world. My soliloquy was rehearsed, my verbalizations were profound and professional. I was in the zone.
It turns out that there was perhaps a message in her thrashing of me yesterday. She relayed that message so well that the professor's office has been packed with students worried about how they brief cases.
When I gave across my rationale for my briefing of facts, her response was "I never said you were wrong, my point was that you have to know ALL the facts of a case. Every detail is important, even if it isn't important to the outcome. In law school we expect a higher comprehension of reading." All I could say was: "Will do."
I was shut down.
I attempted to give her my views on the issues, holding and ultimate ruling of the court in the case, with my rationalization and intuition. With my pride at stake, yet again, I waited with high intensity. I needed validation. All the professor could do was nod her head and say: "We are not done with the case. We will see in class if you are correct."
The woman is the devil. And, it seems, I have made friends with the devil. She assured me that it was just a fluke that she called on me first. She told me not to worry, that it would be a while before I would be called on again. I cut the professor short and said, "Now that is a shame. I now know what you want. I am prepared." Her response was, "Mr. 'H', there are 130 students in class. I need to get to others." I said, "Yes, but how many of them WANT to be called on? I challenge you to call on me." The professor smiled and said, "Well, then raise your hand." I said, "Look for my hand, cause it will be there. I await my next chance on the spot." With that, she changed the subject.
I know that I procure a bit of brown on my nose every once in a while. It worked as an undergraduate student. There is nothing better than having a professor on your side. When a professor wants to see you do well, you usually do well. Why not use a little of that in law school? Michelle makes fun of me, but I told her that she could ride my coat-tails when the payoff comes in for me.
I research my professors. I want to know them before I go into class. If the professor is a Mets fan, as one of mine is, I make sure he knows I am a Dodgers fan, and I start a friendly rivalry. I was asked to go to his office hours. I am sure it is to rub in the fact that the Mets won 2 of 3 against the Dodgers last week.
Anyways, my criminal law professor wrote a somewhat famous article on Mens Rea and the Anatomy of a Rape. I have wanted to start the men's peer education group at Hofstra equal to that of the one I was in at USC. I need an adviser.
The professor loved the idea. In fact, the words used were "necessary and brilliant". She has already started to do some of the foot work for it on the committee on which she sits at Hofstra. Imagine that, a professor doing some work for me.
She is poignantly brilliant, engaging and very approachable. This class is something I look forward to on many levels. I was scared that, like so many attorneys I know, 1L criminal law would scare me away from the field. As luck would have it, I get along with the professor.
Never mind my incredible luck of literally getting picked out randomly on a roll-call list.
I guess I am that good. Perhaps that, and because of Hess Gas, people see my name, and never forget it.
More later. I look forward to class in two hours.
The time has come! Analysis is my game. Redemption will be mine.
It turns out that there was perhaps a message in her thrashing of me yesterday. She relayed that message so well that the professor's office has been packed with students worried about how they brief cases.
When I gave across my rationale for my briefing of facts, her response was "I never said you were wrong, my point was that you have to know ALL the facts of a case. Every detail is important, even if it isn't important to the outcome. In law school we expect a higher comprehension of reading." All I could say was: "Will do."
I was shut down.
I attempted to give her my views on the issues, holding and ultimate ruling of the court in the case, with my rationalization and intuition. With my pride at stake, yet again, I waited with high intensity. I needed validation. All the professor could do was nod her head and say: "We are not done with the case. We will see in class if you are correct."
The woman is the devil. And, it seems, I have made friends with the devil. She assured me that it was just a fluke that she called on me first. She told me not to worry, that it would be a while before I would be called on again. I cut the professor short and said, "Now that is a shame. I now know what you want. I am prepared." Her response was, "Mr. 'H', there are 130 students in class. I need to get to others." I said, "Yes, but how many of them WANT to be called on? I challenge you to call on me." The professor smiled and said, "Well, then raise your hand." I said, "Look for my hand, cause it will be there. I await my next chance on the spot." With that, she changed the subject.
