This is a quick update to tell you that my summer plans have (finally!) been set. I will be spending the summer in Portland, OR working at the Juvenile Rights Project. The JRP is a nonprofit that works with children in the foster care system, kids with special education needs, and kids going through the juvenile justice system. I think this will be an awesome opportunity to get some experience in the field of my choice, child advocacy. It will also be a great opportunity to explore a city that I love and spend some time re-establishing myself on the west coast.
If you will be in Portland this summer, want to come for a visit, or (most importantly) have any inside info about a summer sublet, please let me know!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Reflection
February. It's been a long time. Though I don't pressure myself to regularly update this blog, I do think it's reflective of my current state that I haven't taken the time to write for a while. I've been caught up in a lot of things lately - school, future plans, relationships - and haven't reserved that space for processing where I am at the present moment.
I spent 24 hours this weekend just for me: no phone calls, no email, virtually no talking, no distractions. I took the time to reflect on the disjointed aspects of myself that have been haphazardly plunging along for the past few months, and to consciously evaluate where I'm at. Although it sounds cheesy, I actually wrote down my priorities, goals, and vision this weekend, and I found the process to be incredibly grounding. I reproduce my vision here for a few reasons. First, I hope you will encourage me as I pursue this vision and be a part of the inevitable ups and downs along the way. Second, I feel the need to publish my vision to keep me honest and committed to it. Finally, I hope it will inspire you to take the time you deserve to reflect on your own journey.
.....................
I will be fully engaged in every aspect of my life. I will care for myself, others, and the earth. I will give back to my community with humility.
I will be active, curious, adventurous, grounded, and balanced. I will be in tune with my needs, values, and goals. I will pursue physical, emotional, mental, intellectual, and social health.
I will seek continually deeper connections with those around me. I will value the differences in others. I will be open-minded, attentive, and honest with myself and others.
I will play. I will see beauty. I will be thankful. I will be present in this moment.
I spent 24 hours this weekend just for me: no phone calls, no email, virtually no talking, no distractions. I took the time to reflect on the disjointed aspects of myself that have been haphazardly plunging along for the past few months, and to consciously evaluate where I'm at. Although it sounds cheesy, I actually wrote down my priorities, goals, and vision this weekend, and I found the process to be incredibly grounding. I reproduce my vision here for a few reasons. First, I hope you will encourage me as I pursue this vision and be a part of the inevitable ups and downs along the way. Second, I feel the need to publish my vision to keep me honest and committed to it. Finally, I hope it will inspire you to take the time you deserve to reflect on your own journey.
.....................
I will be fully engaged in every aspect of my life. I will care for myself, others, and the earth. I will give back to my community with humility.
I will be active, curious, adventurous, grounded, and balanced. I will be in tune with my needs, values, and goals. I will pursue physical, emotional, mental, intellectual, and social health.
I will seek continually deeper connections with those around me. I will value the differences in others. I will be open-minded, attentive, and honest with myself and others.
I will play. I will see beauty. I will be thankful. I will be present in this moment.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Start of Another Semester
Well, good news: I survived my first semester! Grades aren't out yet, and I have no idea how I did this summer. Because it's all on a curve, it really all depends on everyone else. So until grades come out, I can at least enjoy the bliss of thinking that I did just fine.
After finals, I had a brief (one week) break before starting up school again, and I got to go home to Alaska! It's been a long time since I've been home to Fairbanks in August, and it was wonderful. Spending time with non-lawyers, reading for fun, berry picking and hiking, and generally enjoying friends, family, and the beauty of Alaska was awesome. It was exactly the break and rejuvenation I needed.
I'm now two weeks into my second semester. This semester looks to be a lot more hectic than the last - four classes instead of three, student organization activities, and starting to think about summer internships (already!). I have a class at 8am four days a week, which is pretty much torture, but we've been compensated by getting two professors that are the leaders of their respective fields. They literally wrote the law (Uniform Commercial Code) and textbooks (Contracts and Property) from which they are teaching, which is pretty amazing. At least my early wake up calls are worthwhile, and I feel like my tuition is justified!
I have moved into a house with two other law students, and I can say that it's the best living situation that I've ever had. We all get along, have similar lifestyles, and I feel like it's actually a "home." Among the craziness of school, there are also a lot of exciting things going on too. This morning, I attended an event with Chief Justice John Roberts of the Supreme Court, who is visiting Ann Arbor to celebrate the law school's 150th anniversary. This weekend, I'm going to a Detroit Tigers game and heading to the beach for a camping trip. And next week, there's a Carbon Leaf concert and friends come to visit. So, no fear, there is plenty of fun being squeezed in between the reading and papers.
