Life of a postgraduate Law student: part 3

So as you all know I will not be continuing with Law. For some that is a shock, for others it is an admirable move (since it doesn't suit my personality) while some people still think I am without a degree and still trying to find my feet. No, sorry, you are wrong. I already have a degree, I just feel that I need to add to it so I have more career options and opportunities.

Lately people have been more judgmental, and quite openly too. They will often say, "but weren't you doing something else?" or "what about the time you were doing Psychology? Didn't you want to be a Psychologist?" No, actually not. If you really knew me and took the time to get to know me and listen to me you would know that it was a filler course due to credits Stellenbosch would not accept from UCT, also the reason why my undergrad was extended by a year. I could've chosen pretty much anything, and Linguistics and Psychology were what I chose. Why not? Those subjects were very interesting and I learnt a lot of cool things, just like I am with Law. But I am still not in love with Law, it is still not my passion. Just like Psychology will never be my passion. Neither will every aspect of Linguistics, but I still love Neurolinguistics and how language develops in babies and young children. I do not feel that there is anything wrong with me adding more to what I already know. It helps me grow and makes for interesting dinner party conversation.

I know dropping out is bad and frowned upon, but since having more time on my hands, something amazing has happened. Since starting the second semester and deciding to drop out at the end of the year, I have started reading again. I have reignited my love for literature. It feels good, it makes my soul happy and also makes me realise that Education and teaching a subject I love is a far better option than being stuck in a rut. Law would do that to me, even if I tried everything in my power to not let that happen. It happened this year when my hair fell out, when I had insomnia, when I was always on the verge of tears. So yes, I may seem like I am indecisive, selfish and a bit of a brat. But I think choosing happiness over depression is a good call, on my part.

And I still bow down to those who are doing Law and loving it. You don't realise how brave you are.

Lisa-Marie

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

Life of a postgraduate Law student: Part 1

On 11 December 2013 I graduated with a BA Language and Culture (majoring in English and Theatre Studies) at Stellenbosch University.

Mom and dad in the background (my biggest support)

Throughout 2013 I had my heart set on becoming a Journalist. I love writing, so I figured writing for a living would be perfect for me, leading me to apply for Honours in Journalism. However, things didn't work out as planned. The Journalism department commended me on my writing, but they weren't impressed with my minimal general knowledge (even though my nerves only got the better of me - leading me to forget half of the things I knew)and my lack of experience. The interview clearly went downhill (as you can see) and I left feeling like I was pretty useless.

Nevertheless, I picked myself up again and decided to go ahead with a Postgrad LLB (an application I filled in for fun, might I add). I never thought the Law faculty would even consider me, but when they did I was pretty impressed with myself and I decided to take the plunge after being rejected from Journalism. I visited a career guidance counsellor before deciding and he said one of two things could happen this year. One, I could fall in love with Law and find a passion I never knew I had (like Elle Woods? You know?). Or two, I could simply hate it and then I'd still have the option of applying for Journalism or a similar postgrad in 2015.

So far, so good. No, I lie. It's just okay. A Law degree is no joke, especially at postgrad level. I am doing two years in one this year and it's not fun. At all. Interesting, yes. But fun and easy, no. I've learned so much in this first term, that I feel like my head is about to explode with legal terms and Law jargon. And maybe Law isn't exactly what I want to do, but I need a year to decide that. Two months just isn't enough to just say, "oh well, I'm leaving".

So as an escape and a way of making a decision about my future, I have decided to document my experience. This will be the first of a four part series. I will keep you all updated at the end of every term. Offer support, comment, let me know what you think.

Lisa-Marie