A New Path

Wow, I don't even know where to begin. Three weeks ago, I embarked on my law school journey. In just a few short hours, it will be over. It didn't last long, but it did leave a lasting impact. My short time in law school and the circumstances surrounding it provided life lessons that I will carry with me forever. I know some people may discount my choice and simply believe that I am a quitter or that I can't do it. If you hold those thoughts, please read on. I hope that you will be able to understand my reasoning, if not... frankly, I don't care.

I spent a large portion of my childhood believing that the one career path meant for me was law. Maybe it was because I was the granddaughter and daughter of a lawyer, maybe it was because I was working in the law office when I was in fifth grade. Whatever the reason, I long dreamed of the days I would walk the halls of Jones School of Law, becoming a third generation Jones student. On August 9, 2010, those dreams became reality.

During my senior year, I went back and forth when deciding whether to attend law school. One day, I wanted to be a great family and criminal attorney. The next day, I wanted to do work with my major- Communication. And the day after that, I wanted to teach high school or college English. I know, those are three very different career paths. Each of them had potential benefits and potential downfalls. Ultimately, on one cold day in February, I decided to attend law school. The days and weeks to come all focused on my upcoming graduation and transition into law school.

I found the perfect apartment in Montgomery. I bought furniture. In July, I moved into my beautiful, new apartment- away from my happy place, Auburn. I thought the next three years of my life were now set out before me. Again, I was wrong. During orientation week, my gut told me I had not made the right decision. I thought, heck, I was here now... I might as well try it.

Try it is exactly what I did. For two weeks, I attended classes, labored long hours over casebooks, and listened to never-ending lectures. I always thought I would love every minute of law school. Quite the opposite was true- I hated every minute of law school. It all felt meaningless to me. I became numb to everything around me. I realized my heart was not in it.

Somehow, I have managed to remain sane during the past eight years. In situations where I could have easily folded, I stood strong. Deep down, I know, law school would be the straw that broke the camel's back. So, you can chop up my decision to me not being strong enough, and on that account, you would probably be right.

I want to wake up everyday and go to a job that I love for the most part. I want to know I have options. I know that committing myself to complete three years of law school would only drive me to the crazy house and produce a degree that I may never use. I have decided to save myself the heartache and my Mama the money. I won't be completing law school.

I can honestly say that I have the most amazing family and friends. As I have pondered the situation over the past week, they have been supportive and loving. My biggest fear is disappointing the ones I love the most. I can make my decision today with the peace of mind in knowing that each of them loves me as much today as they did yesterday, and they only have my best interests at heart.

Mama, Vicki, Shelby, B.B., B.B. Daddy, Grandma, Jerrel, Jamie, Heather, Ms. Janna, Chris, Laura, Sarah, Mimi, Clair, Maria, Christy, Blayne, Justin, Logan, Ashley, and all of my other wonderful friends- today, you have reminded me of the greatest earthly gift God has given me, each of your friendship and love. You have listened to me freak out, cry, debate, discuss, and eventually peacefully make my decision. When I didn't think I was strong enough to make such a monumental choice, it was some of you that gave me the strength.

Please pray for me as I begin the new path in my life... where it may lead, I have no idea... but I am thankful to know that I have each of you on my side and to know it's in God's hands.

"In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song..."