Dear 10-year-ago Me

You are adorable and you don't know it. Right now, the biggest thing on your mind is that you just quit your job and are starting law school. You’re feeling brave, but you have no confidence. 

What if I told you ...

Law school will literally kick your teeth in during 1L, but you’ll grow them back in 3L. You’re going to be called on the first day in multiple classes. Yes you may freak out. Ultimately, you will do and learn everything you need to be successful. As a bonus, you will become friends with some of these professors and student colleagues ... such that when life goes off the rails, they’ll be your first calls.

Your first job out of law school doesn’t exist yet, and you’ll be the first to have it. You will enjoy it - and the people you meet because of it - more than any other job you have (and possibly ever will). It will be hard. You’ll make decisions that impact others’ lives and livelihood every day. You will stay there 5 years, and be a part of Really Big Stuff because you love it that much. 

Within 2 years of graduation, you will be divorced. I know - that sounds crazy. But does it really? You’ll know the divorce is coming within 2 months from now. If you want to save yourself some misery, leave *the first time*. You’ll know what I mean when it happens.

Your closest friend group will changeover multiple times. M u l t i p l e  t i m e s. Let in the people who want to be in your space and who you enjoy. Leave the rest alone. 

Speaking of “alone.” You will spend a lot of time alone. As it turns out, you like it. 

At about the 10 year mark from now, your life will look and feel so different you will wonder who 10-year-ago you was. You’ll be proud of her courage, but smirk at her naïveté. Yes, dear me, you are naive and entirely too trusting. Be bold. Stop doubting yourself. Listen to those instincts. Also, it’s called ‘feeling a Pause’; pay attention to it.

Here’s to 1L! Give ‘em hell.

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