Professors Are People, Too.

I was thinking the other day about the professors and community at STU.  The catalog and publications tout the "open-door" policy of the faculty here, and I have to say that it is an accurate statement.  The professors here are amazing.  The faculty consists of, literally, a cast of characters.  My first 1L semester, each of my 5 different professors had such distinctive and unique (okay, VERY UNIQUE, in some respects) personalities, that often I felt like I was watching a comedy based on my life in law school.  (I recommend that anyone considering law school read Scott Turow's 1L, because he also describes wacky professorial antics, and it is an interesting read.)  Once I had completed the required courses, and was able to take electives, I gravitated toward professors I admired, enjoyed, and just understood.  There are a handful of  faculty members I now know pretty well, and I turn to them for advice, guidance, and interesting information in general.  I consider them friends and mentors.  I definitely love the fact that at STU, the open door policy is so important.  At many other law schools, professors are unapproachable, or it is possible that students don't even have classes with professors, but with teaching assistants (Horrors!).  I couldn't imagine going through this experience without the opportunity to get to know my professors.  Time spent in their offices, outside of class, discussing specific questions, issues, or concepts is so helpful, and that time is what truly makes this crazy educational endeavor human, and whole, and personal.  Hearing about a professor's family, work experience, or interests has opened my eyes to new areas of law, and life.  I didn't approach any of my professors outside of class the first semester I was here, and I sort of regret that.  Despite encouragement and an open invitation for all students to come meet with them, I avoided the faculty outside of class.  I definitely changed that my second semester, and it was reflected in my grades.  There are so many aspects of a law school education, beside going to class, taking exams, and reading all the time.  Not many people tell you about it, and you just have to figure it out for yourself (that's why this blog is a great thing!).  Each individual law school experience is highly personal.  For me, getting to know my professors, and taking advantage of their willingness to work with students, to help them as they grapple with all the new concepts and rules of law, has been pivotal in forming my own perspective on the law, and my life as a law student, and probably my life in general.

Have a great day, and go hug your professor!  Ok, maybe just shake their hand...or at least say "hello."  Or, you know, bring them an apple.  

The Accidental Pep Talk

At this point, I have likely become a member of everything you could be a member of and volunteered for everything you could volunteer for. Plus a couple of jobs on the side, a long-term girlfriend, and, of course, the family issues everyone has. Fortunately, you will only have this problem if you think you can do things like . . . fly, teleport, stop time, and shoot fireballs.
Why did I join all this stuff? Why am I here? I am writing this blog to disconnect for a moment. I need to step back and evaluate what my REAL priorities are. I am sleep and fun deprived. Is it worth it? When you’re in law school everyone will expect 120% from you every day. And, no one will care what your excuses are.
As a 1L I always resented the insensitivity of professors and upper classmen toward my stresses, worries, and inexperience in law as a whole. Everyone expected more. Professors wanted me to read more and be better prepared for class. The students kept pushing me to join more organizations. I would think to myself, “Am I really paying this much to feel like I am running full speed in two directions? These people are crazy! How do they do it?” I felt like everyone was so much more qualified than me in every way. Students with master degrees, some with doctorates, and others with more life and business experiences, a family of lawyers, etc. The professors had tons of academic success and career bragging rights—authors, entrepreneurs, and distinguished speakers.
Many times I thought, “Do I even belong here? How am I even going to compete?” Yet, here I am at the top of my class. No arrogance intended. I am just trying to tell you that law school has pushed me to do things I never thought I could have done. Now, I understand why everyone expects so much from you . . . that’s what you are paying for.
You will develop the ability to do all this stuff—fireballs and all. I am done evaluating for today. I feel like I just gave myself a pep talk . . . lol. I encourage you to do the same and enroll at St. Thomas. While the beginning is tough, once you figure it out, you will be so impressed with yourself. I have been forced to push myself harder than I ever thought I could. Whether or not you’re at the top of class “gradewise” at the end of the day, you will feel like you are on top of the world. See you at the top!

