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.
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.
May 2025
I can’t believe I’m even writing this, but my 1L year is almost over. I’m right in the middle of finals prep right now, so it’s not completely behind me yet, but the finish line is finally in sight. It’s such a weird feeling, the days have been insanely long (especially these past few weeks), but somehow the whole year went by so fast.
Thinking back to where I started, it’s crazy how much has changed. The first few months were honestly rough. New city, new people, new way of thinking, it felt overwhelming in every possible way. I spent a lot of time doubting myself, feeling like everyone else had it figured out except me. But little by little, I found my groove. I figured out what study methods worked for me, how to stay relatively sane under pressure, and how to remind myself that I belong here. Once that clicked, everything felt so much more manageable.
Looking back, there are a couple of moments that really stand out. Being elected as my section’s representative for the Student Bar Association was definitely one of the highlights of my year. It gave me a way to feel connected, like I was actually contributing to our community and not just surviving law school. I got to advocate for my classmates, plan events, and just be part of something bigger than myself, and that meant a lot. Another huge highlight was competing in the 1L Mock Trial competition. It was terrifying at first but stepping into a courtroom (even a mock one) and actually advocating made me remember why I wanted to come to law school in the first place. It was one of those moments that made all the late nights and endless reading worth it.
Right now, I’m just trying to push through these last couple of finals. It feels like I’m running the last mile of a marathon, exhausted but so close to the end that it keeps me going. I’m definitely looking forward to a break from classes and casebooks, and I’m even more excited to start my summer job at the Western District Court. It’ll be a different kind of challenge, but after surviving 1L, I feel like I can take on anything.
This year tested me in ways I never expected, but it also showed me how much I’m capable of. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and honestly, I’m just excited for whatever’s next.
Summer 2025
It’s wild to think that I’m already starting my 2L year. This time last year, I was still figuring out how to survive as a law student, and now I’m the person who people look to for advice. The summer went by in a flash, but it was easily one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I externed at the Western District Court of Washington, and it’s hard to put into words how impactful it was. Every single day, I learned something new, whether it was watching hearings, researching for judges, or just talking to clerks about their paths. It was one of those experiences that you walk away from knowing you’ve changed. I honestly recommend it to everyone, because it gave me clarity and confidence about what I want to do. It completely solidified my interest in litigation. Being in the courtroom, seeing the process unfold, and knowing I want to be a part of it one day was an incredible feeling.
Now, back to reality, I am now a 2L. The start of this year has been rough. Going from the more structured, slower pace of summer to the chaos of being a full-time student again has been a shock to my system. On top of that, I’ve taken on more responsibilities and leadership positions, which has been rewarding but also a lot to juggle. Some days, it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. I’m still trying to find that balance between classes, extracurriculars, and just having time for myself.
However, I’ve been through this before. 1L was proof that I can handle more than I think. That year taught me resilience, how to manage my time, how to advocate for myself, and how to lean on others when I need support. Those lessons didn’t disappear just because things feel heavy now. I know I can use the skills I built last year to make this year not only manageable, but fulfilling.
One thing that’s surprised me (in the best way) has been the new 1Ls. Watching them walk around the halls with that same mix of nerves and excitement that I had last year makes me smile. It’s crazy to see how far I’ve come in just a year. What’s been even more meaningful is that a few of them have actually come to me for advice or just to talk things through. It makes me genuinely happy to be a resource for them, because I remember how much I relied on others to help me navigate law school when I was in their shoes. My goal this year isn’t just to keep moving forward in my own journey, but to be there for them too. If I can make their 1L year even a little bit easier or less overwhelming, then that’s a win.
So, while 2L is already proving to be a challenge, I know that I’m capable of meeting it head-on. This year is about growth, leadership, and giving back, and even if it feels like a lot right now, I know it’s shaping me into the lawyer I want to become.
October 2025
It’s been a few weeks since the semester started, and things are finally starting to feel a little more balanced. The chaos of the first few weeks of 2L has started to settle down, and I’m learning how to manage my schoolwork alongside my new leadership responsibilities. It definitely hasn’t been easy, between meetings, assignments, and events, my schedule feels like a puzzle I’m constantly rearranging, but I’m getting better at it. I’ve realized that being busy doesn’t have to mean being overwhelmed. As long as I stay organized and remember to take things one day at a time, I can handle it.
One of the biggest highlights of the semester so far has been competing in the Motions Competition. Last year, I was a bailiff for the same competition, and I remember sitting there watching the competitors argue their motions so confidently. I was so impressed by them that I actually cried afterward because I truly thought I would never be able to do what they did. English isn’t my first language, and back then, the idea of standing up and arguing in front of judges felt impossible. But this year, I decided to push myself out of that fear and compete, and I’m so glad I did. I made it all the way to the semifinals! It was such a validating experience, not just because of how far I went, but because I proved to myself that I could do it and that the only obstacle was my fear.
Now that the competition is over, I’m giving myself some space to breathe and enjoy the fun parts of the semester. Halloween is coming up, and I’m actually really looking forward to it. It’s nice to have little things to be excited about outside of school and work. Next month, I’ll be competing again, this time in the 2L/3L Mock Trial competition. I can’t wait to get back into the courtroom setting and keep improving my advocacy skills.
Even though this year started off a little rough, I can honestly say it’s getting better every week. I’m learning, growing, and finding my rhythm again. It feels good to look back and see how far I’ve come, from crying after a competition as a 1L bailiff to standing at the podium as a semifinalist.
December 2025
My fall semester of 2L year is almost over, and honestly, I can’t believe how fast it went by. It feels like just yesterday I was trying to adjust to being back in full “school mode” after the summer, and now here I am, wrapping up another semester. Everyone always says that time flies in law school, but this semester really proved it. The days have been long, the workload has been heavy, and yet somehow it all passed in a blur.
One of the biggest highlights of this semester was the 2L/3L Mock Trial competition. It went really well, my partner and I worked incredibly hard, and we made it all the way to semifinals! It was such a rewarding experience to see how much I’ve grown as an advocate since 1L. Standing in that courtroom, questioning witnesses, responding to objections, and delivering arguments, I felt confident and prepared in a way I never could have imagined a year ago. It reminded me exactly why I love litigation and why all the stress and long hours are worth it.
Now I’m in the middle of finals season, and things are definitely hectic. It’s that time of year when the library feels like a second home for everyone. But even though it’s busy and exhausting, I’m trying to stay grateful. Grateful that I’m halfway through law school, grateful for the growth I’ve seen in myself, and grateful for the friends who have made this journey so much better.
It’s wild to think that I’m already halfway through law school. This semester wasn’t easy, but it was full of moments that reminded me why I’m here. I’ve learned so much, not just about the law, but about who I am and how I want to show up in this profession.
