Friday, September 08, 2006
Thursday, September 07, 2006
My Progress Report
A lot of people have asked me what law school is like and what my favorite classes are. Well I have just finished week three of law school and I feel that enough time has elapsed to make a pretty fair assessment of my time here. The one big lesson that was reinforced in my mind was something that we learned a long time ago: never judge a book from its cover. If you asked me to predict what my classes and the people would be like 3 weeks ago, this would have been very different. But here's my report card thus far, proving that not all law schools are Hell on earth (my friend still at UCLA asked me if it was like that).
Civil Procedure: A
I originally thought that my professor was a little intimidating and really dry but it's been quite the opposite. He's actually has that subtle/fatherly cute humor, only made better by the fact that he matches his ties to the cases we discuss (for example, he wore a tie with little helicopters when we were discussing a wrongful death helicopter accident). I've learned that I really gravitate towards classes with structure and that's what I get in civil procedure, in terms of the content of the class and how my professor teaches it. Finally, we do a lot of hypotheticals and even had a moot court to help us apply and understand the material.
Torts: A-
We're going slow now, which admittedly makes me nervous because I heard that means we go at hyperspeed at the end to catch up. And sometimes it's frustrating because there are a lot of tangents because since in the class has to throw out their own hypothetical, but overall the class is fun. I like the fact that we discuss current events at the beginning of class so we can see how the law is present all around us. Torts is also considered the "sexy" subject in law school, if you could ever believe there is such thing as a sexy subject. The reading is actually fun because the cases are all like mini stories, and you learn what outrageous things people try to get away with and/or sue for. Think McDonalds coffee cup.
Contracts: C
I thought this class was going to be fun because the professor seemed fun and interesting but I cannot for the life of me focus in that class. It's already bad enough that this is the second out of my back to back in the same room. It's already bad enough that it's from 3-5pm, when I completely lose focus. But my professor cannot convey a linear thought and it makes it worse. I may have given this a lower grade, but I know she's trying to help us understand with lots of review and I think I'm somewhat getting it. In the end though, I find contracts very boring subject.
Legal Writing & Rhetoric: B+
It's interesting that a class that spoondfeeds us information like high schoolers expects us to produce perfect, professional work. While the grammar lessons give me bad flashbacks of 9th grade English, teaching us practical skills like how to write a memo seems very practical for our careers. Like Civil Procedure, I like the fact that we get to do simulations in class to help us learn important skills. Right now we have to write a memo for our mock client, a divorcee trying to get out of child support to go to the Peace Corps. It's also nice that our class only has 20 people, so I've gotten to know people in my section a lot better.
Extracurriculars: n/a
As hard as it is for me to walk past the Law School Dems, I've resisted the temptation to join any groups for at least my first semester. It's wonderful how much time it clears up in my schedule! I'll reassess next semester and most likely join a few things for the social/networking/career developement purposes. But for now, I'll be one of those non-active people who I didn't "get" in undergrad.
The People: A
Again with that prejudging thing: the guy I thought was Republican posterchild (not that there's anything wrong with that) turns out to be an environmentalist. The girl I thought was ditzy turns out to be really smart. The guy I thought was obnoixious did though, turn out to be obnoixious. Whether my predictions about people were wrong or right, I am overall pleased with my company here. On the whole, my peers aren't the snooty future lawyers that are portrayed in Legally Blonde. I've met a lot of very nice, very smart people. And they like Law & Order too!
A lot of people have asked me what law school is like and what my favorite classes are. Well I have just finished week three of law school and I feel that enough time has elapsed to make a pretty fair assessment of my time here. The one big lesson that was reinforced in my mind was something that we learned a long time ago: never judge a book from its cover. If you asked me to predict what my classes and the people would be like 3 weeks ago, this would have been very different. But here's my report card thus far, proving that not all law schools are Hell on earth (my friend still at UCLA asked me if it was like that).
Civil Procedure: A
I originally thought that my professor was a little intimidating and really dry but it's been quite the opposite. He's actually has that subtle/fatherly cute humor, only made better by the fact that he matches his ties to the cases we discuss (for example, he wore a tie with little helicopters when we were discussing a wrongful death helicopter accident). I've learned that I really gravitate towards classes with structure and that's what I get in civil procedure, in terms of the content of the class and how my professor teaches it. Finally, we do a lot of hypotheticals and even had a moot court to help us apply and understand the material.
Torts: A-
We're going slow now, which admittedly makes me nervous because I heard that means we go at hyperspeed at the end to catch up. And sometimes it's frustrating because there are a lot of tangents because since in the class has to throw out their own hypothetical, but overall the class is fun. I like the fact that we discuss current events at the beginning of class so we can see how the law is present all around us. Torts is also considered the "sexy" subject in law school, if you could ever believe there is such thing as a sexy subject. The reading is actually fun because the cases are all like mini stories, and you learn what outrageous things people try to get away with and/or sue for. Think McDonalds coffee cup.
