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Tribal Hunting Student Files |
By Adrian Ingram
You never knew your jaw could drop so close to the floor, but your first experience viewing a grade posting at the wailing wall added new meaning to the word “stunned.” You immediately start thinking to yourself, “What the H---?!” You had worked so hard in that class. You went to class every day and you took great notes. You made a great outline and, most of all, you studied hard for that exam. But when you saw that B- or C+, you felt like you didn’t belong in law school.
Unfortunately, as a first year, you still have hope that the next posting will be better. But the odds are that, once it gets posted, you’ll be disappointed again, and so will the majority of your class. Thoughts of failure start racing through your head.
WELCOME TO LAW SCHOOL. NOW SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP! You’re not in Kansas anymore.
So, now what? Well, you could just drop out and clear a spot in the class rankings. But after a few weeks of getting used to your grade, you start enjoying your classes again, and you inevitably start thinking about getting a job this summer.
The truth is, employers look at things other than grades in your application. Some employers don’t even look at grades. And if they do request grades, they will more than likely also request a resume, a writing sample, and letters of recommendation or references. So, not only is it important to show your interest in things other than grades, it is essential!
On top of every application is a cover letter. Without any legal experience under your belt, you’re going to have to show the employer what you are interested in and what you have accomplished in that interest. This is where your fellow students come into the picture.
There are numerous student organizations on campus that work hard to keep our lives enjoyable while we are not in class or studying. Whatever you enjoy doing, there is probably a student group for it. (No, SBA does not stand for Student Beer Association.) Getting involved in a student organization will not only make the organization better, it will help you make contacts, give you an opportunity to work with faculty outside the classroom, and lead to a great point in a cover letter or lend a nice balance to a resume. Who knows—maybe your future employer was also a member of the student group you belong to!
Whatever it is that drives you to keep plugging through law school may be fulfilled in a student group. Okay, so money-hungry people may not find fulfillment. But most people will find participation fulfilling. Somewhere out there is a student organization that will help you find happiness in law school!