I was in the Academic Support Program (ASP) last year, and have been invited back this year to use it as I need it. This year it is called the Academic Success Program (still ASP). Regardless of what it is called, it was (and is) a great program and I am so glad for it.
At the beginning of ASP some upper year students shared their experiences of first year with the new students. It got me to thinking, "What would I share?" Maybe something like this:
First of all, congratulations to all of you for making it into the College of Law. You may have already heard that you have achieved the hardest part of law school. I know that I personally felt very privileged to have been accepted. There are exceptional people all around you, and you are among them. I considered myself very fortunate and am still extremely grateful to the Admissions Committee for giving me the opportunity to be here. I hope all of you make the best of your time in law school. Those same people that gave me my chance saw something in each or your applications that made them believe you have what it takes to succeed here. And this program, ASP, is a great tool they have provided to us to ensure we all reach our full potential. You can do this!
Now you may have also heard about late nights and hundreds (if not thousands) of pages of reading. If you were like me, your first week was completely overwhelming. I have often explained that the first week or two (maybe three or four) felt like I had been taken out to the middle of the ocean and dumped there, being told "land is that way. Swim." The learning curve was enoromous.
And I have heard other upper years talk about their experience and say that when you are in first year you just have to expect that you won't get much sleep. That you will have to learn how to survive on five hours of sleep a night or something like that. Well, maybe I am fortunate because I was part time, but I would disagree. Oh, you are going to be stressed. I believe everyone here is most likely an overachiever of some sort and you have high expectations of yourself. That is part of the reason why you are here. But my biggest piece of advice at this point is to realize law school success is really about learning how to prioritize and manage your time. Don't sweat the small stuff and don't forget the big stuff. Whatever makes you you - keep that. Law school will change you, but don't let it change the fundamental you. Don't lose yourself in the process. You CAN do this. And ASP is one piece of law school that will help.
If you have a family, remember that law school with be three (or more if you are part time) years, but your family is for your whole life. If you have a hobby you love that helps you cope with stress, keep it up! The people in your life outside of law school may not understand what you are going through, but give them the chance to still support you and be your link to the outside world. Unless you really want it to, don't let law school become your whole life. There really is more to life than law school. Trust me.
And one more thing - all of your professors are here for you. Don't be afraid of them. Talk with them. Ask them questions. Don't be afraid of looking stupid. If you have a question about something, chances are you are not the only one. Our profs really care about us and want each and every one of us to succeed. Like I said before, they all believe in you. You can do this! And you can even have fun doing it!
Congratulations, again. Welcome to the law school family.
