Passionate about criminal justice and social justice to help others in the community
If I could only pick one thing that has gotten me through these last three years of law school, it’s the friends that I have made. While friends and family outside of law school are just as important, no one truly understands the trials of law school like the friends you make there. To say that I lean on them for support is an understatement.
Coming into law school can be daunting, and a big deal is made about creating study groups for the best grade results. That puts a lot of pressure on not only choosing the right people but also being a part of a group in general. It is a pressure that I feel is unwarranted because many people don’t study well in groups. I think what is more important is to cultivate friendships and relationships that aren’t entirely reliant upon the idea of study groups. I lean on my law school friends not just to rant about school but also to deal with personal issues, or to spend time together away from school. These types of friendships are especially necessary during exam season. During my 1L year, my friends were also the people I studied with, and it made getting through the hardest courses that much easier. Now as a 3L, while we may not have the same courses, having friends around that can lift me up when I’m not understanding a concept or I need a break has been comforting.
All that said however, don’t put pressure on yourself to make friends or be in study groups! We are all different people with different capabilities, and not having a ton of people to rely on in law school does not make your experience any less valuable. While it is important to every once in a while, strike up a conversation with the people in your class in case you need notes, it is not the end all be all of law school to not have a study group or friends. Loyola’s student body is filled with all types of people from all different backgrounds, its welcoming and embraces people’s differences. While you may not get along with every person you meet (not unlike regular life) you are bound to find someone in Loyola who you can connect with.
TOPICS: 3L, Health & Wellbeing, JD Day, Learning Styles, Peers & Colleagues, Student Life