I’ve been a law student for five going on six weeks and it’s been a steep learning curve. I’ve had to adjust to a lot. As a result I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting. Keep in mind that this post of five things law school made me realize I’m bad at isn’t meant to be self deprecating. There are plenty of things I’ve found out that I’m good at such as time management, prioritizing, and to some extent room decor, just to name a few. Instead, this post is a reminder for me that I have continuous work to do. Besides, nobody’s perfect and I certainly don’t want you to think I am. I’m committing to work towards doing better for every item on this list. Let’s get into it!
I’m Bad At Making New Friends
I kind of knew this already, but law school made me remember since it’s been a while that I’ve been forced into a dramatically new social context. Small talk isn’t my favorite. Sometimes I get so caught up in my own thoughts that it doesn’t even bother me that I haven’t said something to someone else. I feel like in college I had such a clearly defined “crew” (shoutout to RKT), that law school pales in comparison so far. That’s mainly because it takes me a while to open up to people and get past surface level icebreaker chat.
I realize that it takes a little more effort to make meaningful connections.
When I take into account that people in law school are at various points in their life—anywhere from straight out of college to married with kids— and living in places across the city, I realize that it takes a little more effort to make meaningful connections. I trust I’ll find them eventually, but it requires more awareness and effort on my part.
I’m Bad At Speaking Up For Myself
This one may be a surprise. But there have been various moments both in and outside the classroom when I’ve had the right answer and have been too afraid to say anything. Even at home, I’m very dissatisfied with the cleanliness of shared spaces like the bathroom. Instead of addressing it with my roommates, I’ve just been cleaning up. I hide behind the excuse that I don’t like confrontation or, in the context of the classroom, that I don’t have to prove to the world that I know the right answer and I can just keep it to myself, but I’m realizing it’s definitely a cop out.
I’m Bad At Asking Questions
This is probably related to the previous topic. I’d probably benefit from taking time to think about what I need help with so that I can ask a question. I’ve been working on this through going to office hours and review sessions, something I almost never did in college. So in this way I guess I’m making some slight improvement. Yay for growth!
I’m Bad At Loosening Up
Before I came to law school I got the impression there were opportunities to be social. Every week there are happy hours at a different bar where law students come together over some drinks. But of course as today I still haven’t attended any of them. Why not? Because I’ve been going back home to do homework readings or plan content instead. I’ve been told often that I’m a very “serious person”. I guess I could loosen up a bit and go out sometimes, especially if I want to get better at making friends with people.
I’m Bad at Aiming High/Out Of My Comfort Zone
The benefits of these opportunities are crystal clear, but it’s also clear that there is a lot of work that one has to put in.
It may be hard to believe that a Harvard grad and Columbia Law student is bad at aiming high. Hear me out. Based on the admissions statistics of elite schools alone, to some extent getting in is one of the hardest parts of the journey. But once you’re in you start to realize that the applications, interviews, and informal screenings never stop. You want to be on a specialized moot court? Have to apply. That fancy scholarship dishing out tons of money? You may need to get three to five recommendation letters. The benefits of these opportunities are crystal clear, but it’s also clear that there is a lot of work that one has to put in. I definitely can and should do a better job of putting in the extra work required, instead of counting myself out because something is uncomfortable or stressful.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WANT TO COMMIT TO IMPROVING ABOUT YOURSELF?
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge” 2 Peter 1:5
