Happy (belated) new year everyone! While it may be cold and stagnant outside, there is a lot of change going on at the school right now. I remember my second semester of first year and it was a messy start. I have some tips for the first few weeks back from winter break.
- New professors? Learn their preferences!
You will be quick to try to draw parallels between this semester and last. “Oh Criminal law will be like Torts!” This can be helpful, but recognize each professor is different and the content is different. It may be presented similarly, but there will be quirks to each class. Learning these will help you up your game come exams. Understand how their cold calls are done, their note taking tips, and their thoughts on supplemental materials when studying for finals.
- What worked last semester? What do you want to change?
In a similar vein, evaluate yourself as you start these next few weeks. What worked for you last semester? Professors are often happy to discuss your finals and ways to improve even though you are studying other material. Think critically about what didn’t serve you. If you spent eight hours studying in the library and hated it, maybe a change of scenery is in order, even though you were there with friends.
- Interviews? Great! Your classes are still priority #1.
As the 1L internship search kicks up and 2L summer search crests, you must remember your grades are still the most important component of your application. They symbolize your commitment to your work. I know OCI started so much earlier this year and everyone is looking for work. Sometimes certain interviews will demand priority and excuses from class. Aside from those rare instances, talk it out with the CSO and remain committed to your schoolwork.
- Keep an eye on your health.
No I am not joking about this one. I vividly remember everyone in my section sniffling and coughing our first few weeks and nobody was healthy. Yes it is seasonal, but it is never too late for your shots. I had a bad bout of the flu last year, but I bet it would have been a whole lot worse without the shot. If you do get sick, STAY HOME. Classes are recorded for a reason and this is chief among them. Your professors would like to stay healthy too along with their families.
- Give yourself grace.
THIS IS A HARD SEMESTER. Some argue the fall is the harder semester of 1L year. I firmly believe spring is tougher. The job search is in full swing, OCI has been accelerated, and everyone is running around trying to get a leg up. I saw some friendships tested during spring. I was hard on myself. In hindsight, I wish I gave myself a break mentally. If you let everything in your life tear you down, it will. Give yourself grace. Take a break when you find time. If you can’t find time, make time. It will help you in the long run.
Good luck this spring everyone!
Catherine Beveridge is a second-year student at BC Law. Contact her at beverid@bc.edu.
BC Law: Impact 