It is a stressful time of the semester for many law students. Even if they have kept up with tasks, there is more to do. And if they are feeling behind, it can seem overwhelming.
As we draw closer to Thanksgiving, it is a good time to count one's blessings to put the stress into perspective.
Consider these law school and legal profession blessings:
- Being in law school and preparing to enter the legal profession are privileges that few people have.
- Being a lawyer will allow you to impact positively many clients and your community throughout your working career.
- Law school introduces you to people who will be life-long friends and colleagues.
- Learning the law challenges your status quo each day and forces you to use your intellect in new ways.
- Learning the law provides you with knowledge and insights that impact many aspects of your daily life: signing a lease, buying a house, filing your taxes, evaluating TV news stories, financing a car, writing a will.
- Law skill will advance your critical reading, critical writing, and critical thinking skills beyond what you envisioned before attending.
- Learning the law is valuable for many areas of employment whether you choose to practice or use your legal knowledge in industry, government, health care, or a myriad of other career paths.
Now consider all of the non-law-school blessings we have compared to so many other people in our world:
- Freedoms provided by living in the USA
- Family and friends
- Shelter, food, and clothing
- Safety and security
- Financial means
If your perspective becomes too narrow with upcoming exams on the horizon, just step back and broaden your perspective. Remind yourself that you are blessed in many ways. (Amy Jarmon)