Contracts: C
I thought this class was going to be fun because the professor seemed fun and interesting but I cannot for the life of me focus in that class. It's already bad enough that this is the second out of my back to back in the same room. It's already bad enough that it's from 3-5pm, when I completely lose focus. But my professor cannot convey a linear thought and it makes it worse. I may have given this a lower grade, but I know she's trying to help us understand with lots of review and I think I'm somewhat getting it. In the end though, I find contracts very boring subject.
Legal Writing & Rhetoric: B+
It's interesting that a class that spoondfeeds us information like high schoolers expects us to produce perfect, professional work. While the grammar lessons give me bad flashbacks of 9th grade English, teaching us practical skills like how to write a memo seems very practical for our careers. Like Civil Procedure, I like the fact that we get to do simulations in class to help us learn important skills. Right now we have to write a memo for our mock client, a divorcee trying to get out of child support to go to the Peace Corps. It's also nice that our class only has 20 people, so I've gotten to know people in my section a lot better.
Extracurriculars: n/a
As hard as it is for me to walk past the Law School Dems, I've resisted the temptation to join any groups for at least my first semester. It's wonderful how much time it clears up in my schedule! I'll reassess next semester and most likely join a few things for the social/networking/career developement purposes. But for now, I'll be one of those non-active people who I didn't "get" in undergrad.
The People: A
Again with that prejudging thing: the guy I thought was Republican posterchild (not that there's anything wrong with that) turns out to be an environmentalist. The girl I thought was ditzy turns out to be really smart. The guy I thought was obnoixious did though, turn out to be obnoixious. Whether my predictions about people were wrong or right, I am overall pleased with my company here. On the whole, my peers aren't the snooty future lawyers that are portrayed in Legally Blonde. I've met a lot of very nice, very smart people. And they like Law & Order too!
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
A Facebook Revolution and Revelation
Today there was definitely a buzz; the thing everyone was talking about. All roads of conversation led to the drastic change on facebook. With the addition of the "news feed," everyone can see everything that someone has done on the website. I found out that two of my friends from my first year of college broke up at 4am. I found out that one of my friends quit 2 of his facebook groups. And I found out what it feels like to be monitored. Sure, facebook had all of this information before but it wasn't publicly broadcasted out to everyone else.
So I became one of those outraged facebook users today. Like everyone else, I changed my status to show my displeasure with the networking tool. I joined "Students against Facebook News Feed (Official Petition to Facebook)", what I think is the fastest growing group in the history of facebook with 78,000 members and couting since this morning. I even sent the company emails telling them to change it back. It's an online revolution!
Then, as I watched the group grow larger and larger, it dawned on me: what if people cared as much about the world as they did about facebook. Whereas previous generations channeled their passion and fervor against Vietnam or for Civil Rights, ours is against changes on a website. While I do hold indivduals, including myself, largely responsible for this sad fact, I think it is also a reflection of our political system.
I am a firm believer that the government is capable of positive work and changes. But I think I've also come to realize that it does not do a good job of making people believe that thanks to the media focus on the corruption, bickering, standstills, and caliber of many of our elected officials. Why have people mobilized to change the settings on facebook? Because we think Mark Zuckerberg is accessible (isn't it odd how we know the name of the creator), that he and others at facebook will listen and care, that our emails will actually lead to change, that we can actually do something.
If my generation is ever going to reconnect with any type of action, political or just general causes, someone has to show them that caring about the world around them is applicable to their daily life and that someone will listen. Someone to help restore people's faith that they can make a difference somewhere. I'm starting to feel like that someone should be me and you, I'm just not sure how to do it well yet.
Today there was definitely a buzz; the thing everyone was talking about. All roads of conversation led to the drastic change on facebook. With the addition of the "news feed," everyone can see everything that someone has done on the website. I found out that two of my friends from my first year of college broke up at 4am. I found out that one of my friends quit 2 of his facebook groups. And I found out what it feels like to be monitored. Sure, facebook had all of this information before but it wasn't publicly broadcasted out to everyone else.
So I became one of those outraged facebook users today. Like everyone else, I changed my status to show my displeasure with the networking tool. I joined "Students against Facebook News Feed (Official Petition to Facebook)", what I think is the fastest growing group in the history of facebook with 78,000 members and couting since this morning. I even sent the company emails telling them to change it back. It's an online revolution!
