Getting into the swing of things

So far so good. It's been almost two full weeks now since the substantive classes started, and I still am managing to keep up with the reading and the assignments for the most part. I've managed to over-schedule myself just a little bit by getting elected as Blue Pod Representative for the Student Bar association, and joining the official blogging crew for the school, but I feel like this is all part of enriching the law school experience, which means I can rationalize the extra time spent at school on non-class activities.

The key now is finding a balance that allows me to keep up with the reading on an ongoing basis, and also allows for some social outlets, too. WalkFast has lost a member, so there is also some extra stress related to finding a drummer for the band, but that's a relatively minor concern at this point. The bigger struggle will be finding a balance between my personal need for some time alone and the need to engage fully in all the various commitments I've made.

Still, we are in the exciting part of law school, the discovery and exploration phase. I expect a lot of folks will start to get burned out and demotivated as the term goes on, but I hope to counteract this tendency by keeping myself busy and providing myself with alternative outlets. This is a very stimulating environment, intellectually and socially, so for me the key is to get engaged without getting overwhelmed. I feel like being a representative on SBA will be a good outlet, but I am even more certain that my outside interests in music and sports will be the key to maintaining my sanity.

This past weekend provided a few solid hours of homework to complete, as well as an awesome rafting trip on the lower McKenzie. I feel like I'm already working hard to maintain the balance between school and the rest of my life. Clearly law school is a time sink that can take whatever you give it. The key is to give it enough time without letting yourself be consumed. Outside interests are key, but I feel like engaging in school beyond the classroom is also a partial antidote to the problem of being overly immersed in class.

AEP

Today is the second day of the Academic Enhancement Program at Lewis and Clark. This is a program designed to provide extra guidance, support and direction for incoming students as they transition into the study of law. Our first day consisted of introductions among ourselves, followed by an informal lunch with local alums, and our first homework from the law school.

This morning, we backtracked to address the issue of diversity and the nature of the challenges that we will be facing as 1L students. Have to admit, changing to part time is tempting, but I know myself too well - if I give myself too much slack, I'll be sure to find a way to hang myself.

Still, it's worthy of some thought. I'll also be pondering the possibility of overseas exchange as well, possibly to China. Anything that is interesting and differentiates me from the herd, right?