Free Study Aids- Thanks Kel

As I've said before, I follow other bloggers who are in law school and thus far, they have provided useful insight into what I can possibly expect to encounter during my time in law school. Well, leave it to Kel to step it up a notch and offer up her 1L study aids to rising 1L's. She doing so by holding weekly drawings. I think it's a terrific ideal and may even carry on the tradition. Now, on to the rules....

• You must leave a comment on her blog in order to enter the drawing.
• You may not win two weeks in a row
• Only rising 1L's please
• If you have a blog, Kel would appreciate a shout out so that more 1L's can enter

Winners will be announced on Sundays. Good Luck!

$$$

Over the last few days, I've been trying to recount the amount of money spent towards anything law school related since my decision to pursue a J.D. Honestly, it makes me a teeny tiny bit sick to my stomach. Being that I am solely responsible for not only supporting myself, but also my child, I have to be extremely discerning about where I choose to spend the dollars I earn. It is not to say that I regret any of it, because I don't, but it is to say that anyone who is thinking about making a decision to pursue a J.D. degree needs to take into account that doing so is far from cheap.

***

At this point I know of the expenses I've already incurred such as, a KAPLAN prep class, application fees, LSAC report fees, travel expenses (should you choose to visit various schools), my seat deposit, my security deposit for housing, deposits for utilities, postage costs for external scholarships, and moving expenses. I know there will be additional expenses once I get to College Town and am trying to plan accordingly.

***

Then there's that situation where you aren't allowed to work during your first year. Honestly, the concept on its face is a bit foriegn to me because I was one of those people who worked full-time, sometimes with overtime, and carried a full undergrad schedule. It was alot, but I made it work and was pleased with the results. Initially, I thought I would buck the trend and get a little job anyway....but after talking to several law students, it became clear that being hard-headed probably wouldn't serve me well in this situation. "So, you mean to tell me that I'll have to rely solely on LOANS TO LIVE?!?!?!?" The thought still makes me shudder...just because it's not the way I've been used to living.

***

So, now I'm working on adjusting my spending habits. I anticipate doing things like clipping coupons, cooking more often (YIKES!), staying FAR away from malls and other shopping centers, and creating a budget that I can hopefully stick to. At this point, I look at it as a challenge. I always LOVE a good challenge!

My feelings are hurt (not law related)! RIP MJ

The world lost a legend today and I'm SAD about it!

***

I don't know about you, but I grew up with Micheal Jackson (circa Thriller). He's the only music artist who's poster graced my bedroom wall. I watched his videos and memorized dance steps. He's practically the key influence of most of the music artists out today. Of course, I don't know Micheal Jackson personally, nor did I ever have the pleasure of seeing him perform in concert, but I know that he was THE BEST and there hasn't been anyone who could even touch him in his ability to produce music that touched people across the globe.

***

I blog about this because I am a hard core music fan. I like good music- not this "pseudo-gansta, bling-bling, pop that booty" bull**it played on the radio today, but music that is timeless, memorable and keeps generation after generation grooving. I think the music industry has suffered a tremendous loss. As tragic as it is, Micheal passed away while preparing to get to the place that truly made him happy- being on stage and performing for his fans.

***

He will be missed.....

Anxiously Waiting

All this waiting is SOOooooo for the birds! On the other hand, I imagine that in a few months I'll be wishing that I had all sorts of idle time. In the meantime, I've managed to find a few things to distract myself while I await the beginning of my law school career. First, I am currently planning a birthday/going away party. This party is actually scheduled to take place this Saturday...and I am going semi-nuts trying to get everything situated. It's been a decent distraction, I must say, however, it has affirmed the fact that I DO NOT enjoy event planning and would never pursue it as a career.

***

Next, I will travel to Dallas to visit my friend, hopefully see my brother and favorite cousin, AND catch Mrs. Beyonce Carter in concert. This trip shall be deemed "The Last Hoorah!" as I have no clue if/when I will be able to travel for leisure once I begin the next phase in my life. I enjoy Dallas and would hope to someday make it my permanent home. As far as the concert, I told myself the next time Miss B was in concert, it was imperative that I be in attendance. I am a huge fan and as concerts go, it's certainly money well spent.

***

The following weekend, I will travel to Atlanta to attend the A.I.E. (Attitude is Essential) Seminar sponsored by CLEO. I am excited to meet other 0L's and hope to make connections with other minority law students. Plus, I'll be in the ATL! Last year, I ventured out a little bit and it was fun. I imagine this year will be the same! I'll let you know all about it!

