Kimberly Henry
Age: 27
Undergraduate major: Criminal Justice
Hometown: Arlington, Texas
Status: Part-Time Evening
Email: kchenry@mail.txwes.eduDear Diary,
4/18/08 - Unfortunately, this is our final blog!! Although I feel a little blue about the inability to continue "As the Law School Turns," I definitely will not miss a day of the first year of law school. While at times it seemed to be the most agonizing experience ever, I can truly say that law school still is the best leap of faith I have taken in years! I believe I have grown significantly in my character, as well as my understanding of the fundamental requirements of being an attorney. As I stated in a previous entry, the most difficult part of law school is not the curriculum, rather the time constraints undoubtedly add the stressful pressure. While most of you have hopefully decided to attend Texas Wesleyan next fall, I urge that you take this summer and rest while enjoying your family and close friends as much as possible. Believe me, they will definitely be a part of your support system and bring you the joy and peace you will definitely need at times.
It has been lots of fun taking you on such a roller coaster ride and now the time has finally come for me to allow the next group to take their seats! Gear up and be ready to read, write, read, write, read, write some more, study, study, and study some more until the final day of glory has come: Graduation!! (I'm already preparing for that day and I still have three more years! That's ridiculous!)
Please remember to keep my e-mail handy as I now have the inside track!! LOL!! See you next year...now back to studying for the exams.
Also, thanks to all who have been such a great help to my successful completion of the first year and a very special thanks to Nikki Chriesman, my mentor – you are truly special!!
4/11/08 - Long time, no hear from me!! Unfortunately the trial brief had me in shackles! However, the brief is turned in and now it is time for me to hone in on my outlines. Time is truly flying by and my first year of law school seems to already be in the past. Although for some apparent reason I have truly been out of sync with my studies for my exams this semester. With only two weeks left, it is definitely time for me to buckle down and get my priorities in the right order. Now that I no longer have to write another legal document until fall, I may be able to accomplish this task successfully.
Congrats to all of our future 1Ls that have chose to join our forces next year!
4/4/08 - Trial brief due on Monday...will definitely discuss more next week. Sorry!
3/28/08 - Welcome back!! Although spring break was wonderful, I probably would have been much better off in school. Any time I take a break, it is much more difficult getting back on track. I apologize to all whom I have been unable to reply to. However, this semester has been pretty busy and overwhelming, especially in my personal life. An upper-level student asked me yesterday what I discovered about law school that I did not know prior to attending. What I found was that law school is not as difficult as it is time-consuming. As I sit back and review the past few weeks, I understand the concepts in each of my classes, but to be able to keep up is a huge problem for me.
In about four weeks I will be finished with classes and my first year of law school. That is scary!!! It seems as though the clock is ticking in my head to complete my trial brief and oral argument on time, while finishing all of my outlines in just enough time to study for my final exams. Just the thought of everything I have to do exhausts me!
Also, thanks to all of you who were cheering me on to be elected BLSA Secretary, and I am your 2008-09 BLSA Secretary!! To all of you who have been accepted, please let me know if you are planning to attend, as I would like to congratulate you on your acceptance!
3/7/08 - Next week is spring break, and although that is a means to get excited, I will still be working vigorously on my trial brief! The trial brief gives us the opportunity to be a little more persuasive, actually a lot more than the Memo, so I definitely hope to have a little fun with this assignment. As for my other classes, I am holding onto Contracts for dear life. I am really hoping for a miracle to implant unconscionable contracts into my brain before the exam. My lack of understanding may be due to my lack of interest or burnout!
We had BLSA elections yesterday and I ran for secretary, so please cross your fingers and keep me in your prayers that I am elected!
2/29/08 - Well, I'm still in shock from last night's classes where I gave up on trying to make sense of the law. Come to find out that it is a crime to use fraud or deceit to take another's property, but it is not a crime to use fraud or deceit to take one's intimate relations (if you know I mean)! Now isn't that concept bizarre! In contracts, I was also a bit baffled by the fact that one can enter into a legitimate contract, file a suit for breach of contract on the other, but will be unable to receive any type of legal remedy if a public policy, not law, is in place at anytime after the establishment of the contract. You just have to be careful with whom you enter into contractual and intimate relations with!
2/22/08 - This week was pretty hectic since we had to make-up a couple classes for Criminal Law. However, it was also pretty fascinating to sit as jurors and listen to our classmates' closing arguments! Criminal Law definitely keeps me awake just enough to make it through Contracts!
Aside from class, I love working with the students in the Street Law Program. I do benefit by receiving pro bono hours, but even more so by seeing the change in every student take place each week. These kids are very intelligent and just need someone to step in and show they care! If you have not signed up for the Street Law Program, please do so! Making a difference in one student's life can provide the opportunity to change many generations to come!
