such a strange education
Proudest academic moment: working my way up from a C to an A in calculus second year of college. Drew, my classmate, absolutely BRILLIANT boy - and super helpful, was quite instrumental in helping me understand stuff but I worked my butt off for it. It was probably the first time I actually had a real academic goal. I didn't want a C on my transcript, and I knew that a good calculus grade would seal my application to UVA. Good incentive huh?
Practice practice practice. Focus Focus Focus. Learn, apply, seal the deal.
My study habits have rarely been admirable in the past, but at least back then I knew that they worked. I never cared for grades, because I believed that they did little to define you as a person - character doesn't depend on academic ability.
Then came law school - and I've become the person that I never wanted to become. Grades grades grades. Learning isn't about learning anymore, its about getting the A. In highschool, my crappy grades were indicative of my knowledge - I didn't know jack back then, at least about the subjects that I was being taught.
Now, I actually care about what I'm learning (most of the time). I didn't come here to put grades on my transcript - I came here to learn the law. Does my inability to ace a three-hour multiple choice final have any bearing on what I've actually learned?
I may have finally gained an appreciation for the intricacies of the law, and the drive to learn it ... but what was only yesterday a pure, and genuine appreciation ... is today a mangled, disillusioned mess.
"The trouble is, nothing looks the same
The trouble is, I don't think it ever will
...
The trouble is, I don't know what to say
The trouble is, I don't think I ever will
...
Such a strange education."
Its amazing what three hours can do to your confidence. And your soul.
Future law students beware. Come in with an armor of steel - there is no protection in the path to your JD. Nerves of steel are a prerequisite. Cast your emotions to the way side at the door. This is not the place for it. Learn the black letter - don't bother with trying to care about it. It means nothing.
Sigh. Z ... where's the perspective?
[pardon the jaded post. its been a rough morning. thought this would be a good change from gun control]
Practice practice practice. Focus Focus Focus. Learn, apply, seal the deal.
My study habits have rarely been admirable in the past, but at least back then I knew that they worked. I never cared for grades, because I believed that they did little to define you as a person - character doesn't depend on academic ability.
Then came law school - and I've become the person that I never wanted to become. Grades grades grades. Learning isn't about learning anymore, its about getting the A. In highschool, my crappy grades were indicative of my knowledge - I didn't know jack back then, at least about the subjects that I was being taught.
Now, I actually care about what I'm learning (most of the time). I didn't come here to put grades on my transcript - I came here to learn the law. Does my inability to ace a three-hour multiple choice final have any bearing on what I've actually learned?
I may have finally gained an appreciation for the intricacies of the law, and the drive to learn it ... but what was only yesterday a pure, and genuine appreciation ... is today a mangled, disillusioned mess.
"The trouble is, nothing looks the same
The trouble is, I don't think it ever will
...
The trouble is, I don't know what to say
The trouble is, I don't think I ever will
...
Such a strange education."
Its amazing what three hours can do to your confidence. And your soul.
Future law students beware. Come in with an armor of steel - there is no protection in the path to your JD. Nerves of steel are a prerequisite. Cast your emotions to the way side at the door. This is not the place for it. Learn the black letter - don't bother with trying to care about it. It means nothing.
Sigh. Z ... where's the perspective?
[pardon the jaded post. its been a rough morning. thought this would be a good change from gun control]
posted by zai5h at Monday, April 30, 2007
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