The marathon has begun...

So after two days of orientation the one thing I know for sure is that this will be a long process. I’m excited though. I have met a great group of people and I think this will be a wonderful experience. I’m taking two classes this semester and the group that I have, it seems like we will work well together. Before orientation we had to complete a Birkman assessment and it is used to place us in group, teach us about our strengths and weaknesses and how to deal with the behaviors that drive them. I think this will play a big role in my professional and academic careers. I recommend taking one.

The first day of orientation was pretty standard, group and individual photos, meet and greet sessions, talking to financial aid, getting a first look at classes with our professors. It was a long day and was tired when it was over, but it was usual. The second day however, was a surprise. I do not like being in “nature” and we had to be at the school at 7am to go to the north Georgia mountains to do a ropes course. I have to admit it was awesome. We had a really good time and worked well as a team to accomplish some of the tasks. I guess that is kinda how this whole process will be, me stepping outside my comfort zone and doing things I’m not used to.

The "big day" is finally here

I'm exhausted, I went out last night and it was a blast. It will probably be the last time I got out for a while, but it was worth it! That being said, it has been a year in the making but I will finally be starting school tomorrow. I guess what they say is true, you sometimes forget the pain once it has left you. I don't even remember all of the work that went into the test, interviews, applications, etc. I'm just happy to have that part of the gschool process behind me and ready to start, ready for another set of challenges. This is what I have been waiting for. Wish me luck at orientation tomorrow and check back as I'm sure I will have lots to say about my first day :)

The Test: The LSAT

To all of my future lawyers, some changes have taken place at the test centers where you will be taking your beloved entrance exam. The changes were implemented this past June. Below are the highlights (as printed on the official LSAT website):

• Items permitted in the test room. Tests takers may bring into the room only a clear plastic ziplock bag, maximum size one gallon (3.79 liter), which must be stored under the chair and may be accessed only during the break. The ziplock bag may contain only the following items: LSAT Admission Ticket stub; valid ID; wallet; keys; hygiene products; #2 or HB pencils, highlighter, erasers, pencil sharpener (no mechanical pencils); tissues; beverage in plastic container or juice box (20 oz./591 ml maximum size) and snack for break only.

• Items permitted on the desktop. Test takers may only have tissues, ID, pencils, erasers, pencil sharpener, highlighter, and analog (nondigital) wristwatch. No electronic timing devices are permitted. This is a change from previous testing years.

• Prohibited items. Candidates are not permitted to bring into the test center the following items: weapons or firearms, ear plugs, books, backpacks, handbags, papers of any kind, calculators, rulers, timers, listening devices, cellular phones, recording or photographic devices, pagers, beepers, headsets, and/or other electronic devices. Bringing prohibited items into the test room may result in the confiscation of such items by the test supervisor, a warning, dismissal from the test center, and/or cancellation of a test score by LSAC. Prohibited items may not be used during the break. LSAC and LSAT testing staff are not responsible for test takers’ belongings.

The complete list of test center changes can be found here. In addition to the test center changes, which are important to note, because we don’t want you kicked out for rules violations, some changes have also occurred to the reading comprehension and writing sections of the test. It’s a long test, but make sure you are familiar with all the changes, rules and regulations for the LSAT. I want you all to do well! So check out the site and make sure you are in the know. :)

Two more days...

The case study is complete! Tonight is the last night of partying for a while... so let the fun times begin. I have to admit now that school starts for me in a mere two days, I’m nervous. I can’t believe I have actually signed myself up for school and plan to obtain this degree while working. I guess millions do it everyday and its not like I have kids to care for, but the reality that I will now have to study again is scaring me. But I know it will be done and two years from now when I get this degree I won’t even remember this night. For now, I’ll admit the nervousness has set in, but this semester is paid for the books are purchased and I’m ready, at this point I don’t really have a choice.

The Case Study

Today's post will be short. I'm tired and I still have this case study I need to complete. Luckily this case study is really short. I know they won't all be this way, but I want to thank the professors for just giving me a taste of what is to come.

I want to give a shout out to all my friends that started that march toward the next degree today!

Later :)

Party like a rockstar!!!

My friends are sending me off into the world of grad school in style! We have decided that we will go out every night this week, through Wednesday, I have to be fresh for orientation on Friday morning. Not that I won’t be able to go out when I’m in school, but I’m supposed to be focused, so I am trying to get the partying worked out of my system now. Last night was awesome… got home at about 4:45am, so you can imagine I slept most of the morning. In addition to the vacation I suggest you do everything else you want to do before school so you can be fully focused!

But I do have a case study that I have to prepare for orientation so before I got anywhere tonight I will complete that… the reality is starting to set-in. Life will be different very soon :).

I'm back and I'm ready :)

So as you know I was on vacation with my family in Mexico last week. I just got back yesterday and I have to say it was the best vacation I have ever had. It was the perfect way to end the summer and get my mind right for school, which starts this week. Check out some of the highlights in the slideshow below:



When I got back I realized that we are given breaks and vacations for a reason. I recommend to everyone before you go back to school, while you are there, or if you are a professional, USE THE VACTION TIME YOU ARE GIVEN!!! That doesn’t mean you have to travel the world or spend all hard earned money; if you’re in school I know you are strapped for cash so I’m definitely not proposing you escalate your debt.

What I am saying is when you have fall break, Christmas break, vacation days, etc. use them and take the time to really relax. Turn off the phone, computer, blackberry, electronic device of your choice, and just RELAX. The more days you do it the better. Go to the spa, walk in the park, sleep, or plan a trip to Italy, whatever floats your boat, but make sure you take the time for yourself and enjoy some personal time :).