After finals, I had a brief (one week) break before starting up school again, and I got to go home to Alaska! It's been a long time since I've been home to Fairbanks in August, and it was wonderful. Spending time with non-lawyers, reading for fun, berry picking and hiking, and generally enjoying friends, family, and the beauty of Alaska was awesome. It was exactly the break and rejuvenation I needed.
I'm now two weeks into my second semester. This semester looks to be a lot more hectic than the last - four classes instead of three, student organization activities, and starting to think about summer internships (already!). I have a class at 8am four days a week, which is pretty much torture, but we've been compensated by getting two professors that are the leaders of their respective fields. They literally wrote the law (Uniform Commercial Code) and textbooks (Contracts and Property) from which they are teaching, which is pretty amazing. At least my early wake up calls are worthwhile, and I feel like my tuition is justified!
I have moved into a house with two other law students, and I can say that it's the best living situation that I've ever had. We all get along, have similar lifestyles, and I feel like it's actually a "home." Among the craziness of school, there are also a lot of exciting things going on too. This morning, I attended an event with Chief Justice John Roberts of the Supreme Court, who is visiting Ann Arbor to celebrate the law school's 150th anniversary. This weekend, I'm going to a Detroit Tigers game and heading to the beach for a camping trip. And next week, there's a Carbon Leaf concert and friends come to visit. So, no fear, there is plenty of fun being squeezed in between the reading and papers.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Exams Update: Impleader, Study Spots, and a Finals Fairy
A brief addition: stress has officially been achieved. With two weeks left to go (oh. my. god.), I'm spending all my day, every day, studying, writing papers, attending review sessions, and trying to keep up with the reading for my classes. It feels very inconvenient to have to attend class at this point - it just distracts from my exam studying!
I had my first freak out on Saturday night as I tried to fall asleep but could only think about the Federal Rules for Civil Procedure (the bane of my existence). I've already had three (3!) nightmares about finals, and I can't imagine sustaining this sort of pace for two more weeks. On the other hand, I need that much time to figure out what the hell I've been reading all summer and what it all means.
On a positive note, I've found a number of new study places and take great joy whenever I find a new awesome study spot. And no, I won't reveal any of them. They're mine.
On a not-so-positive note, the stress is at times a bit too much and only makes me realize how much I miss my past life. The combination of stress and leaving behind such a supportive circle of people isn't pretty. While I have friends here, I have yet to achieve the kind that will bring you plates full of cookies, give you a back massage, and wash your dishes as you try to remember the difference between impleader, interpleader, and intervention as they pertain to jurisdiction. So, in sum (and as a shameless plea), if anyone wants to provide me with "happy surprises" or just show up on my doorstep ready to be my very own "Finals Fairy," I'd be much obliged. If not, well, let's just hope I make it to August 21 with all my mental and physical facilities in tact.
I had my first freak out on Saturday night as I tried to fall asleep but could only think about the Federal Rules for Civil Procedure (the bane of my existence). I've already had three (3!) nightmares about finals, and I can't imagine sustaining this sort of pace for two more weeks. On the other hand, I need that much time to figure out what the hell I've been reading all summer and what it all means.
On a positive note, I've found a number of new study places and take great joy whenever I find a new awesome study spot. And no, I won't reveal any of them. They're mine.
On a not-so-positive note, the stress is at times a bit too much and only makes me realize how much I miss my past life. The combination of stress and leaving behind such a supportive circle of people isn't pretty. While I have friends here, I have yet to achieve the kind that will bring you plates full of cookies, give you a back massage, and wash your dishes as you try to remember the difference between impleader, interpleader, and intervention as they pertain to jurisdiction. So, in sum (and as a shameless plea), if anyone wants to provide me with "happy surprises" or just show up on my doorstep ready to be my very own "Finals Fairy," I'd be much obliged. If not, well, let's just hope I make it to August 21 with all my mental and physical facilities in tact.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Summer Semester Continues
I just read my last post, and realized that much has evolved since I began law school just two months ago. In sum: more stress, less free time, more socializing, happier Erin.
