This piece was originally published in The Weldon Times’ Winter 2024 issue.
The first day of law school is a day I would rather forget. The nervous energy pulsing through my veins left me unable to form a coherent sentence even if my life depended on it. With every new conversation, the words of Professor Devlin echoed through my brain, “These people will become some of the closest friends you ever make (and maybe even your future spouse)!” While he was trying to build our confidence, the comment only added to my anxiety. By the end of the first week, I felt the only sentence I could form was, “So what was your undergrad?”
Time passes
Thankfully, as time passed we all seemed to relax and conversations with classmates began to flow naturally. Turns out we had much more in common than just being future legal professionals. The initial fear that the curve would hold us back from forming genuine relationships subsided and suddenly, without realising it, classmates became much more: they became my friends. Devlin was right about the friends, but no husband on the horizon.
The sheer difficulty of the program demands that you rely on others for help along the way.
I cannot imagine surviving law school without my friends at my side. The sheer difficulty of the program demands that you rely on others for help along the way. No matter who you are, there will be moments when law school will sucker punch you in the face. If you so desire, every day has a wide selection of negativity to occupy your time— for starters, the 16th data breach of the semester, or the lack of a functioning women’s washroom anywhere in the building.
Making law school bearable
Good friends make law school not only bearable, but incredible. Whether it be crossword puzzles, PowerPoint nights, or the complexities of Taylor Swift lore, the unique passions of my new friends have enriched my life. Even if they make fun of my Newfoundland accent occasionally (I’m still shocked mainlanders don’t understand “what are ya at?”), they make the challenges of law school a pleasure to tackle.
On a recent weekend getaway, my friends and I stopped at Cape Breton Highlands National Park to savour the view. I remember the moment for the humour of six law students unable to set up a camera, but also for the gratitude that washed over me—thankful to call these people my friends.
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