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)
1
59 comments
Sounds cliché, maybe, but I was always one of those kids who could talk their way into or out of anything (for example, let’s just say way more effort went into ‘arguing’ my way into a 3.8 high school gpa than went into any actual school work... I was a walking nightmare. Bless my parents&teachers). At the risk of sounding like a total brat, I really was used to getting my way or the highway in most circumstances. In the circumstances I couldn’t, I worked exceptionally hard at finding out how to in the future.
There has always seemed to be a lot of uncontrollable, call it ‘fateful’ if you will, pain and suffering concerning mental health in my family. My older brother is mentally disabled by a genetic disease that caused benign tumors to form in various organs- especially his brain- prior to birth. The mental, emotional, and social impairments that accompanied these tumors have always presented a great challenge for my family. While I was in high school, my mom experienced a completely random, inexplicable episode in the hallway of my school that resulted in a traumatic brain injury and a long-while‘ s stay in the ICU. Just 2 months after her accident, my mom’s closest friend, my ‘aunt’ by association, experienced a relapse in her long-survived battle with brain cancer, and passed away within a month of discovery. To finish all of it off, my older sister and I both faced exceedingly difficult battles with major clinical depression and general anxiety disorder that threw pretty massive wrenches in our relationship and family life.
After that pathetic dump of fate in my life, and realizing there was nothing I could do, no way to ‘talk my way out’ of having any of it be true or exist in the first place, I ambitiously decided I needed to go to medical school and figure out how to physically remove the problems myself. I won’t go into the mediocre-at-best details, but that obviously did not work out in my favor. I dropped out of school, took time off to get married, worked tirelessly to stabilize my health, and figured out what I did actually want to do with my life. It took legally changing my name to finally get that spark of inspiration I needed. It was a bizarre moment, but one I will never forget.
I was sitting in an abysmal Social Security office, quietly observing an older, mentally disabled man discuss his debt to the government for receiving emergency medical care outside of his approved Medicaid coverage. I watched helplessly as every word uttered from the clerk’s mouth slipped completely out of his handicapable understanding. It was when he pulled his tattered wallet from a torn grocery bag at his side and asked the clerk how much more cash he would need after the $6 he had in order to finish paying the $2000+ he owed that I completely lost it. I’m generally not a very emotional person, but here I was, in the middle of a crowded social security office, clutching my marriage license and name-change forms, weeping uncontrollably over what this poor man was enduring. My imagination ran rampant thinking about the same thing happening to my brother or any of our family friends- or anyone at all, really. It was right then I realized that while I may not be able to remove my perceived problems, I can and I will ‘talk my way’ or anyone else’s way into earning the help, care, and respect they deserve.
Much like @pcainti665 Caint personal story, I can’t sit idly by while injustices are happening around me. One day, I have to be a major player- politically, legally, personally, whatever- in fixing the problems that can be fixed. Start praying (to whomever you please) now for my Law profs and future colleagues. ;)
P.S.- Sorry for the novel. I haven’t really shared that story with anyone besides my husband. I have been struggling lately with my motivation for continuing studying for June, and this presented a great outlet for me to remind myself why the heck I’m taking this crazy @$$ test in the first place. Thanks for starting this thread! It’s so encouraging reading about the motivations and similar interests of others. This community is so inspiring!
I want to go into law so that I have a legit reason to drink
I wanted to study the law so I can become the Senate like Palpatine.
I'm aware of the irony here, but it's the first stepping stone on my path to a financially secure life in the United States.
Total downer:
I interned at a domestic violence shelter when I was wanting to do social work. The shelter often took asylum-seekers from Central America after they were released by ICE (I live on the southern border). One day we got a family and we interviewed them for their intake and it felt as if my soul had died listening to their story and how they were so numb from the pain that they didnt even cry as they mentioned their rape(s) and the murders that they saw. When we were done we took them to their room and the woman started to cry uncontrollably and we asked why and she said that she had never had walls around her to protect her. Another day I was talking with a Guatemalan teenager as he mentioned his dreams of playing soccer and being an engineer now that he was in the states. When he told me that, I hoped and prayed with all my being that he would achieve it, more than I wanted to achieve my dreams. That was the first time I ever felt pure love, the kind that changes you forever.
@elliottscott8814 said:
I wanted to study the law so I can become the Senate like Palpatine.
https://media2.giphy.com/media/kJWYrH269RK8M/200.gif
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:
@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.
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:
@pcainti665
https://media.giphy.com/media/1136UBdSNn6Bu8/giphy.gif
I want to teach. I want to teach about the constitution, law, and American History.
Teaching is the end goal, I would also like to work a sustainable career. I enjoy reading and writing and like the idea of a career that revolves around that.
So basically I want it to look like; Law school ---> practice ---> Retired and teaching!
lol
I have always loved serving people. I'm currently an RA to 80 freshmen at my college and it's such a joy to be able to be develop, conceptualize, and host social, cultural, academic, diversity, leadership, recreational, and self care programs to aid them in their transition into college. In getting my law degree, I aim to help displaced groups gain access to education and to reform the education system in general.
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:
@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!
What a wonderful question and great break from studying to go through this post! Law truly never crossed my radar until recent months, even after growing up with my wonderful father who practices Bankruptcy and Real Estate Law for a living. **I went into college with two goals in mind, find a career where I can be an integral part in change and help people to find success in their individual worlds. ** So going in I thought oh my goodness the medical profession is for me! What a mistake, after going through two years on a route to becoming a nurse practitioner, I realized I was missing a vital piece of my hopes "becoming a integral part of change." This led me to the wonderful world of education. I had a passion in my own life to allow young kids to see a world outside of the cards their own worlds had handed them. I was finding success in the classroom and receiving accolades from the professors and university, which caused me to believe I was meant to be in the classroom and do this until I can hit retirement at the age of 55 in state of Texas. Once again...... WRONG! Through my first year as a teacher, I started to see the fallacies and dysfunction spread throughout the Texas Education Agency and the National Board of Education that were causing students to not reach their potential. It seemed as if the teacher's and student's were in a lions den with no way out. Teachers battling with parents and administrators because of the tightening regulations and requirements slapped onto them with no way to fix them. Students frustrated because they were so far behind in their learning, but no one could stop to help because the standards had to be taught and the Standardized Test would come. Parents frustrated that their students aren't progressing but rather digressing in the system. These are only a few examples that fueled a flame in my heart to pursue Educational/Employment and Labor law to the fullest. What a journey it has been and what a journey it will continue to be.
Definitely more to the story but that is simply a brief synopsis!
@uhinberg359 said:
@pcainti665 said:
I want to teach. I want to teach about the constitution, law, and American History.
Teaching is the end goal, I would also like to work a sustainable career. I enjoy reading and writing and like the idea of a career that revolves around that.
So basically I want it to look like; Law school ---> practice ---> Retired and teaching!
lol
Are you going to skip the models & bottles lifestyle though?
Well I quit drinking two years ago, and the only thing I like to spend money on is video games.
How about I participate in the questing and resting lifestyle! lol
I wont say no to a job that pays well. That being said, I really would like to teach at a college level. I'm sure I'll find a balance along the way haha I don't have super big financial worries (thank you G.I. Bill)...
@tristandesinor505 said:
I'm aware of the irony here, but it's the first stepping stone on my path to a financially secure life in the United States.
Probably the most realistic answer . . .
I fell in love with the constitution in college and want to practice law to make sure our constitution is upheld. I also find law absolutely fascinating and want to learn as much as possible about it.
@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!
@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.
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.
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.
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.
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.