We are now four weeks or so from finals, and the pressure is starting to set in. Law school is different from undergrad in a number of important ways, the first and foremost being the intelligence and intensity of my peers. I've never been around so many driven people who have clearly gotten this far by working hard and focusing on their goals. That being said, there does seem to be an ethos here of "being stressed is cool" or something, where everyone tries to up everyone else on how much they are studying and how hard they work. As finals approach, people are starting to buckle down a little more (if that's possible) to create outlines, review past exams, and confer with their study groups. Because everything in law school comes down to your finals and those are graded on a curve, there's a fair amount of pressure surrounding the final exams. I feel like I've done a good job so far of distancing myself from the stress and working at my own pace, but I think I'll have to work hard to maintain that philosophy the closer we get to finals.
Socially, things are much better. It took a month for me to admit to myself that I do in fact live in Michigan now. I have a core group of eight or so friends here that I see regularly to go out to brunch, grab a beer, or explore Ann Arbor. They seem to be more laid back, more mature, and more socially conscious than the majority of the class, and provide a good outlet when classes get too overwhelming.
One of the big perks of being in school again is having access to the health center here. I am now in physical therapy once a week for my back, and I'm happy to report that I'm running again! I'm certainly not cured yet, but I'm on my way! Now, I just have to try to get back in shape.
My one regret so far this summer is how little summer I've been able to enjoy. I haven't left Ann Arbor all summer and I haven't done any hiking or camping. Law school seems to get in the way, and not having a car makes it all the more difficult. Luckily, I will be going home between summer and fall semesters, and I expect to get my outdoor "fix" then.
As usual, my goals to keep in touch seem to have fallen by the wayside, but please know that I love to hear from you and I haven't forgotten about all my wonderful "family" scattered around the country!
We are now four weeks or so from finals, and the pressure is starting to set in. Law school is different from undergrad in a number of important ways, the first and foremost being the intelligence and intensity of my peers. I've never been around so many driven people who have clearly gotten this far by working hard and focusing on their goals. That being said, there does seem to be an ethos here of "being stressed is cool" or something, where everyone tries to up everyone else on how much they are studying and how hard they work. As finals approach, people are starting to buckle down a little more (if that's possible) to create outlines, review past exams, and confer with their study groups. Because everything in law school comes down to your finals and those are graded on a curve, there's a fair amount of pressure surrounding the final exams. I feel like I've done a good job so far of distancing myself from the stress and working at my own pace, but I think I'll have to work hard to maintain that philosophy the closer we get to finals.
Socially, things are much better. It took a month for me to admit to myself that I do in fact live in Michigan now. I have a core group of eight or so friends here that I see regularly to go out to brunch, grab a beer, or explore Ann Arbor. They seem to be more laid back, more mature, and more socially conscious than the majority of the class, and provide a good outlet when classes get too overwhelming.
One of the big perks of being in school again is having access to the health center here. I am now in physical therapy once a week for my back, and I'm happy to report that I'm running again! I'm certainly not cured yet, but I'm on my way! Now, I just have to try to get back in shape.
My one regret so far this summer is how little summer I've been able to enjoy. I haven't left Ann Arbor all summer and I haven't done any hiking or camping. Law school seems to get in the way, and not having a car makes it all the more difficult. Luckily, I will be going home between summer and fall semesters, and I expect to get my outdoor "fix" then.
As usual, my goals to keep in touch seem to have fallen by the wayside, but please know that I love to hear from you and I haven't forgotten about all my wonderful "family" scattered around the country!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
First Week of Law School
I write this lying flat on my back on the futon in my new apartment in Ann Arbor, MI. Law school officially began last Thursday, and among my many adjustments is finding how to accommodate my very special back into my new schedule. It often requires searching out ways to do daily tasks either horizontally or standing. It's a challenge, to say the least.
Just a week into school, I can offer only the briefest impressions of my new life here. From an academic stand point, law school is great. I find the material to be complex and interesting without being overwhelming, and my three professors are all clearly intelligent and skilled instructors. I really do love the material, and am encouraged by this fact that I may have actually made the right choice by pursuing this profession. My courses for the summer are Torts, Civil Procedure, and Legal Practice. All of the courses in my first two semesters are required and I don't have any say on my schedule. Luckily, these three seem great so far.
I am living in a studio apartment within a house just a few blocks from the law quad. My apartment is cute (pictures are available on Facebook if you care to look), though the house is quite run-down in general and the neighbors are less than desirable. This is my first(!) apartment without a roommate, and I thoroughly enjoy the freedom and privacy this has provided. However, it is easy to hide away in my apartment and not be sociable, which only hinders the friends-making process. To that end, I will say I've been attempting, if not with great effort, to find some like-minded friends here. It's difficult. For once, I've lost much of my social self-confidence and feel very incapable of finding people with whom I feel comfortable. I attribute this primarily to the general emotional upheaval I currently find myself in as a result of leaving behind a community in DC and my staid life there. Also, because I can't sit to study or for much else, I can't spend time in the library with other students or even hang out at the many coffee shops around here. Building relationships with my classmates is one aspect of my life in Ann Arbor in which I hope for and expect a great deal of improvement in the upcoming weeks.
