As I embark on my third year in law school, I find this article particularly relevant, as feelings of regret, doubt, fear, and desperation are mounting despite the fact that it is only September. I have heard so many young college kids, or recent graduates, talk about how they'll go to law school as if it is the answer to their problems, the gateway to a pot of gold. Unfortunately, only a select few will find themselves surrounded in riches. But more to the point, life for many who do excel is not what most of us would call enjoyable. Those who do excel will log countless hours getting to, and staying at, the top, and likely do not have a great deal of time for relationships or a social life.
Surfing the web, I also found this very good reason not to attend law school:
Reason 13. Bad Eyes, Bad Backs, General Sickliness
During your three years of pre-Esquire servitude, you are almost guaranteed to develop one or all of the following physical deformities: bad eyes, a bad back and general sickliness.
General Sickliness: Nowhere breathes a weaker-constitutioned, more out of shape, more pallid group than in a law school classroom. Most within their walls suffer from nonspecific symptoms of exhaustion, mild nausea and poor circulation. When consulted, doctors normally shrug and smile maliciously--having felt even worse throughout med school. Sufferers--and that includes almost all law students, with the possible exceptions of The Drudge, The Compulsive Talker and The Ass Kisser--want to go to bed and pull the covers over their heads for three years. Of those who do, 100% have reportedly been cured. The great suffering majority, however, swig from bottles of Maalox and plug along, saving their bile for that savorous day when they file their first medical malpractice action. . .
From Don't be a Fool--Stay Out of School; 29 Reasons Not to Go to Law School by Ralph Warner, Toni Ihara & Barbara Kate Repa.
This I can particularly relate to. Since entering law school I have developed a bursitis in my left hip joint as well as snapping hip syndrome (due to too much sitting), as well as slight onset of drier, older looking skin around my eyes that I am constantly battling with my weapon of choice: Anti-wrinkle smoothing cream (likely meant for women over the age of 40). I of course, am not in as bad as shape as some others because I try my best to continue going to the gym, although at the moment I am not in shape and sorely in need of several hours on the elliptical followed by a long run. I hope to God that I can afford lypo when I get a job.
Advice: Pursue the other "dreams" you have and think through all other alternatives before going to law school. Unless of course you are destined for success at one of the Ivy's and you care little for having an active social life.
4 comments:
I don't for a minute, think you wouldn't make it. You are a natural for that type of work.
Do me a favor, and skip any humble reply.
Give yourself credit where credit is due. Don't forget about carving your path...be the water. Are you a glass half full...or half empty? Each and everyday you make the choice. It may sound cliche, even a bit corny but without those words I would have given up long ago.
You might also check out...http://www.drbronner.com/index.html - the story behind the soap is quite interesting and a little wacky, (Now playing on the Sundance Chanel if you get it) but the product is great for your skin (I love the mint soap)You might also like the lotion and body balm.
You will make it through this, everyday when you wake up...choose to be half full.
Thank you both for your kind words of encouragement. Things have actually been looking up in the past two weeks.
Another reason not to attend Law School is because everyone should be studying sociology instead. But I would say that.
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