Visiting family: The Topic of Law School.

I posted before about how I was nervous to go visit family because everyone would be asking me questions about law or saying how rich I would one day become.  However, having been here for a week, only one person has mentioned it in passing.  In fact, nobody has even asked me about law school nor have they mentioned anything else about it.  In fact, after having been away for two years, it's as if they forgot I even go!  It's kind of strange to be honest, but I can't complain too much about it, even though I wonder why people have not mentioned it.

Perhaps these blogs are doing their part in making people realize that law school is something one does not discuss.  Maybe it is a dark topic, such as how much money one makes a year, or how many STDs one carries with them?

Of course, I still have a week here, and things may change.  However, I highly doubt school will be mentioned at all.  Part of me wondered if it's because I come from a very poor family and some may not like me doing school (first in family to do it, blah blah blah).  Maybe it's because I am not too talkative and have not brought it up myself.

I worried for months that people would ask all sorts of questions or ask for legal advice.  However, that being said, some members of my family are just strange and I don't think that they want to discuss such things.  Sometimes when the news came on here and legal topics were mentioned, or when everyone was watching Perry Mason and Judge Judy, Judge Mathis, etc. I wondered if people would mention law school to me.  But nope, they seem to have actually forgot I go to law school!  Isn't that just the darnedest thing?!

I even had a phone interview for an internship and nobody asked a thing about it (even though I ended up getting scared and not answering the phone -- maybe I'll write more about that later).

There was one person, not a family member, but a person here who I met, and he asked about me going to college, and I said I was going to law school.  Here is how it went down.

Him: So what are you planning on doing?
Me: I go to college right now.
Him: For what?
Me: Law.
Him:  Oh, you're going to be a stinkin' lawyer huh?
Me: I don't know, to be honest.

(Keep in mind this guy is a truck driver, who owns a huge beautiful home on a cliff overlooking a valley and mountains below.  He has his own company and obviously does very well at it.)

Him:  Oh yeah?  Then what are you planning on doing?
Me: Well, I can use my degree to do something else (I felt stupid saying this, even though it is technically possible).  Maybe I'll try to work for a non-profit or a company.
Him:  I see.

One more week and I can get back home and enjoy my summer.  Diablo III is out and I am dying to play it. That is the summer I have ahead of me, and it is going to beat the hell out of any unpaid "Internship/slavery" that everyone else is doing.

A+ in Law and Economics: and I don't care anymore.

This morning, for about half a second, I felt good that I got an A+ in my law and economics course, but then I realized: I do not care anymore.  This semester has gone by better than last, although I got a lackluster C+ in my Corporate Finance.  I was lucky to score a B+ in EU Law, which was kind of a fluke.  Hell, it all was.

LISTEN CHILDREN:  Law school grades are mostly random.  You can get a C+ in a class you put way more effort in than a class you got an A-.  I worked my butt off in my Corporate Finance and missed most of my law and economics course.  I am not smart.  An A+ does not mean you are smart.  Even if you end up getting an award, you are probably at least half lucky.

If you think you are lucky enough to 'score' your way through law school, you might want to take out maximum loans on law school and play the lottery, because you probably have a better chance of winning the lottery than doing so good in law school that you end up with an amazing job.  And if you don't believe me, why not take a look at a few of the other blogs that are featured to the right?

One more year of this madness (not going to bother doing internships this summer -- in fact, I had two phone interviews the other day for internships -- and I didn't bother even answering.  Just wasn't in the mood).  I figure that the odds of me practicing law (and actually liking it) are about as slim as me making love to a pack of blue wolves with wings in the Himalayas next Thursday.

IT.  WILL.  NOT.  EVER.  HAPPEN.

Recontacted the mentor, but I ask: Why?

At least one of my readers told me to get back in contact with my mentor.  So I did.  I figured there is no harm in at least writing her a letter.  Further, I was honest.  I have not talked to her since this has occurred, and to be honest, part of me wonders what the point is.  Before, I bother with that though, I shall let you read the letter:

TO THE MENTOR
Hello,

I am writing you as I have been bad with keeping in touch with you.  For that I am sorry.  I had a very rough semester, and to be honest, I was somewhat afraid to get back in touch with you due to not having much going for me.  Due to moving and financial aid issues my grades were quite bad.  I did not fail any classes, but I was quite upset to see that I did poorly in a couple of my classes.  Further, I was forced to leave my position in (city) due to trying to find a place to live and being asked to skip class, which I could not do.  I have felt like a failure, and honestly wonder if law school is worth it for me to continue.  I did quite well during my first year, mostly due to hard work.  I know that grades are very important to employers, and have been slowly looking for summer work.  I have also considered focusing on just getting a job instead of trying to be picky about finding something in my field.  Further, I have applied for a couple of clinics and other positions for the fall.  I keep hearing how awful the economy is now and how that even the top performers are not able to find work.  I guess the thing is, it's very disheartening at times.

Anyway, I wrote you as I wanted to update you on things and let you know that I am sorry for not keeping in touch better.

Talk to you soon,

THE REPLY

Dear Terrified Law Student, Let's get together real soon and schedule a call even sooner. Can I meet you or call you some time today? Believe me, I know that life can be tough. But I've found that it helps to talk. I'm here for you.

-Mentor

***


First, the more I study and the more I think about it, the more I realize I do not want to practice law.  I would rather work in a non-profit or, hell, even barely subsist than deal with that day in and day out.  Second, I am worn out from all this hassle.  Third, I am figuring that I'd rather teach English abroad in Asia (a place I have traveled to and enjoyed) or join the military (enlisted, not officer) than be a lawyer.  Fourth, I continue hearing from my family that "they are so proud of me."

I have not posted on this blog in a while.  I figured that I should focus on my studies.  I should read every page given to me.  I should attend every class.  I should outline myself.  I should focus on school.  Lucky for me I was not called on this semester, which was nice.  Instead, I was able to completely focus on my classes.  But in the end, I still think "what's the point?" 

A few months back I posted a letter my grandparents wrote to me about how I should not drop out.  I have not spoken to them since that letter and, honestly, am quite angry that they mentioned it.  Further, other members of my family have bombarded me with comments such as "you are going to do so great!"  "we are so proud of you!"  "Terran (a psychic who gave me a palm reading during my childhood) always said you would go far!" (More on this in another post, as I don't believe in psychics). 

The truth is, I am quite angry.  Next week (5 days actually), I am going back home for the first time in two years (since starting law school).  I am not ready for the bombardment of questions (the inquisition). 

Yes, I got back to the mentor, but we have not met again (nor have we talked on the phone).  Further, the more I think about it, the more I do not want to practice law, so what is the point of calling the mentor?  What is the point of meeting up with her?  I don't know. 

One year left.  It's going to be interesting.

M.I.A. Lately (law school finals)

Sorry for my lack of posts lately.  I know some people read this blog and enjoy that which I have to say.  Well, the reason for my absence is that I have been studying a lot harder this semester and hoping to see an improvement in my grades.  I still feel that it's a waste, but I might as well see how well I can do.  Once the finals are done (have one more left) I will try to post here some more.