Then, as I watched the group grow larger and larger, it dawned on me: what if people cared as much about the world as they did about facebook. Whereas previous generations channeled their passion and fervor against Vietnam or for Civil Rights, ours is against changes on a website. While I do hold indivduals, including myself, largely responsible for this sad fact, I think it is also a reflection of our political system.
I am a firm believer that the government is capable of positive work and changes. But I think I've also come to realize that it does not do a good job of making people believe that thanks to the media focus on the corruption, bickering, standstills, and caliber of many of our elected officials. Why have people mobilized to change the settings on facebook? Because we think Mark Zuckerberg is accessible (isn't it odd how we know the name of the creator), that he and others at facebook will listen and care, that our emails will actually lead to change, that we can actually do something.
If my generation is ever going to reconnect with any type of action, political or just general causes, someone has to show them that caring about the world around them is applicable to their daily life and that someone will listen. Someone to help restore people's faith that they can make a difference somewhere. I'm starting to feel like that someone should be me and you, I'm just not sure how to do it well yet.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
A Happy Gloomy Day
So I was worried that I might be afflicted with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) because I'm a California girl who loves the sun, but that was definitely not the case today. In fact, I feel like I'm bordering on becoming one of those sickishly happy people that others love to hate. It seems almost unnatural to be in rainy weather, in law school, and be this cheery. Here's why today was the best rainy day ever:
-I love wearing my khaki trenchcoat and carrying my laptop case. I feel very East Coast lawyer.
-The Commons meeting that I thought would be a big waste of time turned out to be a lot of fun. First, we got a catered lunch (thank you private school tuition). But more importantly, our section just got to chat with our professors about everything including their favorite football teams. They were hilarious and made tons of jokes, especially against each other. As one of my classmates said, "they're all so cool, I want to go out and drink with all of them!"
-Civil Procedure was super fun because we had a moot court today with lawyers, a judge, and a clerk to help us review personal jurisdiction. I love our school because it's a very practical school where we do a lot of role playing and hands on work and that really helps me learn. An added bonus of the moot court was the fact that we didn't have reading and we got out 20 minutes early. The girl behind me proclaimed, "it's like Christmas!" My thoughts exactly.
-When I came back to my apartment building, I got a surprise piece of mail from Alex. It was the most random and cute drawing of dinosaurs. Even more exciting is that I get to see him in 3 days!
-I have a pot of tasty homemade chili that has been cooking all day in my crockpot waiting for me and Chandana.
Maybe not all rainy days will be this great but as the dining hall worker said to all of us in the elevator, "Smile everyone, it's the only thing that can brighten this gloomy day!"
So I was worried that I might be afflicted with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) because I'm a California girl who loves the sun, but that was definitely not the case today. In fact, I feel like I'm bordering on becoming one of those sickishly happy people that others love to hate. It seems almost unnatural to be in rainy weather, in law school, and be this cheery. Here's why today was the best rainy day ever:
-I love wearing my khaki trenchcoat and carrying my laptop case. I feel very East Coast lawyer.
-The Commons meeting that I thought would be a big waste of time turned out to be a lot of fun. First, we got a catered lunch (thank you private school tuition). But more importantly, our section just got to chat with our professors about everything including their favorite football teams. They were hilarious and made tons of jokes, especially against each other. As one of my classmates said, "they're all so cool, I want to go out and drink with all of them!"
-Civil Procedure was super fun because we had a moot court today with lawyers, a judge, and a clerk to help us review personal jurisdiction. I love our school because it's a very practical school where we do a lot of role playing and hands on work and that really helps me learn. An added bonus of the moot court was the fact that we didn't have reading and we got out 20 minutes early. The girl behind me proclaimed, "it's like Christmas!" My thoughts exactly.
-When I came back to my apartment building, I got a surprise piece of mail from Alex. It was the most random and cute drawing of dinosaurs. Even more exciting is that I get to see him in 3 days!
-I have a pot of tasty homemade chili that has been cooking all day in my crockpot waiting for me and Chandana.
Maybe not all rainy days will be this great but as the dining hall worker said to all of us in the elevator, "Smile everyone, it's the only thing that can brighten this gloomy day!"
Monday, September 04, 2006
The Great Outdoors
Today I learned how great the outdoors are, even in a city. Ever since I've moved to DC, I haven't been outside a lot. American University Law School is all contained in one building, unlike UCLA where simply going from class to class constitutes a long lovely stroll in the California sun. Nowadays, the most sun I get is waiting at the bus stop to go to school. Most of my time is spent in a classroom, at the library, in my apartment reading all night, or at the fitness room (where I just go straight down the elevator and never have to see natural light). Even going "out" at night is still indoors.
