Finals are fast approaching, and every resident of the 1L universe is acutely aware that good grades – especially in this economy – are important. And so, with the utmost care and discipline, outlines must be drafted, practice exams taken, friendships postponed, and minor hygiene violations forgiven.
Yet, I find myself tempted to ask: why the mad dash?
For starters, good grades translate into a good career. The importance of a good career being: money, pride, and an intellectual challenge. But why are these things desirable? Ultimately, because they make us happy.
If happiness is the endgame of all our hard work and ambition, does it even make sense to take a rain-check in the present for the purpose of attaining perfect exam scores?
The answer, I think, is no. Exams are coming, and they are important. But being human is also requisite for our happiness – present and future. To abandon our bliss during these darkest law school hours would be nothing short of a huge mistake that renders everything else we’re aiming for, well… meaningless.
This week, the universe tapped me on the shoulder to remind me that there are more important things in life than impending doom. Seeing a face you love and miss, having a door opened for you, realizing that destiny is the only adequate explanation for certain things, haggling over sushi with your sister, singing Motown in the shower, are all things that make life worth living NOW.
And so with that, I return to outlining. But not before enjoying a frozen waffle (or two.)
3 responses so far ↓
idwsj // November 12, 2009 at 7:18 am |
i’ve forgotten what it’s like to be human this past week
i’m pretty sure i won’t remember until after finals…it’s tough not to let that feeling of being under the gun get to ya!
Alex // November 12, 2009 at 7:51 am |
I hear ya idwsj… I just hope that you’re still taking time to enjoy the small things that don’t cost much time or energy.
WW // November 16, 2009 at 3:17 pm |
I think it’s all about balance. I refuse to study so much that it becomes counterproductive but I need to study enough so that I felt I gave my best effort. That way, whatever the outcome, I’ll be content knowing I did my best. Here’s to hoping my best is good enough.