A new journey begins the next couple weeks for many students around the country. 1Ls at my school start tomorrow. The emotions range from excited to anxious. Whatever your emotion, I want you to know that someone else is probably feeling the same thing. They are probably only 2-3 seats away from you in class. Your feelings are normal. Embrace the new journey.
Some students walk into law school worrying that everyone will be ahead of them. I understand the feeling. I wasn't planning to attend law school until the summer before my last year of college. None of my family were attorneys (until I married into a family of attorneys later). No one in my family graduated college. Torts were still yummy desserts until 9am Monday morning of my first day. I had no idea what law school entailed, but I planned to work hard to do my best. Even without the background, I succeeded and became an attorney. All of you can do that too.
My suggestion for entering 1Ls boils down to 2 points. Work hard and seek feedback. I love the quote hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. I am a firm believer that most of us can succeed with the right amount of quality work. The second piece of the advice is quality work. Quality work requires feedback. Don't aimlessly go through law school. Ask professors and ASPers for help. Seek feedback on outlines and practice essays. Feedback helps demonstrate where to improve, which leads to our growth. The right kind of hard works makes a difference. Worker smarter and harder. Everyone can do that.
My background and experience illustrates that you don't need lawyers in your family to succeed. If you haven't worked at a law office, that is alright. Most students entering your classes will not have a significant background in law. Law school will be a new and exciting journey for everyone. Do everything you can to maximize your potential and enjoy the journey. Have a great first semester!
(Steven Foster)
