Exams are over! Wow! I feel elated! I feel a sense of accomplishment! I feel… a little bit of a ….let down.
I studied harder than I ever thought possible, like many of the students here. It all came together, the stress, the knowledge and the occasional minor computer problem. During my first exam, after 4 hours of clickity click click (type type type), my exam file would not upload. I did not know if that meant it was gone or what. So, during that time of uncertainty, (ironic uncertainty since this was a contracts exam!), I went from upset and tears to anger. I muttered profanities to myself and then slightly out loud. Then a wonderful woman running the entire computer based exam portion came in and saved the day! As it turned out, my file was there, it just wouldn’t upload to the server for some reason. WHEW! I couldn’t imagine what I would have done had my file just disappeared into thin air. Other folks had other minor issues such as login problems, which were resolved. As a former e-commerce consultant, I was impressed at the success rate overall for the software and the fact that over the course of several years they have yet to lose an exam. (knock on fake wood).
I am in a different section than Tamara, who writes on this blog, so, unlike her, I didn’t have any midterms (except one dry run type, which won’t count), so my finals and maybe a paper or two will have to suffice as my entire grade for each course (Gulp). We’re talking 75% – 100% of my grade.(double gulp).
I was soooooo nervous going in to each exam. I developed a ritual that may or may not have been counter-productive. I showed up at least an hour early so I could get the seat of my choice. I was usually the first or second person to show up. Then, I unpacked my computer, my outlines, etc. Then, I took my ipod and listened to music while pacing the hallways. It seemed to work alright. I got myself all jacked up, and then calmed myself down once the exam was handed out. Once the exam started, I just had to tell myself, “Self, this is simply an exercise. I am just writing a paper in class in a timed situation.” I think that worked.
Anyway, like Brian who is on this blogroll, I love music.
I think my brain was beginning to get a little silly since, while studying, I started singing some songs in my head and then filling in the lyrics with legal terminology. For example, I wrote a tune set to “Personal Jesus” by Depeche Mode, called “Personal Jurisdiction”… as in “Your own personal jurisdiction. Service of process and minimum contacts…” I was belting that one out in the shower one morning.
I also had one for Torts set to the music from the infamous “Moonlight in Vermont”
“Duty and breach,
Causation, prox. cause & damages
lead to a case of prima facie negligence.”
Oh, I have one set to REM’s “Stand” except my song is called “Standing” for Con Law.
“Standing is not easy to claim.
Why is that?
Think about the factors; constitutional and prudential now
Standing is not easy to claim.
Why is that?
Think about generalized grievances brought just under your name
If you are confused, look to the courts.
Sometimes they’re divided and all out of sorts.
They can’t always agree as to why they decide
For generalized claims, they are not going to preside.
Standing is not easy to claim
Why is that?
Standing is not easy to claim
Think about the factors; constitutional and prudential now
Standing is not easy to claim.
Why is that?
Think about generalized grievances brought just under your name
Your claim is going to be dismissed
If Scalia, like in Lujan, no standing exists
The plaintiffs tried to say they’d go back to that place
Scalia said sorry, you just have no case
Oh Standing… Standing!”
Of course for contracts that’s an easy one. The Black Crowes “Remedy” is just perfect.
“I need a remedy, you see.
I want expectation damages, for me.
I just need a remedy.
Sometimes restitution is best, it’s the benefits, you see.
Reliance is a last resort for costs incurred.
It’s better than nothin’ at least I recover what I endured.”
Ah Geez.
I try to have fun, while stressed, as you can see. I imagine that someday for commuters maybe they’ll have the text books recorded for your listening pleasure. Maybe they’ll get William Shatner to read, after all, he is Denny Crane.
Finally, I can focus on my family, friends and the holidays! I will appreciate this Christmas more than any other in recent times. I am so excited to be back! Back in school after almost 10 years, back challenging my mind on a daily basis and engaging in issues and subjects that are demanding yet interesting. At the end of my last exam last night, I pumped my fist in the air as I unlocked my car and said, “I’m back!” I don’t even care what my grades will be at this point. I am just so excited to be in law school, to have this opportunity and that the timing was finally there for me to take on this endeavor.
I wish everyone reading this blog a happy and health holiday season!