Beyond school and attempts to be sociable, I do find that I have a fair bit of time on my hands. Even with reviewing each case we are studying multiple times, I struggle to fill all the hours in the day. I've started utilizing the gym here, mostly to swim, which is the activity (one of only) I have been permitted and encouraged to do to improve my back. Daily life activities of cooking (Julia: tonight was pasta with broccoli and spinach in a garlic cream sauce), shopping, and laundry still haven't caught up to me, and I'm still exploring what all Ann Arbor (aka A2) has to offer. And so, of course, I would welcome you with open arms if you want to swing by for a visit to this cute little town.
Oh, and finally, if you haven't found my new address, it is:
Erin Cass
537 S. Division St. Apt 4
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Mail always welcome :)
Just a week into school, I can offer only the briefest impressions of my new life here. From an academic stand point, law school is great. I find the material to be complex and interesting without being overwhelming, and my three professors are all clearly intelligent and skilled instructors. I really do love the material, and am encouraged by this fact that I may have actually made the right choice by pursuing this profession. My courses for the summer are Torts, Civil Procedure, and Legal Practice. All of the courses in my first two semesters are required and I don't have any say on my schedule. Luckily, these three seem great so far.
I am living in a studio apartment within a house just a few blocks from the law quad. My apartment is cute (pictures are available on Facebook if you care to look), though the house is quite run-down in general and the neighbors are less than desirable. This is my first(!) apartment without a roommate, and I thoroughly enjoy the freedom and privacy this has provided. However, it is easy to hide away in my apartment and not be sociable, which only hinders the friends-making process. To that end, I will say I've been attempting, if not with great effort, to find some like-minded friends here. It's difficult. For once, I've lost much of my social self-confidence and feel very incapable of finding people with whom I feel comfortable. I attribute this primarily to the general emotional upheaval I currently find myself in as a result of leaving behind a community in DC and my staid life there. Also, because I can't sit to study or for much else, I can't spend time in the library with other students or even hang out at the many coffee shops around here. Building relationships with my classmates is one aspect of my life in Ann Arbor in which I hope for and expect a great deal of improvement in the upcoming weeks.
Beyond school and attempts to be sociable, I do find that I have a fair bit of time on my hands. Even with reviewing each case we are studying multiple times, I struggle to fill all the hours in the day. I've started utilizing the gym here, mostly to swim, which is the activity (one of only) I have been permitted and encouraged to do to improve my back. Daily life activities of cooking (Julia: tonight was pasta with broccoli and spinach in a garlic cream sauce), shopping, and laundry still haven't caught up to me, and I'm still exploring what all Ann Arbor (aka A2) has to offer. And so, of course, I would welcome you with open arms if you want to swing by for a visit to this cute little town.
Oh, and finally, if you haven't found my new address, it is:
Erin Cass
537 S. Division St. Apt 4
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Mail always welcome :)
Friday, April 10, 2009
Summer Start
So, after much debating and soul-searching, I decided to apply to switch from the fall to summer start program at Michigan Law. My reasons were thus: I'm not doing much in DC except trying to make my rent; starting a semester early will allow me to graduate with my class on time if I decide to add a MA; summer start is a good way to ease into law school; and Ann Arbor is supposed to be beautiful in the summer. I sent off an email on Monday with my request, and as of this afternoon, I have been accepted into the summer start program! Only 90 1Ls do the summer start program, which means campus will be quieter and we will (hopefully) get a better chance to get to know one another before the fall semester begins.
Of course, there are implications. The first of which is that I start orientation on May 26 - that's just 6 weeks from now! I have to quit my (3) jobs, find someone to sublet my room, pack up my stuff, find a new home in Ann Arbor, scrounge up some funds, and somehow mentally prepare for law school in that short amount of time. EEK! It won't allow for much time to worry the little details - it just has to get done! In my few weeks left, my schedule is still wacky with my weird jobs, but if you're in town, let's make sure to meet up! And of course, if you have any leads / ideas on any of the above, let me know!!
