Made my decision about law school!!

Let me fill you in on what's happened so far. I got the courage to tell my mother the other day about how I felt about law school and how I feel pressured and forced into finishing when I really don't even want to be a lawyer. She was definitely upset and gave me a lot of crap. She kept asking me why I didn't decide this sooner and what I was going to do, etc...you name it...she asked it. I completely felt like a loser after talking with her. I shed many, many tears. I told her that I love Psychology, especially Child development ....but she doesn't understand what that it. All she knows is that when you go to law school, you become a lawyer...when you go to medical school, you become a doctor. Everything in that sense is exact.

My father, however, does not know. My mother's afraid and really doesn't even wanna hear my father flipping out. She told me she's gonna tell him when he's in a better mood.

So I was feeling like crap and a total loser. I decided the next day to go to school and file a dean's action request to take a leave of absence. Luckily, my best friend drove w/ me to the school. It's so weird how life works though, she's teaching right now and completing her Master's program. She loves what she does with a passion. Well, she mentioned to me how I felt about teaching children at an elementary level or being a guidance counselor. She explained to me how much Psychology is involved and how much freedom you have to be creative and free in your classroom. Honestly, I never looked at teaching from that perspective. I began to see the connection in my mind and how I can implement my own theories of psychology in helping children develop their minds. I did some more research and asked another friend of mind about his aunt who actually is a child psychologist. I haven't spoken w/ his aunt yet, but he told me how she works in schools being a child psychologist and how she began her career as a teacher initially.

I'm really, really excited because I feel that this is so right. My friend really helped me find an answer and a course to life. I feel so much more confident in this than I ever felt about law. Don't get me wrong, I'm scared and nervous, but I know that this is something that would bring me joy and happiness. What I love about this career is the potential that one has to expand on their future. Eventually, I would love to go and get my Ph.d or Psy.D and get into the research aspect of things. But as of now I know that it's in my best interest to go and get my Master's in Teaching and then work my way up.

I've looked into Queens College and they have a deadline for Nov.1 for Spring admission. I hope I'm not cutting it too close though. All I know is that I lost the dedication I had to the law right now. I don't want to be a lawyer was what I told my mom. Maybe one day I will find a way to implement what I am doing and the law together and consider law school again. This has been the hardest decision I've ever made in my entire life. The transition is difficult. For the first time in my life, I feel like I'm taking a step for me and not others.

Re: Made my decision about law school!!

Congratulations! Honestly, I think that what you did took a lot of courage. Often, it's just easier to go along with something that you're already involved in rather than take a chance and say "this isn't right for me." Your parents should feel lucky that they raised someone smart enough to recognize that and speak up for what she wants. I'm sure you'll be great at whatever you do. The key is finding something that you want to do and it sounds like you have. Best of luck!

Re: Made my decision about law school!!

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Posted by jenniesunshine

Congratulations! Honestly, I think that what you did took a lot of courage. Often, it's just easier to go along with something that you're already involved in rather than take a chance and say "this isn't right for me." Your parents should feel lucky that they raised someone smart enough to recognize that and speak up for what she wants. I'm sure you'll be great at whatever you do. The key is finding something that you want to do and it sounds like you have. Best of luck!

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