Transcripts.

Recently, I had to request my college (Wake Forest University) transcript.

Naturally, I took a look at it.

Lot's of memories came flooding back.

See, college was not an easy time for me.

School all of a sudden became much harder (and much more competitive).

Right out the gate, I made the worst grade I've ever made--in a class I had technically taken my senior year of high school (hello, calculus).

The ins and outs of social groups (and hierarchy) never came naturally to me--and I struggled with friendships and confidence.

But, because I had to work hard until the very last minute (in the library right until graduation), I learned some valuable things:

🏫 Grades do not define me. And, honestly, because I'd been knocked down a peg during undergrad, the fear of making "bad" grades in law school was not something I had to deal with. I'd been there, done that, and come out the other side a better student--and a freer individual.

🏫 Teaching and learning styles are real. Sometimes, we make "bad" grades not because we're not smart but because how we think and how the teacher teaches do not align. This is no one's fault. It's just a reality. So, I found professors I enjoyed and followed them around, taking every class of theirs I could fit in my schedule. This improved my grades--and confidence--and I learned so, so, so much from them. Doing this in law school served me well, too (and it's the third piece of advice I give inquiring law students).

🏫 I can conquer almost anything if I manage my time well. My mother would tell you I've been managing my time since the womb. And, it does come naturally to me. But, it is easy to let go of those habits when all of a sudden you have a ton of freedom. As my extracurriculars became more demanding--and school difficulty never let up--I honed this skill and it continues to serve me well today.

🏫 Quality over quantity is what really matters in friendships. My social "rank" in college was never high, but I learned not to let that bother me. I focused on my sphere of influence and made a difference therein (and experienced so much personal growth). With that, friendships came--both situational and long-lasting. The friendships I've built since college have flourished because of what I learned in college.

💡💡💡

I didn't understand during those four years what I now know: I would not be where I am today without the foundation built at Wake Forest. It was not easy and I often wondered if I should have gone somewhere else. In the end, I'm glad I stuck it out and I'm grateful for the lessons I learned there and the opportunities that time has since afforded me.

#lawyerwellbeing #personaldevelopment #selfhelp #professionalwomen