Law School : Kind of like Frisbee -- Your Catch is Only as Good as Your Next Throw

Yesterday, I filled in 94 bubbles on a scantron to end three years of law school. I am finished. Tomorrow I will graduate, take a couple of days off, and begin preparing for the Bar Exam. I kind of feel like I did when I played football in high school. Friday night was exciting after a win and you knew you had the next two days to celebrate. However, you knew that on Monday, it was time to get ready for the next team.

I think the same concept applies to throwing a frisbee. You might make an incredible under-the-legs catch, but if you botch the next throw, then the consecutive catch-throw tally is once again shy of the record. In other words, I think all of life brings a big accomplishment. You have a little time to celebrate, but it is soon time to move onto the next challenge.

Before I get there, I am going to celebrate. Part of this celebration entails reflecting on things I learned (or things I already knew but were reinforced) in my three years of law school.

> Confidence is important -- One of my professors told us, "Even if you don't know the answer, act like you know the answer."  He went on to say that if we were in front of a judge, it would not be good for your client if you said, "I guess the answer is..." or "I don't know."  His point was not that we should feign knowing, but that we should have confidence.

> Admit when you do not know -- While this might seem contradictory to my last lesson, it is not.  It saves every one a lot of time and awkwardness if you admit you do not know the answer.  But it seems imperative to add that while you might not know currently, you will work diligently to find the answer.  Plus, it adds to your credibility when you do know the answer.  

> Work-Life Balance -- It can be really easy for law school to demand every hour of your day.  There is no reason it should.  Nor should any other part of your life take up so much time that you miss life.  I believe that part of glorifying God and honoring Him entails working hard at the things He has assigned you too.  While this involves work and learning, it also involves relationships and stewardship of everything He has given you.

> Preparation usually works better than desperation  -- I found out that I understood the concepts much better if I put the work in ahead of time as opposed to trying to play catch up later on.  

I have no doubt that as I continue to reflect to think on my last three years I will be reminded of more things I learned.  I am thankful for the opportunity to pursue my law degree and I am thankful for those that have supported me in the journey.