This past weekend was jam-packed with an admitted student event, an apartment tour, and my bridal shower. I've been taking week-long excursions home to take care of last minute wedding things in between stints at my fiancé's apartment to pack, declutter, and organize. This will be a three part series - one post on each - to address all of the facets.
First Up: Admitted Student Event
I hadn't gotten the chance to visit my law school yet since it's 4 hours from where I'm living and I don't have my own car, so this was an important day for me. Of course, I woke up Saturday morning with a monster migraine and let me tell you, it's hard to make a positive first impression when you can't think straight, want to puke, and have the feeling of a knife sticking out of your head.
1. What do I do if I wake up with a migraine?
I am fortunate to have medications that are effective at treating my migraines - if you have chronic migraines and take a triptan take 1-2 Alieve (naproxen) tablets. Your medicine will kick in faster and it's totally safe. If you don't have prescriptions, I recommend Excedrine Migraine or one Benadryl (and plenty of caffeine). Unfortunately, triptans (and Benadryl) have some annoying side effects. Personally, I get "brain fog:" it becomes difficult to process information and conversations. I'm always afraid I sound like a complete idiot when I'm recovering from a migraine because I sometimes pause for too long when speaking or don't realize people are talking to me. I can focus with extra effort but it takes a lot of energy out of me. I make sure to stay hydrated and avoid more than one cup of coffee on a migraine day to keep me sharp.
2. What if I wake up nauseated?
I took a prescription anti-nausea pill as well - Zofran. If you don't have prescriptions, my go-to is peppermint oil; I use a therapeutic grade oil from Doterra. I also chew peppermint gum while I wait for my anti-nausea to kick in (nausea relief and fresh breath!).
3. Can I bring my parents or....?
Everyone wonders if bringing parents is appropriate since we're "adults," but a lot of people brought their parents. I brought my mom and my fiancé, Garrett. I was actually glad I brought them both because they separated us for lunch and I was relieved because Garrett wouldn't have to eat alone. It also gave them both a chance to see what my life was going to be like for the next three years which I think is important for family to understand. My school has a part-time program so plenty of people came alone as well. This is your experience, bring who you'd like.
4. What do I wear?
I was so worried about this! I wore a snappy-casual sleeveless dress with a collar, a cardigan, and ballet flats and felt appropriately dressed. I saw several men in khakis or dress pants and nice shirts. A few people wore suits and a few people wore jeans, but snappy casual felt completely appropriate. For context, the outfit I wore is something I would wear when working reception at the Legal Aid office I interned at in undergrad.
5. What do I bring?
I am guilty of over-preparing for everything. Honestly, you don't need that much stuff. They gave us draw-string bags with a pen/stylus, a highlighter, a Post-It book, and a water bottle and a folder with the itinerary, faculty bios, a checklist, and a description of the break-out sessions. I forgot a legal pad and took notes on the back of the itinerary (there weren't many notes to take. I carry my day planner with me everywhere and I was so glad that I brought it because several dates where discussed and we toured an apartment complex and I was glad to have all of those dates available.
6.Tips
1. Put yourself out there! You'll have the opportunity to meet future classmates, professors, and mentors. Talk to them. I had some great conversations with a classmate who also majored in Psychology and was a Resident Advisor in undergrad and hopes of being a prosecutor. I also sat with a professor who went to Penn Law - my dream school - and we discussed the CSI Effect and the difference between T14 education and lower-ranked education.
2. Ask your questions in panels. Other people are definitely wondering the same thing. Don't be afraid of looking dumb or like a "gunner." I asked about the impact of class rank on job acquisition. Everyone wanted to know, but no one wanted to ask.
3. Relax! Everyone there is just as knew to this as you are. Other people are nervous too! I was so intimidated walking into the building. I still don't feel old enough or qualified enough to be a law student, but you are qualified! You got in because you're awesome and qualified, so don't be intimidated.
Until next time!
Rachel
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