Back to blogging, Post Two. The reason for my long break from this blog was to concentrate on the hefty chore (yes, absolutely, and if anyone knew what it’s like they might’ve chosen otherwise—of course, I do know I’m lucky to be in this position, but still…—a chore) of deciding at which law school I’ll be spending my next three years, nose to the grind stone, in what I expect to be the most academically and emotionally challenging environment I’ve ever been in during my life (I have a ridiculously weak immune system so we’ll add in physically challenging too).

For context, I was fortunate enough to apply to 16 of some of the top law schools in the country, be admitted by 13 of them, wait-listed by 1 and rejected by 2. Even more fortunate, I was offered more-than generous scholarships by many and full rides to a good number. In the end—if only I knew how to convey the tremendous emotion and energy that has gone into my decision into this one seemingly trivial sentence—I have chosen to attend the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.

After visits to six different states—like everyone had explained to me but is only understandable when it hits you—Berkeley—or Boalt, as most call it—just felt right. Terrified enough to be more than intrigued, I am shakingly excited to have a chance to learn from some of the brightest minds in the world, while sitting next to some of the smartest students in the world. If you know me, you most likely know I have an absolute passion for learning. Whether it has to do with my undergraduate concentrations or how the clutch in my ‘92 Trooper works, if you want to explain to me how something runs, what it means, or the history of how that thing came to be, I will listen. It feels an honor to have an opportunity to learn the law at such a level, and I simply couldn’t turn it down. Not only that, but the school was just the right “fit”. Intelligent, but understandable. Highly-ranked, but not pretentious. The administration at Boalt explained to me their approach to learning that encompassed, well, exactly my approach to learning. Understanding how everything in the world works together, they explained. What does a child abuse case have to do with economics? How does this action over here affect that response over there? An intellectual curiosity, they described, that extends beyond law and make your understanding of the law better because of it. THAT is what intrigues me and that is exactly the type of environment I want to place myself in.

So, after the year-long process, from the time I began studying for my LSATs just over a year ago this month, I’ve decided where to focus my time, energy, and quite a bit of money toward for the next three years. Big….sigh….of relief. For now: trying to find a studio in the Bay area for under $1200 a month =).