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Ok @UCalgaryLaw 1Ls, tomorrow is your first day of law school, so here is some unsolicited advice:
#WeirdLexButOK
#WeirdLexButOK
1. Take every piece of advice with a grain of salt. Mine included.
2. Your classmates will soon become your co-workers and colleagues. The sooner you figure this out, the better. Go out of your way to meet as many people as possible, and be friendly with everyone you meet. Offer help when you can. Plant seeds now so you have connections later.
3. Be kind. Hoarding your brilliant outlines may help you get an A, but you'll be the only one to remember your grade. What people will remember is if you helped them to understand a complicated topic, or if you included them in your circle when they were feeling left out.
4. Be courageous. Law school is full of opportunities to do things that are really hard or really scary. Do something that scares you. Not only will you improve your skills and grow as a person, but you will surprise yourself with how well you tackled the challenge.
5. Learn to say no. You can't do EVERYTHING in law school (trust me, I tried). Not every opportunity will be of equal value to you. Figure out your goals, and then turn down the things that will not help you get there. Saying "no" now leaves room for a better "yes" later.
6. Get involved. Sign up for clubs ( https://buff.ly/2Zh6Ars ). Volunteer with @PBSCCalgary or @SLA_YYC. Get yourself a mentor ( @CWSLA2 @CBAAlberta & FACL have mentorship programs). Go to events ( @RunnymedeSoc @ACLRC @AwlCalgary are my fave). Make connections & learn something new.
7. Check out https://www.goggles4u.com/ for awesome deals when your optometrist prescribes you progressive lenses. I'm not joking.
8. Take care of yourself, mental health included. If you find yourself in a crisis, call 1‑877‑498‑6898. @LawyersAssist offers free counselling for law students. Take them up on it! If you're just looking to connect, they also have "red mug" meetings and Zoom yoga.
9. As much as we like to joke about it, being a law student is not an identity. Stay connected to people outside of law school. Keep up with your hobbies. Keep going to the gym. Learn a new skill unrelated to the law.
10. Finally, remember that you are so meant to be here. Everyone feels inadequate at some point, but that's just imposter syndrome talking. You are deserving. Be confident that you are in the right place. You're going to do great.