I know that I procure a bit of brown on my nose every once in a while. It worked as an undergraduate student. There is nothing better than having a professor on your side. When a professor wants to see you do well, you usually do well. Why not use a little of that in law school? Michelle makes fun of me, but I told her that she could ride my coat-tails when the payoff comes in for me.
I research my professors. I want to know them before I go into class. If the professor is a Mets fan, as one of mine is, I make sure he knows I am a Dodgers fan, and I start a friendly rivalry. I was asked to go to his office hours. I am sure it is to rub in the fact that the Mets won 2 of 3 against the Dodgers last week.
Anyways, my criminal law professor wrote a somewhat famous article on Mens Rea and the Anatomy of a Rape. I have wanted to start the men's peer education group at Hofstra equal to that of the one I was in at USC. I need an adviser.
The professor loved the idea. In fact, the words used were "necessary and brilliant". She has already started to do some of the foot work for it on the committee on which she sits at Hofstra. Imagine that, a professor doing some work for me.
She is poignantly brilliant, engaging and very approachable. This class is something I look forward to on many levels. I was scared that, like so many attorneys I know, 1L criminal law would scare me away from the field. As luck would have it, I get along with the professor.
Never mind my incredible luck of literally getting picked out randomly on a roll-call list.
I guess I am that good. Perhaps that, and because of Hess Gas, people see my name, and never forget it.
More later. I look forward to class in two hours.
The time has come! Analysis is my game. Redemption will be mine.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
What Not To Do - August 29, 2007
Socrates needs to be condemned. The man, I now realize, has sentenced far too many students to his glorious methods of teaching. I imagine the devil uses the Socratic method.
My luck prevails again.
I have four relatively laid back professors and one that subscribes to the Socratic Method, as my criminal law class found out. The class of 130 relished the opportunity to learn from the mistakes of one lucky student. This student was the object of the first use of the Socratic method, or as we law students know it: being put on the spot. This was the first time the section had seen it occur. This was the first time this professor had used it this semester. This was one lucky student.
This "lucky" student was yours truly. If I attempted to figure out the chances that I would be the first to get his pride put on stage in front of my peers, I would have laughed at you. Alas, I was not laughing.
I have a strong feeling that I would have been demoralized one way or the other. I do not believe there would have been a "right" answer. The lesson learned is this: when briefing a case for criminal law give every single fact, not just those pertinent to the issue of the case. That would be too easy.
In other news, I do not think that my mind can handle another allusion to the movie: "The Paper Chase." My head may explode into tiny pieces. This movie coupled with the over-sharing of attorneys with regard to how law school was the best three years of their lives with result in any number of people commissioning a tort or criminal act, myself included. As I see it: if these were the best years, why does anybody ever leave?
I am already burned out and I am three days in.
Come see me in three years. Bring the lithium.
My luck prevails again.
I have four relatively laid back professors and one that subscribes to the Socratic Method, as my criminal law class found out. The class of 130 relished the opportunity to learn from the mistakes of one lucky student. This student was the object of the first use of the Socratic method, or as we law students know it: being put on the spot. This was the first time the section had seen it occur. This was the first time this professor had used it this semester. This was one lucky student.
This "lucky" student was yours truly. If I attempted to figure out the chances that I would be the first to get his pride put on stage in front of my peers, I would have laughed at you. Alas, I was not laughing.
I have a strong feeling that I would have been demoralized one way or the other. I do not believe there would have been a "right" answer. The lesson learned is this: when briefing a case for criminal law give every single fact, not just those pertinent to the issue of the case. That would be too easy.
In other news, I do not think that my mind can handle another allusion to the movie: "The Paper Chase." My head may explode into tiny pieces. This movie coupled with the over-sharing of attorneys with regard to how law school was the best three years of their lives with result in any number of people commissioning a tort or criminal act, myself included. As I see it: if these were the best years, why does anybody ever leave?
I am already burned out and I am three days in.
Come see me in three years. Bring the lithium.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Highlights in the Raw - August 28, 2007
Library basements do not become more amusing after five hours.
Forgetting to eat happens.
Never think you know a building. There are hidden wings.
Stairs that you believe to lead one place, do not. You end up on the wrong end of school, outside.
