October 2024
I can’t believe I am halfway through my first semester in law school. It feels like just yesterday I was figuring out where my classes were and what a case brief even was. Now, I’m in the thick of it, and I’m amazed at how fast things are moving. Looking back, the adjustment was definitely tough. The workload and expectations are unlike anything I’ve experienced before, and for a while, it felt overwhelming trying to balance everything. But as the weeks have passed, I’ve started to find my rhythm.
The learning curve has been steep, but I can already see growth in myself—not just in my understanding of the law but also in my ability to manage stress and prioritize my time. I still have a long way to go, but it’s reassuring to see progress. I am also prioritizing giving myself time to be a person and still do things I enjoy. What really keeps me going is the excitement for what’s ahead. Despite the challenges, law school is making me more curious about the legal system, and the more I learn, the more it motivates me for the future.
Coming to a school in the US and missing my home back in Mexico made me anxious about not finding a safe space in law school. However, the community I have found at Seattle U Law has made the transition and overall journey easier and enjoyable. I have found amazing friends in my class and extremely kind 2Ls and 3Ls who are so willing to help and guide us. So far, I have joined the Student Bar Association as my section’s representative, the Latinx Law School Association, and the Family Law Society. This semester has been a whirlwind, but I feel like I’m settling into the journey, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the semester and beyond will bring.
December 2024
As my first semester of law school comes to an end, I find myself deep in preparation for finals. There’s definitely fear and anxiety, but underneath that, there’s also a sense of accomplishment and pride. It’s hard to believe how much I’ve learned in just a few months. The concepts that felt completely overwhelming at the start now feel familiar, even if they’re still challenging. It’s rewarding to look back and realize just how far I’ve come, both academically and personally. My contracts professor told us during our last class that when we came in, this was a foreign language and now we are fluent.
The journey hasn’t been easy. Law school is everything people say it is: very intense, demanding, and full of moments that push you to your limits. But through it all, I’ve grown so much. I’m beginning to develop not just the skills of a law student but also the resilience and confidence that will carry me through the rest of this journey. Finals are still scary, but they’re also an opportunity to prove to myself just how much I’ve absorbed and to celebrate the progress I’ve made.
One of the most meaningful parts of this semester has been the people I’ve met along the way. I’ve found amazing friendships and communities that have made such a difference in this experience. These relationships make the tough moments more manageable and the successes more meaningful. They’ve turned what could have been a lonely semester into one filled with connection and support.
As I approach the end of this first chapter, I’m focused on finishing strong. Finals are a hurdle, but they’re also a reminder of what I’ve accomplished so far. I’m excited for the break ahead, proud of everything I’ve achieved, and looking forward to what’s to come in this journey.
February 2025
Now that I’m in my second semester of law school, I’ve had the chance to reflect on how far I’ve come since the first semester. The adjustment is definitely still a work in progress, but there’s a noticeable difference in how I’m approaching everything. The classes are still challenging—probably more than I anticipated—but what feels different now is that I have a clearer understanding of myself and what study methods work for me. The first semester was all about figuring out the best way to study, managing time effectively, and balancing the weight of it all. I struggled at times, but those struggles taught me valuable lessons. This semester, I’m more organized, more intentional with my time, and a little bit more confident in my abilities.
It feels like I’m starting to hit my stride, even if there are still tough days. I’ve learned to be kinder to myself when things don’t go as planned, and I’ve realized that it’s okay to ask for help when I need it. Knowing what works for me—whether it’s creating detailed outlines, practicing with study groups, or taking breaks at certain intervals—has made the workload more manageable and less overwhelming. It’s still a challenge, but one that I feel better equipped to handle now.
Another exciting part of this semester is preparing for my first mock trial competition. This is something that’s been on my radar since I started law school, and now that it’s becoming a reality, I’m both excited and nervous. I’ve never done something quite like this before, and it’s pushing me to step out of my comfort zone in ways that I didn’t expect. What makes this even more special is that I’m doing it alongside a friend I met during Spring Visit Day. We’ve been practicing together, and I can already tell that working with someone who shares the same passion and dedication makes all the difference. We’re both learning so much through this experience, and it’s been an incredible bonding opportunity.
Even though law school hasn’t necessarily gotten easier, it feels like I’m starting to find my rhythm. I’ve gained more confidence in my academic abilities, and I’m learning more about myself every day—not just as a student, but as a future attorney. I know there will still be tough moments, but I’m looking forward to continuing this journey and seeing just how much more I’ll grow before the semester is over. There’s so much to be excited about, and I’m ready to take it all on.
