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Thought it could be fun and motivating to hear other people's stories about why they are starting down this path. So, what's your story? Do you come from a long line of lawyers? Is there something specific you want to accomplish? Are you not sure what else you should do with your life and this seemed reasonable enough? (Maybe not that last one haha)
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59 comments
@leahbeuk911 said:
Welcome!! And that’s so awesome. I’m first generation, too. My parents both went to about a year or so of college and I have 2 brothers that did the same. I’m the only one in my family to graduate from college though and of course will be the first to enter a professional school. It’s really intimidating and there have been a lot of emotional and mindset barriers that have held me back for a long time (I’m 33). So I’m also impressed and excited for you that you’re ready to tackle it head-on so young! You’re gonna do big things. :)
Also - there are some big scholarships out there for first gen students! I know UCLA, Berkeley and NYU all have full tuition scholarships that you can apply for. I’m sure there are more!
None of my family went to any college. Graduating high school was considered a massive accomplishment.
I wish I was so young. LoL I've got you beat by 2 years on the age front :wink: I had a lot of lost years due to child rearing, and not having any idea how to navigate or get money for college (we were very working-poor for a lot of my 20's). The big wake-up call was when my daughter asked "What degree do you have, mommy?", and I remembered asking my mom at the same age. Having to say the same lame excuse/answer was like a punch to the gut. That was the moment I realized I had to do something, or she was going to be just like the rest of us.
Since then, my nieces have started college, and I have encouraged one to go for her AA and not stop at certs, and she took it to heart. They ask for advice on a lot of things I've already been through, and I'm glad being the first helps them.
@xadrianas6x881 said:
I've asked myself this many times, and I have had a hard time putting it into words. And then sometimes, I have a hard time putting it into less words than could fill a book!
@leahbeuk911 summed up a lot of my reasons. I want to see how far I can go. I think law would suit my strengths, and many professors and friends (including those already in law) have said as much. My academic performance backs it up rather well; I'm currently sitting on a 4.23 for my BA. I see the versatility of law, and I see areas for job growth and necessity in the future. I think it could be a challenging and rewarding career that provides decent income and may offer stability.
But beyond that, I want to see if I can be the first in my family -- ever -- to enter a profession. There have never been doctors, lawyers, or anyone with a degree in my direct line. College was an unknown, so it was not pushed very much.
I come from a long line of women who had kids and gave up on everything thereafter. That was almost me (better late than never!). I'm now working on finishing my BA, and I don't see why I should stop there. If I'm going to break this endless cycle, I might as well break, beat, and vaporize the thing. The only thing really standing in my way is the LSAT, and funding. So, really... the LSAT.
I don't have a particular area of law I'm shooting for, and I don't have long term plans. I envy those who have their life mapped out. That has never been me, and as it is, I am in rather uncharted territory being the first to make it this far. I am interested in labor law due to some life experiences I've had, but I am open to the journey and I want to learn what law school can offer me.
Also.. first post! Hi! :smiley:
Welcome!! And that’s so awesome. I’m first generation, too. My parents both went to about a year or so of college and I have 2 brothers that did the same. I’m the only one in my family to graduate from college though and of course will be the first to enter a professional school. It’s really intimidating and there have been a lot of emotional and mindset barriers that have held me back for a long time (I’m 33). So I’m also impressed and excited for you that you’re ready to tackle it head-on so young! You’re gonna do big things. :)
Also - there are some big scholarships out there for first gen students! I know UCLA, Berkeley and NYU all have full tuition scholarships that you can apply for. I’m sure there are more!
@elliottscott8814 said:
@jyarmo54, I saw her book recently and kind of want to start with the first one she wrote. Did you read the other two?
I didn't read the other two, my daughter got me this one for Christmas knowing that I love E.W. I am in NJ and EW went to Rutgers, which is hopefully where I end up too. I think the other books stand pretty independent, subject-wise of the other books so it didn't seem to matter too much which order to read them in. But now I want to read the others as well, of course!
I've asked myself this many times, and I have had a hard time putting it into words. And then sometimes, I have a hard time putting it into less words than could fill a book!
@leahbeuk911 summed up a lot of my reasons. I want to see how far I can go. I think law would suit my strengths, and many professors and friends (including those already in law) have said as much. My academic performance backs it up rather well; I'm currently sitting on a 4.23 for my BA. I see the versatility of law, and I see areas for job growth and necessity in the future. I think it could be a challenging and rewarding career that provides decent income and may offer stability.
But beyond that, I want to see if I can be the first in my family -- ever -- to enter a profession. There have never been doctors, lawyers, or anyone with a degree in my direct line. College was an unknown, so it was not pushed very much.