The End of the Semester is Upon Us

There is one month left of school.... OMG.... there is one month left of school!!! I have one month in which I have to finish my senior writing requirement, tie up loose ends with Mock Trial, study for finals, prepare for my new job, study for finals (I know I said that twice, but its a big one)..... Where does the time go?
This time in the semester is the time that truly tests a law student's stamina and ability to juggle a million things at once. As someone highly involved in campus organizations, I, along with the other crazy people who stretch themselves to the point of breaking during the semester, find myself feeling as if the weight of the world is pressing on my shoulders. I keep telling myself, "You signed up for this. Nobody made you take on extra responsibility. Nobody forced you to take on leadership roles." I keep telling myself that, but it doesn't seem to alleviate any of the pressure that has settled firmly in my chest.... lol....
I don't mean to frighten any of you out there in Blog World, but this, unfortunately, is the real life of an overachieving law student. There are plenty of people who go through law school without ever becoming involved in extracurricular activities; they go to class, take their exams, and graduate. They get the same degree that I will get.... the difference is, most law firms will not even interview a candidate, even one with a 4.0 gpa, that is not on Law Review, who is not involved in Moot Court or Mock Trial... Law firms want to see that you are more than just your grades, that you are someone who can handle more than one endeavor at a time. And this, my friends, is why I am currently sitting in the Law Review Office, writing this blog, surrounded by my research for my paper, all the while jotting down ideas for Mock Trial....
This is my life at the moment. I have entered the non sleeping phase of the semester where my brain refuses to shut off. I do three things at a time while thinking about another.... but I have an amazing job waiting for me this summer.... and an amazing future to look forward to..... and I am creating this future for myself with every freaked out sleepless night that spurs me to greatness. I signed up for this; and while the weight of the world can be a rather bulky load to bear, I am bearing it with my goals in mind, and my future shining in front of me, pushing me forward.
So that's all for now; an inside look at the craziness inspired by the end of my second year of law school. I hope everyone out there in Blog World is doing well, and is taking the time to do what they love :)

Cheers,
Dara

Pirates on the Law School Horizon

I'm so psyched to be contributing to this Blog for STU.  As I said in my bio, law school is what you make of it!  Once I realized that I could use the classes and resources available to me here to study the things that interest me, law school became an entirely different ballgame.  This semester, I'm writing 4 different papers on a topic that, although relatively unknown or unconsidered in the daily lives of the general population, is relevant and important in the maritime realm.  I'm focusing my research on the environmental causes of East and West African piracy (yes, piracy, as in "Arr").  As the focus of four of my courses, I have the chance to tailor my law school career as it focuses on a topic that is one of great concern to me.  Modern day piracy causes more than 3000 deaths on the high seas each year, and contributes to more than $50 billion dollars in losses to the maritime and shipping industry.  That's a long way from the popular conception of pirates as salty but good-natured scalawags!  My coursework here at St. Thomas has allowed me to guide my own research, and view it through 4 different lenses.  My seminar in Jurisprudence has lead me to consider the role of justice in this turn to piracy.  My law review paper has lead me to consider the problem from an intercultural human rights standpoint.  My Earth Jurisprudence seminar has lead me to reconsider the approach to remedying the pirate problem, and envision changes that would have to take place on the local, state, and international level to effect change.  My Admiralty and Maritime Law advisor has helped me to shape my research trail and focus my work on certain issues pertaining to maritime law and policy.  Overall, my work this semester has been fascinating, exhausting, enjoyable, and diverse.  In the context of my law school "career," I've been given the opportunity to explore, research, and cultivate an opinion on a topic that is important to me, and relevant to the safety of the global community.  

My New Inspiration...

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the National Conference of Law Reviews this past week. As I mentioned in a previous post, I was recently elected Managing Editor of our Law Review, and my new position on the incoming board afforded me a spot at the Conference, which was hosted by St. Thomas, and held at the Westin Diplomat here in sunny South Florida. I spent the week in panels, learning about my new position, and at meals listening to speakers. Mostly I felt overwhelmed by the amount of information being thrown at my head...lol.
The best part of my week, however, came in the form of a woman named Catherine Crier. Some of you out there in Blog World may know Ms. Crier as the former host of Catherine Crier Live on Court TV, as a best selling author, as a former state judge.... she is a woman who has worn many hats.... I was honored to play host to Ms. Crier on two different nights during the Conference. First she attended a dinner where Alberto Gonzales spoke, and then she was the keynote speaker at our closing dinner on Saturday night. I accompanied her to both of these events, and I was honored to do so.
I am one of those somehwat annoying people who believe that everything happens for a reason. That philosophy has gotten me through a lot of tough times. These past few days have been stressful... spending time at a conference, concentrating only on law review, while the rest of my life had to take a backseat, was stressful.... I was taking calls about Mock Trial, worrying about my senior writing requirement, upcoming finals.... ugh....
But then.... I met Catherine Crier, and I know it sounds cliche, but all of a sudden, it all seemed worth it. Here was a woman who had gone to law school, litigated, become a judge, carved out a career as a journalist, started her own production company.... and she didn't accomplish these things by sitting around and waiting for opportunity to find her. And there I sat, stressed, at the conference, worried about getting everything done... I realized in speaking with Ms. Crier, that I should instead be relishing these moments of opportunity that I am creating for myself. I should be proud to lead such a full and accomplished life. Yes, my life is crazy... but without the craziness, I would be bored and unfulfilled. Ms. Crier took the time to learn about me and make me feel special.... she is an amazing person; full of incredible stories, funny, brilliant, warm, and kind... meeting her has renewed my spirit for this final push before finals. Meeting her was the reason I was supposed to be at the National Conference of Law Reviews... maybe even the reason I was supposed to run for executive board in the first place... who knows?
Catherine Crier signed a book for me before we parted company. I didn't read the inscription until I returned home from the Conference. I opened the book and read:
"Dara, you're a star... Catherine"
That is one inscription I will be tucking away for moments of self doubt :)

Cheers,
Dara

How to approach Intimidating Professors?

