Life of a postgraduate Law student: part 2

As promised, it's the end of term two and I am back to update everyone. To be honest, I don't want to update anyone. To be honest, things are, or rather, were not going well for me at all. I have never failed so much in my entire life. Most people say I shouldn't be so upset, but how can I not be? It's difficult to accept that I studied for hours and then failed so hopelessly. Also, I noticed that I couldn't even stand the people in my class anymore - especially the undergraduates, not because of their age, but their arrogance and total disregard for their courses. I care so much and I do so badly, while they care so little, yet they at least get a 50%. I also realised that every, single time a lecturer said, "when you become a lawyer" or "when you appear in court", I would shudder and want to run for the hills, because to be honest, I do not want to be a lawyer AT ALL. I don't even want to have a Law degree or work in the legal world. Not a paralegal or a legal secretary. Nothing. It takes some people a few seconds to know that about themselves. It took me five months.

So, as a young adult, I had to learn from my mistakes and take some corageous steps. I wasn't planning on discontinuing this year, but was planning on doing so out next year. Then my uncle suddenly passed away, and I thought life is too short for me to do something I'm not happy with. I spoke to a counsellor and the Law faculty's secretary before making my decision, and by the Monday after my uncle's funeral I made a decision.

I didn't discontinue the entire year, but merely the second year subjects - I am now basically first year LLB (meaning I'll still have the option of returning next year, if I change my mind). I am fortunate that I already have a degree, so I can do any postgrad within my previous field of study or postgrad diplomas that will add to my existing qualification. I have already applied for a postgraduate diploma in Marketing (classes are 4 times a week, 17:00-19:00), and I am still planning on applying for a postgraduate certificate in Education (to teach high school) and possibly Journalism. Possibly. It's really not the be-all-and-end all because I have a few plans up my sleeve in that regard.

And at this point I really don't care if anyone is disappointed or appalled at my decision, because at the end of the day, it's my decision. I had to choose - my health and well-being or being stuck in a career where I will probably never be happy. And no, this year is not a waste, becoming more educated is never a waste. I have grown and learned so much.

I will continue with this series, because I am still a postgraduate Law student, and at the end of the series my decision and plans will be much clearer. For me and for everyone else.

Lastly, I want salute anyone who has done, or is still doing an LLB degree. You are brave people. Admirable people.

Lisa-Marie