I come from a long line of women who had kids and gave up on everything thereafter. That was almost me (better late than never!). I'm now working on finishing my BA, and I don't see why I should stop there. If I'm going to break this endless cycle, I might as well break, beat, and vaporize the thing. The only thing really standing in my way is the LSAT, and funding. So, really... the LSAT.
I don't have a particular area of law I'm shooting for, and I don't have long term plans. I envy those who have their life mapped out. That has never been me, and as it is, I am in rather uncharted territory being the first to make it this far. I am interested in labor law due to some life experiences I've had, but I am open to the journey and I want to learn what law school can offer me.
Also.. first post! Hi! :smiley:
@jyarmo54 It's so cliche but true that the older you get, the less you know. :) I'm so grateful for that! I'm a much wiser, more thoughtful person than I would have been if I went to law school 10 years ago. "The best-laid plans" and such.
@leahbeuk911 I really love how you said law was a good fit for your strengths. This is true for me too but I never felt that clear about it until I read it in your post. Also being (way) older - I totally agree that age has given me the understanding that we may not know what we want or is best just yet. Most people I know fell into careers they love by continuing to be honest with themselves, working hard and staying open to opportunities in front of them. Good luck :)
This thread kinda blew up right after I started it and I realize I never gave my answer haha.
For me, law has always been appealing and seemed like a fit for my strengths. I've always loved reading and language (strongly considered being an English teacher), and am a pretty rational, logical person. And now, especially in the past 5-6 years or so, I came to really see how much the law affects so many aspects of our lives. It protects inventions and creators, it keeps abusive employers in check, it makes sure you have access to healthcare, it keeps general order in our society. And that's all fascinating to me and I would really like a career in something that has such practical importance. I also love that there are so many different career paths and opportunities in law. It's a skill that can be donated, you can teach, you can be an executive, you can be a litigator. It's even possible to create a job for yourself, on your own terms. I think there will always be a need for lawyers in one way or another, and it's a really appealing way to ensure there is always some career option open for you.
I'm personally interested in pursuing a career in government, and maybe someday working on crafting policy. But, I'm also a little older and have learned enough to know that often, we don't always know what we want or is best for us. So I'm open to what I may learn in law school and whatever path that takes me down. But I think law in general is a really solid track to be on.
@jyarmo54, I saw her book recently and kind of want to start with the first one she wrote. Did you read the other two?
@elliottscott8814 IDK if it's awesome or crazy but here I am :smiley: I am currently reading Elizabeth Warren's This Fight is Our Fight which is fantastic, inspiring and infuriating. I have friends that are PD's that are my main source of inspiration (one of whom is married to Bryan Stevenson's Deputy Director!)... what about you re: inspirational books - any reco's?
@uhinberg359 said:
@ninaleaoishi762 said:
I want to work in fashion law. My cheesy goal in high school was to make it illegal to sell things made in sweatshops in North America. So, something along those lines still, just more realistic.
You mean to sell things in North America that were made in sweatshops elsewhere, right, not things made in sweatshops in North America?
:)
@jyarmo54, Being an OWL is awesome! Glad someone else here read that book. Are there other books you've enjoyed that also inspire you to study law?
@karolinaeverett379 said:
This is the first discussion that has compelled me to join in on the conversation. Because I had to fund my own way through college I found a job as a Pharmacy Tech and have worked as one for the past 5 years (I'm now 2 years out of undergrad). During my time I saw how frustrated and confused the elderly population is when it comes to their needs. I always knew I wanted to go to law school but I never knew what for exactly until I had my first internship at my Congressman's office. I primarily worked on constituents that were having problems with Social Security, Medicare, & drug cost problems. I developed a drive to help others which solidified me wanting to become an elder lawyer and help older people navigate our complex legal system.
Same!
@elliottscott8814 said:
So I always knew being a paralegal wasn't going to satisfy my career goals. Plus, in some states paralegals can't even get licenses, which is another factor that can limit professional possibilities. Also, I kept hearing that to do/get/receive more opportunities, I'd need a law degree. I enjoy helping people resolve disputes, and I want to advocate for people who haven't been given fair chances. Has anyone read Just Mercy? I did and it's another reason I'm on this path.
I'm a little late to this party but Just Mercy - yes wow - such an amazing amazing book / stories / journey. So inspiring.
