Elizabeth Williams is a first-year student at Loyola Law School focused on exploring the intersection of law and the entertainment industry.
After my first semester, I felt exhausted and nervous to return. When I met with a professor to review one of my final grades, they looked me in the eyes and told me that everything would be okay. It’s one thing for a parent or a best friend outside of law school to say that, but hearing it from someone who truly understands the demands of law school is entirely different.
Professors don’t have to cheer us on or pick us up when we’re struggling. At Loyola, they do because they genuinely want their students to succeed. I’ve never been someone who regularly attended office hours in undergrad, and I still struggle with that now. What works better for me is meeting with professors one-on-one. While it can take a little more time to arrange, it makes me feel far less stressed and more comfortable asking all of my questions than in an open office-hour setting.
Whenever I reach out to a professor, they are responsive and willing to meet with me as soon as possible. They listen to my concerns, offer thoughtful advice, and consistently encourage me to stay positive. No matter how overwhelmed, behind, or confused I feel in class, I know there are professors who are there to support me.