What does it mean to belong? Belonging would seem to imply a level of mutuality. I belong to you, and as such, you belong to me. While I’m quite acquainted with change and relocation, there seems to be a hardened insularity particular to Boston, with BC Law as its microcosm. As I struggle to assimilate into the social environment on campus, it has become increasingly obvious that belonging might not be so reciprocal after all. In these first few weeks, I find myself shoving into a cultural and regional crowd that seems not only cold, but indifferent to my presence. So, how do I foster a sense of belonging among younger, mostly non-People-of-Color, Massachusetts locals?
Continue readingStudent Life
Staycationing: How to Make the Most of Boston Summer
On the last day of my 2L internship, my supervising attorneys asked me what I would do with my remaining weeks of summer before classes started. When I said I would stick around town and make my own fun, it seemed like the tame answer to give. I’ve had so many silly adventures around this city, I haven’t felt the need to go anywhere else. My friends are here, and there is plenty for me to do. Here are some highlights from easily the most fun summer I’ve had since 2018.
Continue readingSo You Want to Be a Bostonian: Weather
Welcome to the greatest place on earth. It’s probably smaller, colder, and meaner than wherever you came from. Still, you couldn’t have picked a better city to spend law school, or perhaps a lifetime.
Boston is many things; welcoming is not one of them. Our winters are cold, our people, even colder, and our insular culture can send you packing before you even hear someone say “wicked”.
Luckily for you, the prima facie case for being accepted as a “Bostonian” is as follows:
Continue readingWhat I Needed to Know Before Starting as a Summer Associate
Before starting as a summer associate, I was so anxious thinking about whether I would know anything that would have to do with my job. Considering I had only learned what transactional work was during 1L spring semester, all I knew was that I was (mostly) free from the Bluebook.
Continue readingBLSA and BAN’s Welcome Back BBQ
On Sunday, August 30, BC Law’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA), in collaboration with the Black Alumni Network (BAN), kicked off the academic year with our annual Welcome Back BBQ.
Continue readingThree Tips for Taking Care of Yourself (in Law School and in Life)
I’ve written a lot about making sure to take care of yourself. But some may not know how to do that, or may forget in the moments when it’s needed most.
When it feels like everything is on the line and your head and heart are pounding, it is easy to forget what a glass of water, a warm drink, a walk, or a hug from a friend can do. And even if none of those things fixes it, they may give you just enough relief to breathe, think clearly, and formulate a game plan.
So, without further ado, here are my go-tos for when life feels like a merry-go-round going full throttle (and also on fire).
Continue readingThe Redline Realization: Finding My Footing in Big Law
I was asked to write about my summer at a law firm—specifically for incoming 1Ls who may have anxieties, questions, or simply have no idea what “Big Law” actually is.
I was in that last category.
Unfortunately, user experience may vary, so take mine with a grain of salt. I am enthusiastic, curious, and, at times, awkward. Your cool, calm, and collected nature may produce entirely different results for different people.
So, we’ll start there.
Continue readingSo You’re an Incoming 1L? Here’s What to Expect, Month by Month
Hi, future 1Ls.
I hope you’re well, considering you’re only about a month away from starting law school.
Some of you are excited beyond measure, trying to consume every Reddit recommendation you can find. Some of you are stressed and already drafting warning notes to your loved ones about the person you’re about to become over the next three years.
Consider this my own warning note—one intended to level out both camps.
Continue readingA Law Student’s Guide to Best Boston Restaurants
Summertime is here in Boston! Now that we are past the festivities of the Fourth of July, everyone is going to fall into the dog days and complain there’s no good food in the city. Much like my stance regarding there’s nothing to do in Boston, I vehemently disagree. With two years of life here now under my belt, I’ve compiled my favorites. I will preface most of these for fun, i.e. budget isn’t a heavy criterion in my evaluation.
Continue readingWhat You Have to Do the Summer Before Law School
You got into law school! Congratulations!
Now what?
It’s a fair question. After all, law school has a reputation for being, well… law school. So it makes sense to wonder if there’s a book you should read, a skill you should master, or some secret summer assignment everyone else somehow knows about.
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