***

Once I get home from Atlanta, it will be time to pack up, as I will have less than two weeks until I move to College Town. Can you tell that I'm sooo ready to go, already??!?!?!!

Class Schedule...CHECK!

Well, one more piece of the puzzle has revealed itself. I now know what my first semester 1L schedule looks like! YAY! I was placed in the section I requested (score!) and now I have some sort of idea of the time constrains I'll be dealing with my first semester. Overall, I am happy. I'll have time to study, workout, cook a decent dinner for my food-loving child and hopefully NOT fry my brain before finals arrive.

***

It is now 47 days until I relocate to College Town. Unlike some, I've given myself about three weeks to get acquainted with my new home. I'm sure I'll need to know the location of a bank, a grocery store, a Wal-mart (they have those in every town, right?), and whatever else might come to mind. I certainly don't want to feel rushed in this transition. I already have enough anxiety as it is.

***

I am currently reading "Getting to Maybe" and am finding that it has some really useful information regarding the nature of the law school exam and how one should go about analyzing hypotheticals presented. I can absolutely see why this book is mentioned so heavily on forums and various blog sites.

***

I'd like to thank everyone for the comments on the blog. I really appreciate that folks are at least a little interested in what's going on in my lil' ol' life. I especially appreciate those who share their experiences, because I think something can always be learned from the experiences of others. Keep it coming!

Law Preview

I first heard about Law Preview (www.lawpreview.com) while reading "Law School Confidential" (a book I would recommend to all 0L's and anyone who is considering attending law school). It's basically a mini law school boot-camp that provides an overview of the subjects taught in the first year of law school. It takes place over the course of six days and they have classes all summer at various law schools across the country. Now, like anything else that has to do with law school and law school prep, this course isn't cheap. However, some super sleuthing allowed me to come across a need-based scholarship that would cover most of the cost of the class. Aside from filing out the application and providing supporting documentation, the only requirement is that once you become an attorney, you "pay it forward" and provide legal assistance to three needy people, free of charge. How great is that?!?!

***

After reviewing the website, reading the testimonials, and even emailing one of the students that attended the course, I became convinced that it would be something that would definitely give me an edge. I feel as though I need all the help I can get and I want to have a certain level of confidence once the "games" begin. Not to mention, if you attend the course, you get discounts on your first semester books AND free study aids.

***

So a couple of months ago, I sent in my application for the scholarship and imagine my delight a couple of days ago, when I received an email saying that I was chosen for the scholarship! I'm sure it's going to be a hectic week, full of lots of work, but I'm really excited to attend and will definitely make the most of the information I receive.

***

I will definitely provide a play-by-play of the course. I think it will be interesting!

Twiddlin' my Thumbs

The waiting is EXCRUCIATING! I continue to count the days (64...argh!). I have most of the major details handled....and so I wait. I wait for my schedule, because I am highly interested in knowing which section I'll be assigned to. I've sort of decided in my head which section I want...and may even "ask" for that particular section, if it isn't selected for me. I know, it sounds ridiculous, but I am interested in being taught by a couple of professors that stood out to me on the couple of visits I made to my institution. I figure, I'm paying a ridiculous amount of money to be educated, so I should at least have the right to request a section. Besides, it's for a valid reason...I'm not trying to be paired up with a buddy or anything like that.

***

I wait to apply for my GRADplus loan because I still need to get my child care cost figured out. I have to submit additional paperwork and my distance from the school is posing a problem in that regard. The hope and plan is to have it all taken care of by Aug 1.

***

I wait to put in my letter of resignation from my current job. My boss is located in a completely different state than where I work, so I don't see this person on a regular basis, as a matter of fact, I've only seen this person once since beginning this job last year. The situation is really different than anything I've experienced in my working career, and getting someone to replace me won't be simple, for various reasons. That being the case, I will try to provide at least one month's notice.

***

Aside from waiting, I've been taking care of all the odds and ends. I actually had to get inoculated. Apparently, you must have at least two Measles/Mumps/Rubella shots on record in order to register for classes....well, Milla only had one on file. So- I had to face my fear of needles, twice over since the nurse was nice enough to recommend I also get a tetanus shot. My arm was sore for like three days...horrible!

***

I also took an opportunity to speak with some of my friends/ex-coworkers regarding their experience in law school. It was really just to pick their brains to see what they felt worked for them in law school as far as study habits, and how they were able to make the most of their experience. They know me, my work habits, and my abilities, and so their confidence in my ability to do well in law school was extremely encouraging.

***

64 days can't seem to pass quickly enough,

And so the waiting continues....