How to get into law school in 7 steps

Today’s Blog Everyday in May Challenge topic is:

Day 2: Educate us on something you know a lot about or are good at. Take any approach you’d like (serious and educational or funny and sarcastic).

Do you remember this post from last week? I blogged about how I made my decision of which law school to attend. I may not have been accepted (nor did I apply) to any Ivy League schools like Harvard, but I did apply to eleven schools and was accepted to seven of them and wait-listed at the other four. Not bad, considering how competitive this market is!

While applying to law school, I spent an incredible amount of time doing research – interviewing current law students and attorneys, meeting with admissions reps, reading books, blogs and anything else on the topic.

This doesn’t make me an expert, but I’ve acquired quite a bit of knowledge on the topic, and since it’s no longer useful to me, I’d like to pass it on to those who are currently starting this process (many of whom are studying to take the LSAT in one month!!).

7 Steps to Getting into Law School

Shedding bad habits [Part I]

Photo by Jamie Beck via Ann Street Studio.

Do you have those pesky bad habits that you just can’t seem to ever shake? Over the years, mine have grown and developed to a point where they’re just part of my life. Soon enough, these habits don’t even seem so harmful anymore, after all most everyone you know does them too and they’re all fine. And you’re fine as well, except for the dark moments when you lack energy, clarity and motivation…and those  habits are entirely to blame. With spring lining the streets in pretty blooms and sunshine, my soul aches to shed all the negativity and toxicity in my life.

Like with any problem, the first step is to admit it’s a bad habit – call it what it is and shine a light on it. It’s time I did this, no matter how long the list is. My toxic habits include:

Saying ‘I do’ to a Godly life…and forsaking all comfort?

Lately, God has been guiding me to out of my comfort zone. And although I haven’t actually taken any physical action to leave my comfort zone, God seems to be preparing my mind and my soul for some kind of big life change. And that both excites me and scares me.

My latest lesson came last night as I read the Scriptures. I am currently working through the book of Luke and this verse made me stop short:

“And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.” -Luke 6:19

Have you ever been jostled in a crowd? Maybe it was at a concert, a great sale event at your favorite store or simply making your way through a crowded room. Even if you’re not claustrophobic, the pressure begins to get to you quickly and eventually you just want to get step out and get some fresh air away from people. Uncomfortable is an understatement in those situations, right?

Seeing Ourselves – a Ted Talk by Molly Barker

I first met Molly Barker, founder of Girls on the Run, eating lunch at a sidewalk cafe in Paris. She was a fellow American who, when she heard my friends and I speaking English, immediately introduced herself. Since then, she’s become one of my role models – Molly has a passion and inner beauty that shines through her every word and action & she’s done amazing things with her program for young girls.

I am so excited to share her Ted Talk with y’all! In a letter to Congress, Molly speaks from the heart about her frustrations with our current state of affairs in the United States, leadership and her own personal struggles and life lessons. Honestly, it made me want to cry.

I am particularly intrigued by Molly’s view on leadership and the way she approaches it from the humble place of love, compassion and empathy. In wake of my post on Southern values, and in continued study of Scriptures, I keep seeing this common thread that all of our actions should be above all, driven by love.

As a leader, it’s so tempting to be tough and serious – I know from personal experience that sometimes being in charge of even the smallest project can feel like the weight of the world. In college, I’ve grown so much as a leader, but I continue to be discouraged in my own leadership skills. There is still so much I have to learn about being a leader, but listening to Molly, I’ve come to the realization that it’s okay to just lead with kindness. And, that’s a lesson I am still processing.

-Yelena

PS. This is the second Ted Talk I am reviewing on the blog as part of my 101 in 1001 project. Check out the first post on the danger of a single story.