I'm so happy to hear from other - (ahem) - older - students on some of the other threads. I have always wanted to go to law school but the timing never quite worked out. I have had a couple short, uninspiring "careers" but now at the young age of 51, with my youngest heading to college in the fall, I am giving this a go. So far so good! My law interests are wide and varied - legal aid, elder law (especially after working through my mother's last years of life and doing the same now with my F-I-L, this population has such unique needs and are so ripe for being taken advantage of), immigration law, the list goes on! Very happy to hear others stories and to begin to get a little more connected and out myself as a potential OWLS on these forums. :) Thanks for all the inspiration and support!
@louisejesse40 Great story! I would also like to do the same!
I was told by a counsel that Political Science was the wrong major for me because I was a Latina who would be confused by all the "American terms" and probably watched the Spanish news at home, the wrong type of news to watch, according to her. I used her words to fuel my motivation in college. I fell in love with constitutional law and criminal law and ended up majoring in both Political Science and Criminal Justice. I joined JusticeCorps and was given the opportunity to help low-income individuals at a Self-Help center in Los Angeles. That's when I discovered my passion for direct service! I joined AmeriCorps after and learned about the affordable housing sector. Kept volunteering at different legal aid organizations in three counties. Finally decided to apply to law school! We should not let the LSAT discourage us and get in the way of our dreams. We got this!
@bjce91992 said:
I have wanted to go to law school since I was in high school, but as I got older my ideas for my future kept changing. I got into human rights activism through Amnesty International in college and that spurred an interest in international and national human rights abuses. I currently work full-time as a paralegal, and I decided last year to finally go for it. I'm interested in practicing international and national human rights law and I am planning to pursue a joint J.D. degree program, wherein I will also earn a Master's in Peace & Justice Studies. My goal is to do whatever I can to help end human rights violations around the world, and help in ameliorating unnecessary stress, pain, and hardship in the lives of others. I'm a little older than most people entering law school (nearing 30) but I am glad I had the time between undergraduate school and now to really contemplate the career path I wanted to take. I've never been more motivated and passionate about something in my life.
Same, my dream is to go into human rights law! Best of luck to both of us----I hope we both are able to achieve our dreams and perhaps just do a little something for those who lack a voice in this world.
why law? Is the question I have asked myself since I finished my bachelor's. And I always tell myself a different reason but with this post I realized the truth. It because I'm an overachiever, and I don't like injustice. Helping people is nice but there is so much you can do with my level of education. I want to become a lawyer to insert on some circles where people who don't have a voice can speak. I just want a microphone to speak for the voiceless and law school will provide me that microphone, because I already have the voice to speak.
@pcainti665 said:
@pcainti665 said:
PMs my personal statement
Long story short I got to college and saw a lot of social injustices and inequities. I got involved in politics to help remedy them, and I want to go to law school to be a policymaker one day :smile:
Paul Caint for President 2024! You've got my vote.
Mine also!
The people that look like me and come from where I come from need alot of help. I'm on a quest to change the paradigm.
Initially interested in Business I started to study in that field. A little over halfway through I internalized the important fundamentals of business and how it applies to all realms of life, but realized that I did not want to go in that field specifically and was much more interested in anthropology. I graduated with my AA in Business, and began my Bachelors of Anthropology, about halfway through that path I was thinking of ways to apply what I learned in a way that helped people. Then I saw what ISIS was doing to the ancient priceless artifacts in Iraq and Syria. The destruction of these artifacts made my blood boil, and this in combination with various other elements, is what inspired me to go down the path of law, and strive for art/cultural heritage law specifically. To be able to uphold the legality of artifacts of this nature, both public and private for humanity to enjoy and become inspired by, either through museums or private collection, is my dream.
This is the first discussion that has compelled me to join in on the conversation. Because I had to fund my own way through college I found a job as a Pharmacy Tech and have worked as one for the past 5 years (I'm now 2 years out of undergrad). During my time I saw how frustrated and confused the elderly population is when it comes to their needs. I always knew I wanted to go to law school but I never knew what for exactly until I had my first internship at my Congressman's office. I primarily worked on constituents that were having problems with Social Security, Medicare, & drug cost problems. I developed a drive to help others which solidified me wanting to become an elder lawyer and help older people navigate our complex legal system.
@estoutenburg25267 said:
I'm finishing up my Ph.D in chemistry now and decided instead of being stuck to a bench I'd rather be using what I've learned to help people protect their ideas/inventions because I know how much work goes into making those ideas come to life. I also will get to constantly learn new science which is fun for me :smiley:
I like this very much. I've been a software engineer for 6 years, and I'd rather help engineers protect their ideas, and also learn from them than be stuck behind a computer for the rest of my youth.
