Hello incoming 1L’s!
My name is Roslyn and I am about to start 2L. I was in your position a year ago and I remember feeling like a nervous little kid before Orientation. I wondered if I was wearing the right shoes, if I would make friends, and if I would be smart enough to fit in. If you are having similar feelings, remember that lots of your classmates probably are too. Also, no one cares about your shoes, you will make friends, and if you made it here you ARE smart enough. Law school is daunting at first but one of the coolest things about 1L, as cheesy as it sounds, is that you’re all in it together. Spoiler alert: no one else knows what they’re doing either!
I’m still learning how to navigate law school but based on my experience in 1L I can offer some things to keep in mind for when you get here:
- It’s ok if you don’t know what an acronym stands for – During my first few weeks of law school I remember hearing a lot of acronyms: CAN, LSLAP, BCSC etc. Law students love abbreviating things but sometimes they forget that not everyone is in on the secret. Don’t worry, you will pick up on all the weird law school lingo and don’t be afraid to ask someone what something means!
- It’s ok if the Wine Appreciation Club is the only extracurricular you’re interested in – When you start law school you will hear about a plethora of initiatives and clubs, each one claiming to be the most fun or worthwhile. Some are focused on the law, some offer a sense of community and support, and others are just for fun. Don’t let what others are doing pressure you into overcommitting. Choose a level of involvement that will suit YOU! And yes, the Wine Appreciation Club is a real thing.
- It’s ok to say, “No thank you, next” when someone offers you advice. (If it’s not clear, this was my attempt at an Ariana Grande reference.) – One of the great things about Allard is that the students, staff, and faculty are all cheering you on and eager to help. Talking to upper year students was a great resource for me. They helped me figure out which extracurriculars I wanted to be involved in, gave me study tips, and pointed me to the best sandwiches on campus (The Delly btw). But the amount of advice thrown at you can be overwhelming. Sometimes I had to ground myself and remember that people give advice based on their own experiences and perspectives. You know yourself best.
Law school can be challenging but I am confident that each and every one of you will find your own unique path through it. Enjoy the rest of your summer and get ready for an amazing, interesting and life changing year. Can’t wait to meet you all!
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