Hey, Kyung Hyun (Sally),
This is it. Now you no longer have to say, “I may consider applying to law school,” or “I wonder what if I chose to study law” because you will actually do it and will definitely survive! The day you received the acceptance letter for J.D. program from SMU is the day you take your first step to make your life long wish come true – to be in the legal profession.
I know how much you enjoyed your previous job. You were one of those very few lucky people who got to do what you like and got paid for it. I know it wasn’t easy for you to let go of such a fun job and the comfortable life you were having. But I also know that you were never truly satisfied with the fact that you are not being able to show your full potential and what you are capable of.
In law school, you will find out more about yourself, but mostly you will be surprised at how satisfied you feel while you interact with your classmates and professors with brilliant minds and intelligence. You will be grateful that such an opportunity was given to you to learn and grow so much.
Throughout 3 years in law school, you will have breakdowns and will feel lost, but you will never second guess or regret your decision to attend the law school. You will meet and make good friends who will support you through good times and hard times, have fun together and suffer together. You will meet great seniors and mentors from both school and work who will inspire and guide you.
You will keep quite good school/ life balance so, to be honest, I don’t really have much advice to give you on that. The only thing I would do differently (if I could) is to enjoy more of the learning process rather than being anxious to graduate and start working. It is the only time where you will have the space to make mistakes and ask questions to your professors. Once you are out of school, you won’t be dealing with hypothetical situations anymore, but with real-life matters of real people.
So, as one of your good friends has told you, “keep your head high, even as you paddle hard underneath, and sail smoothly on the surface”! Good luck and all the best to your journey ahead which will make you a much better person in every aspect.
From,
3 years older Kyung Hyun, who survived through law school with great memories.
2 August 2019
For more details about the SMU J.D. programme, please click here.
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