Classrooms that look decrepit, are.
If you wonder what can get done in an hour-long class, nothing will get done.
A law class in civil procedure can yield a made-up justice system as a result of your professor's exercise, the basis of which is what your peers refer to as a "decider".
If you wish to appeal the "decider's" decision, your peers suggest having a "super decider."
You cry.
For the first time in your life, your solution to a problem is the enacting of communism and a set of moral codes based loosely on the ten commandments.
Michelle suggests the removal of the coveting your neighbor's wife rule. You agree.
You submit to the will of your peers and keep your brilliance to yourself.
You cry.
You study again.
You go home.
You study again.
If your roommate ask you if the house is equipped with smoke-detectors as you cook on the stove, the smoke-detectors are bound to go off.
Our house has at least two smoke-detectors.
My life is no longer exciting. I need better highlights.
Thank you law school.
A classic note: A friend asked me how I stay excited and so far ahead of things. I answered with the following: I realized that in three years I will have clients. I pictured myself coming to me as a client, and it scared the daylights our of me. I now study hard.
Forgetting to eat happens.
Never think you know a building. There are hidden wings.
Stairs that you believe to lead one place, do not. You end up on the wrong end of school, outside.
Classrooms that look decrepit, are.
If you wonder what can get done in an hour-long class, nothing will get done.
A law class in civil procedure can yield a made-up justice system as a result of your professor's exercise, the basis of which is what your peers refer to as a "decider".
If you wish to appeal the "decider's" decision, your peers suggest having a "super decider."
You cry.
For the first time in your life, your solution to a problem is the enacting of communism and a set of moral codes based loosely on the ten commandments.
Michelle suggests the removal of the coveting your neighbor's wife rule. You agree.
You submit to the will of your peers and keep your brilliance to yourself.
You cry.
You study again.
You go home.
You study again.
If your roommate ask you if the house is equipped with smoke-detectors as you cook on the stove, the smoke-detectors are bound to go off.
Our house has at least two smoke-detectors.
My life is no longer exciting. I need better highlights.
Thank you law school.
A classic note: A friend asked me how I stay excited and so far ahead of things. I answered with the following: I realized that in three years I will have clients. I pictured myself coming to me as a client, and it scared the daylights our of me. I now study hard.
Things To Ponder Today
In sixth grade (or before), we are asked: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? We do the math and figure out that most of us would have graduated from college.
I cannot remember what I said, but would I have foreseen the following?
- Graduate from the University of Southern California:
- Having been the Wrestling Team Captain
- Being recognized for Academics, Service and Leadership
- Completed studies in Politics and Religion (almost)
- Found a passion for peer education
- Entering Law School:
- With an astounding scholarship
- Receiving a Fellowship for Advocacy
- Living in New York
How did I get here? I am one lucky guy.
I cannot remember what I said, but would I have foreseen the following?
- Graduate from the University of Southern California:
- Having been the Wrestling Team Captain
- Being recognized for Academics, Service and Leadership
- Completed studies in Politics and Religion (almost)
- Found a passion for peer education
- Entering Law School:
- With an astounding scholarship
- Receiving a Fellowship for Advocacy
- Living in New York
How did I get here? I am one lucky guy.
Monday, August 27, 2007
First Day of Classes - August 27, 2007
The word of the day is "underwhelming".
The build up was a masterpiece. Law school was to be the beast of burden that Mick Jagger never wanted to be. In fact, this beast was not some allegorical homage to a woman (or in Mick's case, supposedly, a thank you to Keith Richards). There is no love making. The only promising thought is of that which is three years away: graduation.
If you are at this point wondering how the above could be underwhelming, ponder this: the preceding was on my mind as I entered my first class at 10:00 AM. I was overwhelmed.
But, let me back up. I arrived to the law school exactly one hour early to look over my notes, skim the readings and to prepare for the class to come. I was more prepared for this class than I was in any other class of my educational life. I had read the assigned portions of the book. I went back and reread the same portions of the same books, this time outlining the key points. I then skimmed the readings (which I had already read twice) and looked over my notes, which is a solid outline of the readings (which I was familiar with, because I had read them a total of three times). I was, in a word: prepared.