2/15/08 - The memos are in and I can finally sleep. This has been a pretty rigorous week, with most of the students surviving with a few hours of sleep and taking on the continuous overflow of assignments and reading. Fortunately, we have been through this process once before and by now we are just coasting through it slowly. Our contracts professor has kept us smiling with a few funny stories he throws in every now and then.
In Criminal Law we had our first set of closing arguments, which all of us were pretty reluctant to volunteer for due to the memo. However, the two that walked up to the plate were phenomenal! As part of the jury, I really enjoyed discussing our findings and determining the fate of the defendant. This is the part of law I love!
2/8/08 - Memo time, so as you can see I am locked down to my seat again and focused on getting this memo done at least two minutes before class!! (Just kidding, more like five minutes.)
It truly has been a complicated week trying to stop fishing for cases and settle for what you already have. Don't worry, I'll get through it! I promise to have more to discuss next week!
2/1/08 - This week has been tremendously busy. I'm currently working on my third Memo, while successfully keeping up with my other classes. This is something I definitely could not do last semester. I have finally improved my time-management skills and how I balance my family life. Although I am not an expert, I feel as though I am finally making progress.
To the prospective students that have kept in contact with me over the year, remember to let me know if you have been accepted so I can celebrate with you!
1/25/08 - Earlier this week I had a difficult time adjusting to the heavy workload that was placed upon us. But fortunately for myself and my family, I heard such an uplifting speech from our BLSA president, Mark Murrell, that quickly placed me back into the frame of mind that I need to accomplish my goals. After we listened so fervently to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, Mark shared what the speech meant to him. He stated that the speech focuses around persistence and having faith in the unforeseen. That speaks volumes because as a law student, I myself at times fall victim to the "woe is me" attitude. With all that is placed upon an evening student, such as full-time job, family, and lack of time to yourself, you can find yourself wondering why you are making such a huge sacrifice to obtain a law degree.
But as Mark so eloquently put it, we are making this temporary sacrifice now to obtain the unforeseen, or our destiny for our future. He stated that Dr. King's speech focuses on being persistent in staying on your path to your will or your destiny to make a change in your life, your community, and our nation, regardless of your current circumstances. And as future lawyers, we will have the voice to make these changes.
So to my peers, hang in there, be strong, and remember that law school is only temporary. For one day, we will live out our dream! Thanks, Mark!
1/18/08 - I am finally back into school full force since this is my second week back. We received our Memo 3 assignment on Monday and it is catastrophic! I have to do my own research and hope that I come across the landmark case that our professor is requiring in order to obtain a satisfactory grade. Other than that, everything else is going pretty smooth. Criminal Law is just plain fascinating and Contracts – well I'll just say that I am definitely no longer a deer in headlights!
The most difficult part at this time is taking care of my son since he broke his arm for the first time this past weekend and has reverted back to a two-year-old! Please keep me in your thoughts that I am able to make it through the next six weeks with my sanity!
1/11/08 - Welcome back to another season of drama in "As the Law School Turns!" After a relaxing Christmas break, I am returning to finish out my antagonizing first year of law school. Aside from the difficult task ahead, I am sort of excited that I am another step closer to completing the four-year program.
If you are wondering about my first week back, I will be honest; it was the most heart- wrenching week ever. As I walked through the doors on the first day, I was immediately told that the grades were posted in the "hall of shame" and that I should check out what I made. With that comment my heart went into my stomach, my stomach into my legs, and my feet almost fell from under me. It seemed like the longest walk ever; as if it were 40 miles away! As I slowly perused through the mirage of ID numbers, I finally saw mine. Whew! Luckily, no one had to call 911. However, it was only one grade. I had to relive the event above for the next two days to obtain the grades for my other two courses. They definitely know how to torture!!
I will say that I did not let you down and I am ready to take on this new semester as if it were my first. Welcome back to all of my peers and I know that we will be even more successful this semester than we were the last!
11/30/07 - We've made it to the end of our first semester of law school. As I look back, I wonder first where the time has gone. It seems as though just yesterday I was highly anticipating my first day of law school. I just can't believe how much law my brain has held onto in such little time!
Exams are next week and I, along with my fellow classmates, am experiencing a high level of anxiety; hesitant about our first experience with our unknown fortune. I thank all who have encouraged me along the way and I vow (or hope) that I will not let you down. This weekend I will stare my 50 page outline in the eye and claim, "I will NOT be defeated!" I will press on, strong in faith, towards my goal of finishing at the top (top 15 percent, to be more specific). However, after yesterday's Torts review, I will be content with ranking in the top 30 percent!
