If It Were Easy...

If getting your J.D. were easy, everyone would do it. However, this is not the case, and as it turns out, trying to even get into Law School can be just as challenging as the school itself. As the month of June comes to a close, I feel a renewed sense of confidence in myself to be able to take on the great tasks of this summer, be it studying for the LSAT, conducting research, completing assignments for a summer class, or working at any one of three jobs. I say this because I believe my experience thus far has been unique, to say the least. Imagine for a moment the number of students at UWEC that have worked 20+ hour days only to spend those precious few hours meant for sleep on studying and homework. Few if any of those students who could have answered in the affirmative to the previous statement would be able to admit that after working for 21-23 hours they went on to stay up studying for the LSAT, reviewing case syllabi, or completing assignments for a summer course all the while having insects of every variety buzzing, crawling, and biting at your skin under your uniform as you are bombarded by a cacophony of sounds from the incessant rumble of the Humvee's diesel engine to the crackling and popping of machine gun fire in the distance only for it all to be outdone by the occasional thunderous and bone-rattling sound of the M777’s 155mm High Explosive rounds impacting. Moreover, the illumination rounds which burst every few minutes provide the only light available to you aside from the dim red glow of a headlamp. Now, of the few students who might be able to say they have had similar experiences, fewer still would be able to say that they improved their overall academic standing and were able to make the Dean’s List. The experience I have detailed above is one of a number of similar experiences I have had over the course of my time at UWEC and is not meant to boast or draw out pity; rather, I share this because experiences like the one above have allowed me to develop the requisite levels of self-discipline, determination, and sheer will to be able to find success in Law School and in my career thereafter. Additionally, the ability to find success in the complex balancing act of the myriad of responsibilities and taskings from both the university and the military will have prepared me well for the future I am working towards.