Into the class walks the "bowtie". When I first arrived in New York with my Father, I attempted to describe the subway system in one rhetorical question and answer: "You know all the movies that depict the subway as scary, dirty and run down? They are all dead on." This professor is your bowtie-wearing, enthusiastic (and very knowledgeable) movie-typical professor of law. And, to add icing to the cake, the class was contracts. This was your "dead-on law school professor" -- the good breed, not the scary kind.
Walking into the class, I figured contract law would fit into the exciting-classification-system somewhere between snails and broccoli. I was very wrong.
But, back to the "whelmings" I alluded to previously.
I am wholly intrigued by contracts. From the start to wherever it is I am in my studies: I love the readings and the lectures. Who would have known? The class has elements of legal ethics (as do most of those in which I am enrolled). For those not in the know, it turns out Hofstra Law has some world-class professors. Monroe Friedman, known as the father of legal ethics, teaches multiple classes. If there is some moral or ethical legal issue in national news, look for his name. We are using his contracts textbook for our class.
I am excited that the law school puts such an emphasis on ethics. It is good to know that, although not necessarily moral, the lawyers that the school puts out are ethical (as a general rule).
-----
A Side-Note: I have all 5 classes with Michelle, another Advocacy Fellow. I told you that to relate this. Michelle has been working in the law firm her grandfather founded, for the last three years. After receiving our first assignments for Contracts, we were instructed to fully brief a case for in-class discussion that brings together legal ethics and contract law. The case is a legal malpractice/ breach of contract case. I told you that to tell you the following: the case we briefed happens to be a famous malpractice suit brought against poor Michelle's grandfather's law firm. The very first case. Poor Michelle.
-----
I had Torts later in the afternoon. The class has 100 students and is a very welcoming environment. Much learning will happen in this class. Participation is not graded, so asking questions and giving your best shot at answers will not result in any mental breakdowns. The final is open-book also (which I think may be a false-security). My notes for that class will remain stellar.
My roommate was not so lucky. Her only class on Mondays is with a professor on a mission: to make people cry. Her description is that of nightmares come true. Vindictive, embattled and potentially abused. Evil in a suit. A man that, in a long while has not ... been happy. She found it amusing. I breathed that long sigh of relief.
Anyhow, I walked away from this first day of classes very relaxed, relieved, and underwhelmed. I feel like I should be scared. Alas, I am not.
Somebody, please, jump out of a closet. A good scream would probably be good. I am in law school, right?
--
Note-To-Self: Pray the week continues in this way.
The build up was a masterpiece. Law school was to be the beast of burden that Mick Jagger never wanted to be. In fact, this beast was not some allegorical homage to a woman (or in Mick's case, supposedly, a thank you to Keith Richards). There is no love making. The only promising thought is of that which is three years away: graduation.
If you are at this point wondering how the above could be underwhelming, ponder this: the preceding was on my mind as I entered my first class at 10:00 AM. I was overwhelmed.
But, let me back up. I arrived to the law school exactly one hour early to look over my notes, skim the readings and to prepare for the class to come. I was more prepared for this class than I was in any other class of my educational life. I had read the assigned portions of the book. I went back and reread the same portions of the same books, this time outlining the key points. I then skimmed the readings (which I had already read twice) and looked over my notes, which is a solid outline of the readings (which I was familiar with, because I had read them a total of three times). I was, in a word: prepared.
Into the class walks the "bowtie". When I first arrived in New York with my Father, I attempted to describe the subway system in one rhetorical question and answer: "You know all the movies that depict the subway as scary, dirty and run down? They are all dead on." This professor is your bowtie-wearing, enthusiastic (and very knowledgeable) movie-typical professor of law. And, to add icing to the cake, the class was contracts. This was your "dead-on law school professor" -- the good breed, not the scary kind.
Walking into the class, I figured contract law would fit into the exciting-classification-system somewhere between snails and broccoli. I was very wrong.
But, back to the "whelmings" I alluded to previously.