I have wanted to go to law school since I was in high school, but as I got older my ideas for my future kept changing. I got into human rights activism through Amnesty International in college and that spurred an interest in international and national human rights abuses. I currently work full-time as a paralegal, and I decided last year to finally go for it. I'm interested in practicing international and national human rights law and I am planning to pursue a joint J.D. degree program, wherein I will also earn a Master's in Peace & Justice Studies. My goal is to do whatever I can to help end human rights violations around the world, and help in ameliorating unnecessary stress, pain, and hardship in the lives of others. I'm a little older than most people entering law school (nearing 30) but I am glad I had the time between undergraduate school and now to really contemplate the career path I wanted to take. I've never been more motivated and passionate about something in my life.
For me, I fell on law in a rather odd way. My goal was to become a musician. Though I did the whole university thing and got a bachelors in one of the social sciences — music (singing specifically) had always been my thing. My interests in law stemmed from being exposed to the business end of the music industry and how the law so profusely affected everything from copyright to individual songwriter rights etc. But that just instilled mere interest. What definitely was my “ha-ha” moment was entering a shady management deal that cost me an entire catalogue of songs I wrote myself. I was not able to get them back because I signed a contract and my ignorance led me to a horrible predicament. I was crushed, yes, but it ignited a want for justice so I started doing intense research on the law as it relates to the music industry. My end goal at the time was just to find a way to come for the person who had stolen from me. I was a broke college student with no way towards legal advice except from a few friends who were already in law school. I learned about fiduciary relationships and fought hard to get those songs back through legal aid. My last year or so of uni consisted of adding on plenty of law courses. Long story short, I never got them back, but in doing all of this the law became a passion to me. Specifically contracts. During my last term of uni, I went to England for an exchange and took an introductory class in Contracts & Torts out of curiosity. I'm from Canada so the law I was learning was different enough, but I was still able to grade very high in the class. This made me realize that I could essentially combine two of my passions together. I struggled for several years prior to that, attempting to find myself and figuring out what I wanted to be. Music was my passion, but I also always loved school and held a lot of respect towards higher education (Something my west-African parents deeply instilled in me). So I told myself, why not me? My "maybe I could actually be a lawyer" turned into "I can be a lawyer". Fast forward post grad, I now work in music licensing which has further increased my want to combine the two [music + law]. This past experience has forged my "can" into a decisive, fully-charged "I want to be a lawyer". Today, I’m working hard to ace the February LSAT and make my dream come true: becoming an entertainment lawyer that is.
basically was premed, worked in the medical field and saw just how much crap happens behind closed doors and how unnecessarily expensive everything is (lost a parent to malpractice as well). Realized doctors have zero power over the system they work in, and decided I wanted to try to work to reduce costs and limit losses through government policy. My idea how to accomplish this aim is through regulation of medical patents and rethinking how the FDA's guidelines are driving up costs. Working in clinical research really gave me a snap shot of the underbelly of medicine many people are unaware of. My double majors in CHEM and Mol. BIO will serve me well for working in pharma patent law, which after I do for some time I can use to leverage myself into politics.
FYI: plastic bags with distilled water and one gram of table salt for a standard 1% saline IV costs roughly 475 dollars including the 22 dollar needle and plastic tubing. You get one of these almost routinely upon admission as an in-patient and usually require 2-3 for a full stay.
MRI scans usually cost approximately 3-6 thousand dollars with 2700 being the cash negotiated rate. The machine itself costs approximately 1 million dollars but if you do the math the machine usually pays its self off in 4-6 months, while techs (who can have just a certificate not an advanced medical degree) will collect the images themselves. (this does not include what a radiologist or other ordering physician charges to interpret the images)
CT scans: Basically they bombard your body with hundred of X-rays at a time to produce an image with or without injectable contrast. The contrast is incredibly hard on your kidneys and because CT machines are relatively new technology, no one really knows how many people will wind up with cancers form the massive doses of Xray exposure. The medical community kinda just crosses their fingers and hope its less than .001% which would still result in thousands of people developing cancer.
Warfarin vs the New anticoagulants: Warfarin is an anticoagulant which means it keeps your blood from clotting as easily. This is really important for patients at risk for stroke (which is basically determined by a scale that takes into account variables such as age, blood pressure, heart failure act) any way... warfarin is a little bit inconvieninet to take because you need monthly finger pricks to determine if it is working to the correct dose, however it is incredibly effective and warfarin is extremely cheap. The new forms of anticoagulants boast no blood checks, are no more than 1% more effective, but cost roughly 2300% more. (these pills must be taken everyday and a 30 day supply assuming no insurance costs about 400 dollars) AND GUESS WHAT???? Nearly every American above the age 75 usually meets the criteria to be on these suckers. That is if you don't want a stroke....
40 dollars for a hospital administered baby aspirin...
The list goes on and on and.