I’m a crier and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Anything from the Bachelor season finale to a mediocre grade and I start to well up. While it can get onerous keeping my bag well stocked with the “easy on the nose” tissues, I don’t think being quick to tear is necessarily a bad quality. Having a good cry can be incredibly cathartic. Crying also helps acknowledge to yourself that something is up, be it stress/frustration/extreme fatigue/overwhelming happiness for TV true love.
So, when asked for my number one tip for 1L (or any year really) exams, I suggest embracing your emotions and just letting it all out. To aid you in this practice, Patrick and I have documented a couple of my go to when I tear up spots in the law school.
The room with the fireplace in front of the dining room: This is a particularly good spot for having a heart to heart over the incomprehensibility of Federalism, or that shady douche who takes two days to respond to your text messages. The dim lighting is easy on exhausted eyes and the chairs are incredibly comfy.
The ladies washroom under the moot court room: This washroom is the most secluded in the law school. With double doors it offers a more sound proof area when you just want to be left alone. Bonus: That weird little vestibule area where there are usually a couple chairs available if you need to just sit and have a little time out.
At the end of hall in front of BLH: BLH, the site of terror inducing help sessions that only ever seem to instill in me how hopelessly unprepared for exams/jobs/life I am. Fun Fact, no one ever actually walks to the end of this hall, making it a nice place for a breather. This corner also has excellent phone reception for quick phone pep talks from Mom or another sympathetic ear.
Rowell Room: Don’t suffer in silence! Chances are, if you’re feeling overwelmed, there are five other people feeling the exact same way you do and five more who can sympathize sitting there right now. Don’t be afraid to plunk yourself down on a couch and vent.
Leanne’s office (or Alexis’s office, or any of the Administration): They’ve all been there before and they’re job is to help. If you’re finding it just too hard to cope Alexis is the one to hit up. She has all the resources of the University for health and wellness at her fingertips. Leanne at the career office has also been an excellent sympathetic ear (though her expertise is employment related issues). Remember, the administration is your friend! (even if it does feel like they’re out to get you sometimes.
Good luck on all your exams this year. Like pulling a bandaid off, it’s gonna be a bitch but it’ll be over before you know it!