I am wholly intrigued by contracts. From the start to wherever it is I am in my studies: I love the readings and the lectures. Who would have known? The class has elements of legal ethics (as do most of those in which I am enrolled). For those not in the know, it turns out Hofstra Law has some world-class professors. Monroe Friedman, known as the father of legal ethics, teaches multiple classes. If there is some moral or ethical legal issue in national news, look for his name. We are using his contracts textbook for our class.
I am excited that the law school puts such an emphasis on ethics. It is good to know that, although not necessarily moral, the lawyers that the school puts out are ethical (as a general rule).
-----
A Side-Note: I have all 5 classes with Michelle, another Advocacy Fellow. I told you that to relate this. Michelle has been working in the law firm her grandfather founded, for the last three years. After receiving our first assignments for Contracts, we were instructed to fully brief a case for in-class discussion that brings together legal ethics and contract law. The case is a legal malpractice/ breach of contract case. I told you that to tell you the following: the case we briefed happens to be a famous malpractice suit brought against poor Michelle's grandfather's law firm. The very first case. Poor Michelle.
-----
I had Torts later in the afternoon. The class has 100 students and is a very welcoming environment. Much learning will happen in this class. Participation is not graded, so asking questions and giving your best shot at answers will not result in any mental breakdowns. The final is open-book also (which I think may be a false-security). My notes for that class will remain stellar.
My roommate was not so lucky. Her only class on Mondays is with a professor on a mission: to make people cry. Her description is that of nightmares come true. Vindictive, embattled and potentially abused. Evil in a suit. A man that, in a long while has not ... been happy. She found it amusing. I breathed that long sigh of relief.
Anyhow, I walked away from this first day of classes very relaxed, relieved, and underwhelmed. I feel like I should be scared. Alas, I am not.
Somebody, please, jump out of a closet. A good scream would probably be good. I am in law school, right?
--
Note-To-Self: Pray the week continues in this way.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Orientation: Day 3/Legal Methods - August 23, 2007
Finally I can see the light; the light in this case is not necessarily a happy light. Think headlight on a train.
The 9:00AM start was not as bad as the previous day, but I had to deal with the stress of going to an actual class with a professor who was actually going to have an effect on my future. Grades are stressful.
I was pleasantly content with my Legal Writing and Research professor who I have seen instruct a class previously. When I interviewed for the fellowship, which will seemingly run my life when I am a 2L and 3L, we sat in on a class (Appellate Advocacy)where she was the professor.
I remain intensely content with the subject matter. I was trying to figure out why I am so interested in the subject matter, and I think two things are coming into play. The first deals with the fact that I had a conniption yesterday when I realized that I would be a practicing attorney in three years -- a thought that was as exciting as it is scary -- and that I have wanted to begin my professional career for some time. The second reason is wholly laden in the influence my father has had in my life.
I realize that I will be able to speak the same language as my father. I will be able to understand, converse with and analyze fully those things my father has and will talk to me regarding. Like my mother having introduced me to logic games (setting me up for success on the LSAT) and creating a monster of an English master of me (making me expressive in ways my high school English teachers told me was not possible), my father has given me Neil Armstrong's giant leap for law school by talking, albeit incessantly, about his day at both the dinner table when I was young and every day when I was in college.
Sleep calls. Studying awaits my wake from slumber.
The 9:00AM start was not as bad as the previous day, but I had to deal with the stress of going to an actual class with a professor who was actually going to have an effect on my future. Grades are stressful.
I was pleasantly content with my Legal Writing and Research professor who I have seen instruct a class previously. When I interviewed for the fellowship, which will seemingly run my life when I am a 2L and 3L, we sat in on a class (Appellate Advocacy)where she was the professor.
I remain intensely content with the subject matter. I was trying to figure out why I am so interested in the subject matter, and I think two things are coming into play. The first deals with the fact that I had a conniption yesterday when I realized that I would be a practicing attorney in three years -- a thought that was as exciting as it is scary -- and that I have wanted to begin my professional career for some time. The second reason is wholly laden in the influence my father has had in my life.