One of the challenges of a first year student is figuring out how to form a good relationship with professors in order to maximize the class room experience. Of course you are not going to understand contracts and Civil Procedure after the first day or week of classes…unless of course you are a natural…which you probably are! Well I was not a natural and those classes I just mentioned were the most difficult classes I had. And so if you find yourself feeling lost after a day in class you must visit your professor. The professor’s at STU while some may seem intimidating in the class room are the total opposite once you get into their office. But the challenge is making that journey to the professor’s office with your laptop and books in hand…. It’s not that difficult what I did was make rounds to every single professor I had at some point during the semester, either to say hello, to talk about something I found interesting in class, but the most difficult time was when I really had no clue what happened in class and didn’t even know what to ask. In that event just go to the professor explain that you put in all the effort [because of the Socratic method- they want to know that you have at least tried!] but that you just don’t understand what happened in class that day. The professors response will probably be well what don’t you understand? Many times my response was “well I don’t know I don’t understand anything” , while I felt like a major retard at the moments the words came out of my mouth – I got positive feedback because I expressed my willingness to learn and understand. Keep going back to the professors- you will likely be in a class of 50 students…it helps when the professor knows you! By going to office hours on more than one occasion that professor will know your name and will remember it. You will be faced with situations where particular students are always talking, always volunteering ….just never shutting up. Don’t let that discourage or dissuade you…some students may actually know what they are saying, many students however speak because they can. If you feel you can’t go to a particular professor’s office…maybe because he is intimidating, another alternative is to go with a group of friends. That takes the attention from any one student but, everyone receives the benefit, and you will be more comfortable going alone next time.
The Bottom line is…..don’t be afraid to speak to professors, on occasion speak to them about a topic you know they are interested in…maybe your property professor is interested in Cats because you see them in his/her office…Speak about your cat..Then get down to the property questions you initially had! You have to work the system…because there are many people who are doing just that and you don’t want to be left behind!

How to Balance Moot Court, Mock Trial, Law Review, Work and Classes

...as i struggle to do all that i have to do i blog....
For those of you that like to be INVOLVED you may wonder how can I be involved and be successful in law school. So the question is how do you do it? Well I ask myself that every day. I am one of those people that pride themselves from being involved and it is for that reason that I am involved in Moot Court, Mock Trial, Law Review, The Black Law Students Association, The Academic integrity committee and other miscellaneous activities. How do I do it? Well…. Look at it this way…if you have a lot to do you virtually have no time to waste time. You are forced to manage your time well, you are forced to make a schedule and stick to it. Or…that’s how it is when things run smoothly. Let me be honest—it does not always go according to plan. As I write this blog, I have a headache, I am wondering how I am going t complete my two papers for classes, read for classes and study for finals while doing everything else that I have to do! I am freaking out now…but it usually falls into to place. I always complain about having too much to do but the beauty of it is that I always get it done. There are perks that come with getting involved with various activities within the school and the legal community. For one you get to interact not only with students but with the faculty and support staff for the school. I feel I am a good example of this…I have a good relationship with the staff in the registrar’s office, the admissions office, the career services office, the dean’s office, the SBA office….I think you get my point! On the other hand I am active in the community which gives me the opportunity to interact with lawyers and other professionals. This can only help you…And believe me it will! STU has an open door policy…WHY NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT? It never hurts to have a good relationship with all the individuals that are in the school community. When you need advice, favors have questions you will always have someone that’s in your corner. In law school NO MAN IS AN ISLAND you will always need someone for something. I will post another blog soon telling you the importance of NETWORKING-trust me you have to!
Until next time ……..

Mock Trial Madness: A Poem

An inside look at the madness competitions can inspire.....

Here I am in the Moot Court Room
during this
my Spring Break
while other people are on vacation
while other students are sleeping
and catching up on their reading
and studying for finals
here I sit
and stand
and sit
and stand
and cross
and direct
and object
and argue my case
here in the Moot Court Room
practicing for a Mock Trial competition
in four days
in Georgia
where it is cold.

Wish me luck!

Cheers,
Dara