It is law school commencement season, and there is no better time for graduating law students to pause, reflect, and ground themselves in their why.
It is cliché but true: Bar prep is a marathon. There will be days when you’re energized and focused, and others when you feel drained, discouraged, or even defeated. What will carry you through those moments isn’t sheer willpower (or coffee!) — it’s motivation with meaning.
So, before you are deep into the lectures and outlines, ask yourself: Why am I doing this? Maybe it’s to fight for justice. Maybe it’s because someone once told you that you couldn’t. Whatever your reason, write it down. Articulate it. Post it somewhere you’ll see every day. Let it be your anchor when things get hard and your fuel when momentum wanes.
As you define your why, also embrace your how. That’s where a growth mindset comes in.
A growth mindset is the belief that your abilities can improve with effort, strategy, and persistence. It’s the voice that says, “I’m not good at this yet,” instead of, “I’ll never get this.” During bar prep, you’ll inevitably hit roadblocks. But how you respond matters. Each missed MBE question, each practice essay, is a data point. Use it to adjust, refine, and grow.
This week, take a breath. Reflect. Commit. Cross that stage. Then walk into bar prep not just ready to work, but ready to evolve.
You’ve got this—not because it’ll be easy, but because you’ll be resilient. Let your why lead you. Let your mindset lift you. You can do hard things.
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
(Erica Sylvia, UMass Law)