I realize that I will be able to speak the same language as my father. I will be able to understand, converse with and analyze fully those things my father has and will talk to me regarding. Like my mother having introduced me to logic games (setting me up for success on the LSAT) and creating a monster of an English master of me (making me expressive in ways my high school English teachers told me was not possible), my father has given me Neil Armstrong's giant leap for law school by talking, albeit incessantly, about his day at both the dinner table when I was young and every day when I was in college.
Sleep calls. Studying awaits my wake from slumber.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Orientation - Day 2
The perfect follow-up to a rough day is an early morning wake-up the ensuing morning. I should have known this was coming. It is as if the forces that drive the earth in orbit and invented the middle finger were the same ones who were the decision makers when it came time to plan the second-day orientation schedule - these are the same persons who control the climate in an effort to drive me mad.
I awake at 6:45AM, as our day was to begin at 8:00AM. We were instructed to arrive comfortable and prepared to enjoy the day as it would be the easiest day of my first year of law school. They were correct.
The National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) was going to put on a show for us: we were to watch as practicing attorneys culminated their NITA training with a mock trial, and we were the judges. I understand that the legal profession is not in the courtroom a majority of the time, but it became a goal of mine to maintain the ability to present a case in the courtroom. The experience brought me back to my days as a mock trial competitor -- the format and presentation in their entirety were the same -- and I was suddenly excited to have lived my Junior Year at USC without a life and inside a makeshift classroom-courtroom.
The day ended early, so back to work it is for me. Back to being studious. Back to legitimizing myself as a law student. It is a good thing I am intrigued, thus far, by nearly everything on which I have spent time. May these blessings continue, for this is not the Undergrad Evan; nay, Evan 2.0 - The Legal Version is emerging from the most distant depths of some biology student who was without friends and sunlight, while sequestering themselves in the lab for days on end throughout their four year college education. Maybe I will be version 2.1, the upgraded product who showers regularly.
Stay tuned. Send money.
I awake at 6:45AM, as our day was to begin at 8:00AM. We were instructed to arrive comfortable and prepared to enjoy the day as it would be the easiest day of my first year of law school. They were correct.
The National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) was going to put on a show for us: we were to watch as practicing attorneys culminated their NITA training with a mock trial, and we were the judges. I understand that the legal profession is not in the courtroom a majority of the time, but it became a goal of mine to maintain the ability to present a case in the courtroom. The experience brought me back to my days as a mock trial competitor -- the format and presentation in their entirety were the same -- and I was suddenly excited to have lived my Junior Year at USC without a life and inside a makeshift classroom-courtroom.
The day ended early, so back to work it is for me. Back to being studious. Back to legitimizing myself as a law student. It is a good thing I am intrigued, thus far, by nearly everything on which I have spent time. May these blessings continue, for this is not the Undergrad Evan; nay, Evan 2.0 - The Legal Version is emerging from the most distant depths of some biology student who was without friends and sunlight, while sequestering themselves in the lab for days on end throughout their four year college education. Maybe I will be version 2.1, the upgraded product who showers regularly.
Stay tuned. Send money.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Orientation - Day 1
The beginning of school for law students is not one of rest upon the temperpedic mattresses of the future; no, as a child is thrown into the water to learn to swim, our start is marked with no soft and cuddly mattress- the start is as cold as concrete after a snow storm. Life will be rough.
"Bright" and "early" were two words that could describe the detriment that was my wake up this morning. Orientation was to begin at 9:00 AM. I would meet 300 of my peers and be the object of the affection of the staff and faculty who represent a school that is receiving upwards of $35,000 from each seat that would be filled. Needless to say, I quickly grew tired of the barrage of repetitive sentiment. However,I digress.
It rained hard. All day. I maintain my stance that a person should not live in a place where it rains during the summer.
The pouring rain outside was a sign from above that I would not be impressed by the spectacle of orientation. This event should excite and instill a certain degree of readiness in those attending. Today was far short of these expectations. The question and answer sessions were action-packed with persons vying for the attention of those presenting in the attempt to be recognized. These attempts are not only futile, but could have more easily achieved the opposite--a detriment to themselves-- all on my time. I have witnessed less-than-brilliant persons ask even less-brilliant questions in the past, but today will be placed in the all-time top-ten.
