Breathe, Relax, and Reset
Breathe
When you first get accepted into law school, you’re excited, filled with joy, and ready to conquer the world. Breathe. The summer before your 1L year is your last chance to live life on the edge. The subsequent summers will be spent interning at various firms or governmental agencies and studying for the Bar Exam. So please, use that time to enjoy your hobbies! Refrain from frantically purchasing textbooks and reading weeks in advance or watching YouTube videos on “how to prepare for cold calls.” You will be cold-called eventually. The key is to focus on understanding the material, not mastering cold calls. The ability to correctly answer a cold call in contracts does not correlate to one’s ability to write an essay in IRAC, CREAC, or CRAC form on the exam.
Relax
It is important to find a healthy balance between self-care and studying. Relax. Oftentimes, you may feel guilty for taking a day off, but don’t! It is better to study well-rested than burnt out. Orientation week will be a blur, so do not stress! If you are unfamiliar with the IRAC/CREAC method, ask questions prior to the entrance exam. Do not be shy because this is a graduation requirement. August through September will fly by, and Legal Methods may seem time-consuming (and it is), but for good reasons. What is prepared during Legal Method I is used as a writing requirement for internships.
Reset
In between Legal Methods assignments, remember to breathe, relax, and reset. If taking a day off seems too far-fetched, reward yourself with your favorite “must-haves.” Whether it be a sweet treat, clothes, or a pair of shoes, remember—rewarding yourself is also a form of self-care. No matter what comes your way, don’t forget your why. Stay the course. When times get hard, remind yourself that law school is just a piece of the puzzle to making your dreams become a reality!