To all future prospects, good luck on the LSAT! I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
11/16/07 - I am most likely the only 1L excited about finals – only because I will finally be able to get some sleep afterwards! As the day draws near, I have taken on an entirely different outlook. It is what it is; it will be what it will be. I will just do the best that I can and hope that my professors have mercy on me!
And by the way, Happy Thanksgiving!
11/9/07 - Three weeks to go until our fortune awaits us!! My outlines are growing at a rate of three pages per day. Although the task of studying seems pretty cumbersome, I am kind of excited that the day is near. My only issue is managing my time between studying and my son. I will have to setup a celebration party, along with many gifts, for my son at the end of semester. He deserves it for hanging in there with me!
We received our grade for our first memo this week. While everyone was frantically asking everyone about their grade, I'm just glad my grade didn't cause me to pass out!
11/2/07 - The days have been rough; however, all is well now that I am finished with the first portion of my second Memo! Tonight, I plan to kick back, relax, and have fun. I truly deserve it! Unfortunately, I will have to be back in full force on Saturday morning!
10/26/07 - I'm entering into crackdown time for exam preparation. I recently completed my Torts practice exam and I am amazed at how quickly an hour goes by. At one point I thought a four-hour exam would only take me about three hours to complete. Unfortunately, that's definitely not the case! I need at least four additional hours to ensure that I analyze every issue on the exam correctly. I hope to improve on my time management skills over the next few weeks to help with this issue. If anyone has any ideas, I gladly welcome them!
My TA in academic support gave me some great recommendations to improve my grade on my exams. Thanks, Rosie! I cannot emphasize enough the importance of attending the academic support sessions. I believe the information that is given by the TA’s can contribute significantly to your grades.
10/19/07 - Note: Please read the following with caution! This is not to place fear into prospective law students. This is my experience only!
This has been a very difficult week. After the stress of submitting our first memo, the continuous amount of reading, and the preparation for the exams, I feel as though I’m truly losing my mind. My anxiety is beginning to put a damper on my relationship. The sleep deprivation is lending to my loss of focus. It is getting rough!
However, the good news is that I have approximately eight weeks left and then it will all be over (for a little while, at least). I have a practice exam this week and fortunately, I am able to use my outline to answer the questions! I hope this will be helpful in preparing me for the actual exam. Wish me luck!
10/12/07 - I am halfway through the first semester! This is the time where I begin to really crackdown on preparing for my exams. I’m sure you’re all wondering how I did on my first memo draft. Let’s just say I wasn’t in tears; however, I still have a lot of work to do for the final draft that’s due next week.
I would like to thank my BLSA mentor, Nikki, for being so helpful and supportive and thanks to all of the upper-level students that have given me a helpful hand!
10/5/07 - This week has been very difficult! From suffering from a cold to work overload, I have been pretty disoriented the past few days. I know that my slurred speech and inability to focus have most people wondering if I am truly in law school!
This week our reading assignments have decreased just enough that I may have more time to work on my final memo this weekend. We will be receiving our professor's review of our first memo Thursday night. I just hope that I'm able to decipher my professor's recommendations through all of her red ink!
9/28/07 - I just attended a death penalty seminar hosted by the Wesleyan Innocence Project that exposed me to the insurmountable amount of change needed in our justice system. As an advocate for increased rehabilitation efforts and lesser sentences for juvenile delinquents, I constantly seek to increase my knowledge in any arena that exposes holes in our justice system for the sole opportunity of hoping to close them one day. I say this only to extend the following request to my fellow classmates (future lawyers) and prospective students: take advantage of the resources you have at your disposable at Texas Wesleyan, along with your education, and look, not only for the top summer associate position with the top pay, but also for a chance to make a difference in at least one individual's life that seeks something he indeed lacks – the in-depth understanding of our legal system.
On a lighter note: it finally happened! My name was called upon to analyze a case. Fortunately, it was during the last five minutes of class, so by the time I finished stating the facts and issue, it was time to head home!!! HOORAY!! However, next time I may not be so lucky.
9/21/07 - Our Contracts professor threw a curve ball at us yesterday and I believe we all, or most of us, struck out. The definition of a contract that I have ingrained in my mind is suddenly not the true or exact technical definition anymore! Whoa!!! Now how do I incorporate this into my exam? Fortunately, not all is lost!! I have come to understand that as times change, laws change. That's the reason for Lexis Nexis and Westlaw. My future research companions! My study aids will do for now!
If you have been following our blogs, you know that our first memo assignment is complete and all of us are patiently waiting to see exactly where we stand after five weeks in school. I truly believe that we all did very well, and wish good luck to all of my fellow classmates!!
