The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Fall Semester of 1L

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not!"

During winter break, I reflected on my first semester as a law school student.

Starting backwards, the ugly: Imposter Syndrome.

After countless hours spent studying for the LSAT, drafting and editing my personal statement and optional essays, and asking for bathroom codes at coffee shops I studied at, I hoped my hard work would make me feel deserving of my spot at LLS. But, to the surprise of no first-generation law student, imposter syndrome set in. And it did so during the worst time of a student’s life: reading period. My self-doubt not only showed in the practice exams I started that week but also in the final exams I took in the weeks after. However, when it was all over and I finally had the time to sleep for 14 hours (a personal best!) and crotchet a whopping three scarves, I realized it was important that I lean into my imposter syndrome. By doing so, I turned my feelings of self-doubt into actions for self-growth. My action plan for the new semester includes: dedicating time on Sundays to write down deadlines for the current and following week in my planner, revising my notes after class, and asking my professors questions without prefacing them with, “This might be a dumb question but…”

Now, the bad.

According to my need to be the perfect student—and the curve—my exam grades. Fortunately, the growth mindset I’ve cultivated over the break reminded me that there will always be room for improvement. And when I feel stuck, with nowhere to grow, I know I can turn to my family and friends for support. I was grateful to spend more time with them over the holidays and to create lasting memories—like my dad failing miserably at UNO (a moment now immortalized in this post).

Finally, the good.

This new year—and speaking it into existence!

TOPICS: 1L