While learning methods may seem different on the surface, I like to think of law school much like learning how to row a boat. Sure, you can stand on the shore, watch people row, read a book about rowing, and think that you\u2019ve got it figured out, but to really learn how to row, you eventually have to get in the boat. And more likely than not, you\u2019ll have to get in the boat more than once. The first time you try to row, you\u2019re not really going to get the hang of the rhythm. You learn with experience. You\u2019ll certainly be better at rowing after six weeks of practice than you were during your first week. Law school is a lot like that.<\/p>\n
Just as importantly, don\u2019t lose your confidence while you\u2019re learning. I like to remind first-year students that we\u2019re pretty good at admitting people who are going to be good law students and successful lawyers. Recognize that, and remember \u2013 we picked you. You can do this. Really, you can.<\/p>\n
Give Yourself Permission to Step Away<\/h3>\n
One piece of advice I always try to give first-year students is to have fun, stay balanced, and don\u2019t let law school consume your life. Now, I understand that\u2019s way <\/em>easier said than done. It sounds great until it\u2019s day two and you\u2019re wondering if you should go to the movies or keep reading, and some voice over your shoulder is telling you to keep reading. But it\u2019s important to find, and maintain, balance.<\/p>\n Balance is important because it keeps you grounded and connected to the world outside of \u201claw.\u201d Balance is hard, however, because you will feel uneasy about taking time away from your studies. But understand that everybody needs to find his or her own balance. Now, should you take a weeklong vacation in September? No, I think we can all agree that\u2019s a bad idea. But whether you enjoy exercising, spiritual pursuits, or just spending time with friends and family, find a way to fit those things in. You\u2019ll be much happier in the long run if you do.<\/p>\n Also, have some appreciation of the central place of the profession in our lives. Pay attention to the ways that law impacts our lives, and enjoy the pursuit you\u2019ve taken. Whether you enjoy politics, sports, or entertainment, there are legal developments everywhere if you look for them. Just this summer, there has been a custody battle between a former \u201cGossip Girl\u201d star and her ex-husband and a legal suit between the National Football League and one of its star quarterbacks. The law is everywhere.<\/p>\n One final thing. This is a building full of people invested in you and your success. We know that everyone handles change in a different way. If you are someone who benefits from talking to someone who has been through the process before, don\u2019t hesitate to talk with members of the Temple Law community. These buildings are filled with faculty members, administrators, and upper-level students who have experienced, and thrived, in their first year of law school. This is a fabulous journey you\u2019re embarking upon. Use us as a resource. You\u2019ll be happy that you did.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Not only did I feel overwhelmed when I started law school, but I didn\u2019t even know what to do about that. Luckily, I\u2019m now in a position to help you escape, if not survive with, those feelings. The bad news: these are not emotions that go away quickly. The good news: they are totally normal, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Trust me. Here\u2019s how you get there.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":358,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"audience":[],"coauthors":[19],"class_list":["post-347","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-from-the-dean"],"yoast_head":"\r\n![\"Temple](\"https:\/\/www2.law.temple.edu\/voices\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Kristen-findabalance-August2015.png\")
<\/a>Professor Kristen Murray explains why binge-watching “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” can help get you primed for law school.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n