9/14/07 - Today is a much brighter day! This week the light bulb clicked on and I finally understand Contracts. There is definitely hope. I have also discovered that it is in your best interest to be fully prepared for class. Some of my classmates found themselves in an uncomfortable spot this week when they were called on; they had not prepared case briefs or notes for class. Our professors are ruthless when you are not up to speed with the class. I have made it this far without being called on, but I know my time will be soon. I just hope that when I’m called on, it’s a case I fully understand!
Next week we turn in our first big assignment, Memo 1; so this weekend I will be tied to my computer (as if that’s something unusual). I give great thanks to our Academic Support TA! She’s provided us with so much information that helps to prepare us for our classes and exams! So remember next year not to forgo your Academic Support sessions; they can be quite helpful.
9/7/07 - Well, we received our first Memo assignment this week and with all the reading assignments due, I have yet to even glance at it. I am suffering from a little anxiety just thinking about my schedule for the weekend. It includes starting my outlines, Memo 1 assignment, multiple cases to brief, and much more. I do not foresee any sleep in my future. I'll probably just chain myself to the library and bring a pillow for a nap in between. The frightening part is that it is only the beginning!
Now for the positive portion of my blog. Fortunately, I have received plenty of guidance from upper-level students regarding outlines and preparation for the exams. Even though law school is highly competitive, there are plenty of students and administrators here to help guide you along.
8/31/07 – I have made it through two weeks of law school!!! I am jumping for joy! (Only for a few seconds though; I don’t want to take too much time away from studying!) The past couple of weeks have really enlightened me to an entirely different view of law curriculum. It seems that everything I thought I knew, I really didn’t have a clue about. I have tossed my line of logical reasoning out of the window and cleared my ears for all that the professors have to say. Easier said than done!!
After receiving my first case brief review from my professor this week, I actually feel better about being here! I may have a chance after all! One thing I have discovered is that I need to do better with the management of my time. I made the mistake this weekend of dedicating too much time with family and friends; although I struggled through it, my body suffered tremendously without sleep. It’s important that you know, as an entering student, that you need to prepare to make huge sacrifices with your time spent with others and hope that they understand after it’s all said and done!
Cheers to my fellow classmates that have suffered well through the endless questioning from our professors and thanks to all who follow my blog! I enjoy reading all of your e-mails and hope that I can help in any way! Looking forward to another week!
8/24/07 - I would like to welcome all prospective students that seek to further their interest in law, and I hope that I am able to provide you with a grounded perspective of what to expect during your first year in law school. As I set forth on this venture, I still wonder how I made it, and even sometimes I wonder, shall I turn back and make a run for the highway? Last week, most of us attended orientation (I don’t comprehend how anyone could justify missing such an event). While I presumed I was prepared for what was to come, let me just say, I wasn’t even in the ballpark. The fact that I was placed out of one of the best professor’s classes (I can’t mention his name) by random selection at the beginning of class, let me know at that moment that no amount of preparation can keep me completely up to speed. All I can say is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best!! The best and only advice I can give you is just read, read, read, analyze, analyze, analyze, write, write, and write some more at least two weeks prior to orientation!
Just a little side bar about me: I’m an older-than-average student, working full-time with a great company that works with my schedule, mother of a handsome yet rambunctious six-year old boy, and soon-to-be married to a wonderful man. You may ask yourself, “How is she going to make it through law school with so much on her plate?” Well the answer is still yet to come; however, I plan to persevere and sacrifice through my struggles now, and reap the benefits of the seeds I have sewn in the future. Believe me, this is the only statement that keeps me moving forward on this winding path!
My first week of law school is almost complete and I have come to realize that it really isn’t as difficult as I convinced myself it would be. Truthfully, you do have a TON of reading assignments and case briefs that you must stay ahead on. As a full-time employee, the eight hours of sleep you may be accustomed to will mostly likely decrease to approximately five. However, the comprehension of the subject matter is only a little challenging. Our professors do use random selection to use their Socratic method; nevertheless, they do help guide you to the correct answer. This style of teaching really helps enhance your reasoning and analytical skills that you need to be a successful lawyer.
Please feel free to contact me via e-mail if you have any questions. I hope to respond in a timely manner; however, please understand my time constraints if you do not hear from me for a couple of days. Again, I hope I am able to help you to understand the challenges and the benefits of attending law school and I wish you the best of luck in determining if law school is for you. As a side note: My decision to attend Texas Wesleyan School of Law was by far one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I already feel as though I am a part of a family here. They are tremendously helpful and really strive for all of their students to be successful in their future legal careers.