Weekend Update (Tales from a N Law 1L) – 10/26/08

I know you’re tired of hearing how much work Northwestern Law is, so I think it’s high time I tell you some of the fun things we do. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday went by with the usual hectic pace. Wednesday evening, I had dinner with fellow members of the Asia Pacific American Law Student’s Association (APALSA). I know, you’re obviously wondering what Asian heritage I claim, and I promise to let you know as soon as I discover. I was admitted into the organization because they had difficulty disproving my claim that I am 0.01% Blackanese. Hehe. On a more serious note, most clubs on campus allow any student interested in knowing more about there group to join. Since one of my best law schools buddies is part Chinese, I decided to imerse myself in the Asian culture. Also, the more organizations I join, the less I have to cook.

Thursday after my Criminal Law class, I received a second note from my professor commending me on my “stellar thinking and contribution to the classroom discussions.” Though a note seems like nothing, such feedback means a great deal, since we wont receive any concrete feedbac until after finals in December. Law School is so structured that the only exam of real worth is the final exam for each course. Some classes give “practice” midterm exams, and I try to approach those as if my grades depend on them. There I go talking about Northwestern Law again.

On Saturday, I went to an event at the Jamaican Consulate in Chicago. Earlier in the week I had recieved an invitation to a diaspora conference. I RSVP’d when I was informed that I would get Jamaican food for lunch. The meeting was somewhat useful, and the food was wonderful. Also, I had the opportunity to meet with the daughter of one of Jamaica’s founding fathers (B.B. Cooke – I think Jamaica’s second education minister). Midway true the conversation, she tried to convince me that I should consider entering politics; ofcourse, I informed her that politics was not the only medium through which I could make a meaningful (positive) contribution to the country. Not sure who I’m kidding – the thought of entering politics still lingers. Maybe I will grow it out. Maybe a family will remove it entirely. Maybe I will enter politcs.

By Saturday night, I wanted nothing to do with any conversation involving anything of substance. Three classmates and I decided to attend a Halloween party hosted by a friend and his girlfriend. The party was good. Us N Law student’s know how to throw a good jam. I went dressed up as… uhm… well, I didn’t really go dressed up. I wore an African hat. That was either a costume, or just me getting intouch with my inner “Africanness.” Either way, we had a blast. Of note: just so you get a glimpse of the diversity at Northwestern Law – I am from Jamaica (went to college in NY), Rishard is from the Bahamas (went to Princeton), Frank is Chinese and Ayo is from Nigeria. That was the party crew; and it was beautiful.

The coming week should be very hectic. I have research to conduct for a case, and a midterm on Friday. I have three Haloween party invitations for this Friday, so hopefully, this weekend will be fun.

Will keep you posted!