I am also amazed at the need to present financial aid in a forum during orientation. We are sitting pretty, less than 6 days from the first day of classes, and people still need to learn about financial aid. Quite frankly, if people do not know or have financial aid at this point, not only are they severely behind, but they have the duty to take care of it on their own time.
The day ended around 5:30 in the evening, at which time my roommate and I carpooled home and began school work. I have finished my first assignment on case-briefing and am most of the way through my first reading assignment for Contract Law, which I am finding surprisingly intriguing. Perhaps law school will be filled with my attention and seeking for more knowledge.
New York is not growing on me; I am, however warming to the house in which I am living and the parkways that are lined with trees creating a forest-like facade that I have grown to love.
My house has two stories and is built on the Seaford channel. We have a large dock in the back where geese, ducks, seagulls and the occasional swan frequent. The neighborhood is very quiet and the neighbors are friendly. The Nassau County Police have a station at the end of the street, and the Fire Department have a station at the end of the block. My roommate, Lindsay, brought her dog with her (Marley) who is as nice to have around as she is small (Lenny would eat him).
But, back to law school. I am not filled with the pride I had during undergrad. Hofstra is no University of Southern California. I am not yet proud to say I attend law school at Hofstra. I feel the need to follow my statements of attendance to this school with the fact that I am attending with a full scholarship, as if that makes all reasoning for enrollment balanced. Perhaps I put too much in a name.
Tomorrow is another day of orientation, though not as long as what we experienced today.
May your thoughts be with me. I will take your luck, too.
"Bright" and "early" were two words that could describe the detriment that was my wake up this morning. Orientation was to begin at 9:00 AM. I would meet 300 of my peers and be the object of the affection of the staff and faculty who represent a school that is receiving upwards of $35,000 from each seat that would be filled. Needless to say, I quickly grew tired of the barrage of repetitive sentiment. However,I digress.
It rained hard. All day. I maintain my stance that a person should not live in a place where it rains during the summer.
The pouring rain outside was a sign from above that I would not be impressed by the spectacle of orientation. This event should excite and instill a certain degree of readiness in those attending. Today was far short of these expectations. The question and answer sessions were action-packed with persons vying for the attention of those presenting in the attempt to be recognized. These attempts are not only futile, but could have more easily achieved the opposite--a detriment to themselves-- all on my time. I have witnessed less-than-brilliant persons ask even less-brilliant questions in the past, but today will be placed in the all-time top-ten.
I am also amazed at the need to present financial aid in a forum during orientation. We are sitting pretty, less than 6 days from the first day of classes, and people still need to learn about financial aid. Quite frankly, if people do not know or have financial aid at this point, not only are they severely behind, but they have the duty to take care of it on their own time.
The day ended around 5:30 in the evening, at which time my roommate and I carpooled home and began school work. I have finished my first assignment on case-briefing and am most of the way through my first reading assignment for Contract Law, which I am finding surprisingly intriguing. Perhaps law school will be filled with my attention and seeking for more knowledge.
New York is not growing on me; I am, however warming to the house in which I am living and the parkways that are lined with trees creating a forest-like facade that I have grown to love.
My house has two stories and is built on the Seaford channel. We have a large dock in the back where geese, ducks, seagulls and the occasional swan frequent. The neighborhood is very quiet and the neighbors are friendly. The Nassau County Police have a station at the end of the street, and the Fire Department have a station at the end of the block. My roommate, Lindsay, brought her dog with her (Marley) who is as nice to have around as she is small (Lenny would eat him).
But, back to law school. I am not filled with the pride I had during undergrad. Hofstra is no University of Southern California. I am not yet proud to say I attend law school at Hofstra. I feel the need to follow my statements of attendance to this school with the fact that I am attending with a full scholarship, as if that makes all reasoning for enrollment balanced. Perhaps I put too much in a name.
Tomorrow is another day of orientation, though not as long as what we experienced today.
May your thoughts be with me. I will take your luck, too.
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