It has been a week since the end of bootcamp. Two words to describe my experience in the four weeks, overwhelming yet humbling. I was never the most intelligent or fastest learner. I’m also a ‘history’ person and law was something unfamiliar to me. I would never think, in my wildest dream, that I would be reading law. Even in the short four weeks, there are ups and downs but I am proud to say “Yes, we took our first baby steps!”

Here are some advices that I remind myself everyday since the start of the journey.

Don’t compare yourself to your peers

It is normal for us to compare. Often, we looked at the top students, the highest scorers, the smartest person in the room and question ourselves. There is nothing wrong with healthy competition. However, the constant comparing, judging our chances of success to others, has a negative effect of undermining oneself.

Be Yourself, You are unique!

This is one of the most important takeaway from bootcamp. As we stepped into law school, there seems to be a notion that we must look smart, talk with legal terms and use the biggest word in our vocabulary. Speak not to impress but speak clearly, understandable and straight to the point. This is akin to how we speak in our conversations. As our Dean put it, “If you can explain it and your seven year-old cousin understands, you are on the right track.”

Set yourself a goal

Ask yourself everyday, “why are you reading law?” and “what do you want to get out of it?” The questions are simple enough, yet difficult to answer. Law is not something that one can breeze through like A-Levels. It is like climbing an endless mountain – tough, tedious and painful.

If you feel demotivated because of setbacks throughout the journey, look back, think about what made you take that first step and where is your end goal. Looking back at my personal statement, it really helped me through the first four weeks.

Consistency

Be consistent. The key is not give yourself excuses to not read the cases or notes because you are tired after a long day of work. It is not easy but the change in attitude helps in taking another step towards success.

It is possible!

Keep a realistic mindset. Do not feel discourage by the competition. Do not give up because of the challenges u met or lie ahead.

Keep reminding yourself how far have you improved. You may feel disappointed because you did not do well for a TMA or assignment. Worry not, the improvements are the real achievements. The improvements i made since my first day are something that I will always be proud of. Another important thing that I learned was to make friends. These are the people whom you can rely on to find the light at the end of the tunnel because they have gone through the same journey.

 

Stay motivated. Stay focused. Stay optimistic. Ending this with a quote,

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love what you are doing or learning to do”

 – Pele