Of course, there are implications. The first of which is that I start orientation on May 26 - that's just 6 weeks from now! I have to quit my (3) jobs, find someone to sublet my room, pack up my stuff, find a new home in Ann Arbor, scrounge up some funds, and somehow mentally prepare for law school in that short amount of time. EEK! It won't allow for much time to worry the little details - it just has to get done! In my few weeks left, my schedule is still wacky with my weird jobs, but if you're in town, let's make sure to meet up! And of course, if you have any leads / ideas on any of the above, let me know!!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Law School Results, Final Edition
Well folks, here it is: the decision. After FINALLY receiving my rejection letter from Stanford (which was 100% expected and doesn't upset me in the least) and a great visit at Michigan last weekend, I will be attending Michigan Law this fall as part of the class of 2012! I could not be more excited about this decision. Yes, other schools gave me more money and yes, other schools are in more exciting locations. However, no school on my list is of as high a caliber and offers such a collaborative, collegial environment as Michigan.
I went to Preview Weekend about 80% sure Michigan is the right choice for me, and all of my inclinations were confirmed. I was welcomed immediately and openly by students and administrators, was further convinced of Michigan's excellent academics and reputation, and loved the beautiful campus. Honestly, Ann Arbor didn't seem to meet the hype I had heard, but it was the college town that I expected. In the end, I realize that no matter where I attend school, I will have a significant amount of debt at the end, and thus I should base my choice on the quality of the academics and the depth of the alumni, two criteria at which I believe Michigan excels.
So until this August, I'm keeping busy. I have loans to apply for and housing to find. I also have (gulp!) four jobs at the moment to foot the bills: Hudson Trail, teaching for Kaplan, doing administrative work for Kaplan, and painting an apartment for a friend's mother. It doesn't leave much time to enjoy the coming warm weather, but it keeps me out of trouble!
I went to Preview Weekend about 80% sure Michigan is the right choice for me, and all of my inclinations were confirmed. I was welcomed immediately and openly by students and administrators, was further convinced of Michigan's excellent academics and reputation, and loved the beautiful campus. Honestly, Ann Arbor didn't seem to meet the hype I had heard, but it was the college town that I expected. In the end, I realize that no matter where I attend school, I will have a significant amount of debt at the end, and thus I should base my choice on the quality of the academics and the depth of the alumni, two criteria at which I believe Michigan excels.
So until this August, I'm keeping busy. I have loans to apply for and housing to find. I also have (gulp!) four jobs at the moment to foot the bills: Hudson Trail, teaching for Kaplan, doing administrative work for Kaplan, and painting an apartment for a friend's mother. It doesn't leave much time to enjoy the coming warm weather, but it keeps me out of trouble!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Law School Results, take #3
UColorado: accepted, scholarship info pending
UUtah: $26,000 per year scholarship (75% of tuition)
Northeastern: in addition to the scholarship, a $3000 fellowship for public interest work
Still waiting to hear back from Stanford. I'm heading to Michigan March 19-21 for Preview Weekend, and have a feeling that will be my deciding time. :)
UUtah: $26,000 per year scholarship (75% of tuition)
Northeastern: in addition to the scholarship, a $3000 fellowship for public interest work
Still waiting to hear back from Stanford. I'm heading to Michigan March 19-21 for Preview Weekend, and have a feeling that will be my deciding time. :)
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Law School Results, take #2
Each day now, it seems like there's more news. Here's the latest tally:
Northeastern - accepted, $8,500 per year scholarship
UWashington - accepted, scholarship info pending
UMinnesota-Twin Cities - accepted, scholarship info pending
Berkeley - rejected :(
I felt I had a 50/50 chance of being admitted to Berkeley, and am overall at peace with that rejection. While it would be a great school for me, the cost of living is very high in the Bay Area and I'm thankful not to have the difficult decision of Berkeley vs. Michigan. I am still waiting to hear from 3 more schools, and of course scholarship/money issues will weigh on my decision, but at this point I am leaning heavily towards Michigan.
Northeastern - accepted, $8,500 per year scholarship
UWashington - accepted, scholarship info pending
UMinnesota-Twin Cities - accepted, scholarship info pending
Berkeley - rejected :(
I felt I had a 50/50 chance of being admitted to Berkeley, and am overall at peace with that rejection. While it would be a great school for me, the cost of living is very high in the Bay Area and I'm thankful not to have the difficult decision of Berkeley vs. Michigan. I am still waiting to hear from 3 more schools, and of course scholarship/money issues will weigh on my decision, but at this point I am leaning heavily towards Michigan.
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