Fall Semester Update

Looking back at the last two months or so that I’ve been in law school, I’m quickly realizing that so much has changed in this short period of time.

For example, I never expected to be able to learn so many different things and, in effect, change a good bit of how I think in such a short period of time. This is because the way you learn in law school is completely unique and, of course, dramatically different from the way you learn in college. I knew this before starting, but I really didn’t fully grasp it until I was actually thrown into it. No one sits and holds your hand to teach you all of the terminology and what not (at least not for most things), but you learn by reading and researching on your own prior to coming to class and then your professor clarifies the material for you and highlights what is important. At first, this was completely jarring for me. However, I’ve grown to appreciate the process of struggling with my readings, reaching my own conclusions, and then checking in with the rest of the class. In a way, it’s rewarding whether I’m right or wrong and helps me interact with and remember the material, which is obviously the goal. Those first few weeks, though, you wouldn’t have caught me dead saying these words.

I’ve also grown to appreciate many other things – some of which are specific to Loyola. Over the short period of time that I’ve been a law student, I’ve seen faculty make themselves available to students and do their best to accommodate our busy schedules. This is of particular importance for evening students because many, if not most, of us work during the day. However, my professors and other faculty members want to help us succeed and have gone above and beyond to give students the opportunity to get help outside of class time. I’ve also grown to appreciate being on a small law campus. When I first began looking at law schools, although I really wanted to go to Loyola, I was on the fence about going to a school with a separate law campus. Coming from UCLA, I thoroughly enjoyed being on a big campus. In the past two months, though, I’ve noticed that there are many benefits to being on a small law-only campus. For example, I love that I always run into people I know when I’m on campus and that everything that’s available on campus is tailored to law students.

All in all, my law school experience thus far has been nothing but positive and I’m excited for what the rest of the semester holds!