So today was therepeutic. Sick of our books, Chandana and I decided to hop onto the metro for this Labor Day. We originally intended to go shopping downtown but ended up just walking around the city. Even though we've both seen the monuments dozens of times, it was just nice to walk through the city on a rare non-humid day and enjoy the perfect weather. I mean, how lucky am I to be so close to all these larger than life monuments and hundreds of historical and powerful buildings. How many people get to turn the corner and see the White House?
So while the man-made monuments may have been the focal point of the scenery, they were indeed set against huge grass lawns and tree-lined streets. I can't wait to see all the leaves on those trees change color. Just another incentive for me to take more time to see what's outside.
PS: Rest in peace Steve Irwin, better known to most as the Crocodile Hunter.
Today I learned how great the outdoors are, even in a city. Ever since I've moved to DC, I haven't been outside a lot. American University Law School is all contained in one building, unlike UCLA where simply going from class to class constitutes a long lovely stroll in the California sun. Nowadays, the most sun I get is waiting at the bus stop to go to school. Most of my time is spent in a classroom, at the library, in my apartment reading all night, or at the fitness room (where I just go straight down the elevator and never have to see natural light). Even going "out" at night is still indoors.
So today was therepeutic. Sick of our books, Chandana and I decided to hop onto the metro for this Labor Day. We originally intended to go shopping downtown but ended up just walking around the city. Even though we've both seen the monuments dozens of times, it was just nice to walk through the city on a rare non-humid day and enjoy the perfect weather. I mean, how lucky am I to be so close to all these larger than life monuments and hundreds of historical and powerful buildings. How many people get to turn the corner and see the White House?
So while the man-made monuments may have been the focal point of the scenery, they were indeed set against huge grass lawns and tree-lined streets. I can't wait to see all the leaves on those trees change color. Just another incentive for me to take more time to see what's outside.
PS: Rest in peace Steve Irwin, better known to most as the Crocodile Hunter.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Political Snobbery
The "Election Section," as I like to call it, is the newest feature on facebook. Being the political junkie that I am, I was really excited about it and picked out the candidates that I'm supporting for the 2006 election. Even though she'll easily win re-election, I added Dianne Feinstein to the list and I was surprised to see what someone wrote on the message board of her support group:
Facebook does a good job of showcasing people's stupidity. But I have to remind myself that I can't get too mad at people for making a mistake like that. I easily get annoyed when people don't get political facts correct. Yet, I need to remind myself that 1.) I studied political science for 4 years 2.) I acquired a lot of lot knowledge from hands on experience and 3.) I am FAR from knowing everything about politics.
I should also be less of a political snob because there are plenty of important topics out there that I know very little to nothing about. No one really has the time or capacity to know everything about everything so I should be more understanding.
I also need to recognize there is a difference between not knowing some political facts with being an ignorant person. I'm not going to list all of the absolutely absurd political groups on facebook that I found but I think any person from any ideology can pick them out pretty easily. I try to be very open minded to at least understanding different sides of an issue but there are some things that cross the line into downright prejudiced and hateful.
PS: I facebooked the guy high school kid (yeah, why did facebook let high schoolers on?) and politely told him that he was confusing the chambers of Congress. Maybe he wasn't lucky enough to have a government teacher like mine.
The "Election Section," as I like to call it, is the newest feature on facebook. Being the political junkie that I am, I was really excited about it and picked out the candidates that I'm supporting for the 2006 election. Even though she'll easily win re-election, I added Dianne Feinstein to the list and I was surprised to see what someone wrote on the message board of her support group:
"The only thing scarier than President Kerry is Speaker Feinstein."When I saw that, the first thing I thought was, "There's no speaker in the Senate, idiot." The second thought was wondering why a high schooler from North Carolina would join a California Senator's group just to make a random insult.
Facebook does a good job of showcasing people's stupidity. But I have to remind myself that I can't get too mad at people for making a mistake like that. I easily get annoyed when people don't get political facts correct. Yet, I need to remind myself that 1.) I studied political science for 4 years 2.) I acquired a lot of lot knowledge from hands on experience and 3.) I am FAR from knowing everything about politics.
I should also be less of a political snob because there are plenty of important topics out there that I know very little to nothing about. No one really has the time or capacity to know everything about everything so I should be more understanding.
I also need to recognize there is a difference between not knowing some political facts with being an ignorant person. I'm not going to list all of the absolutely absurd political groups on facebook that I found but I think any person from any ideology can pick them out pretty easily. I try to be very open minded to at least understanding different sides of an issue but there are some things that cross the line into downright prejudiced and hateful.
PS: I facebooked the guy high school kid (yeah, why did facebook let high schoolers on?) and politely told him that he was confusing the chambers of Congress. Maybe he wasn't lucky enough to have a government teacher like mine.
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