Michelle Gunter
Age: 25
Undergraduate School: University of Central Oklahoma
Undergraduate Major: Psychology
Hometown: Mesquite, TX
Status: Full-Time Day
Email: mdgunter@law.txwes.edu
4/24/13 - Finals are here! I’ve been studying like crazy and I know all the hard work is going to pay off. I’ve been pretty good about sticking to my study schedule so far, but I still have a couple of weeks to go. I cannot wait for May 8th! I am going to celebrate. I still can’t believe that my first year of law school is over. No more classes as a 1L!!!
Everyone says this year is the hardest and it just gets easier from here, and for that I’m thankful! I’m excited about the summer and the experiences it will bring.
I cannot believe all the things that happened this year. From my personal life - a relationship to a break up to singleness, to classes - not knowing how to brief a case, to writing a trial brief (not the same kind of brief), to life - new friends, discipline, and balancing old friends with a new lifestyle.
Well I still have a lot of studying left to do so I hope you have a great week! Good luck on your finals! One year down, two more to go!
4/17/13 - This week is super busy! Citation exam, Civil Procedure fill-in-the-blank exam, interview for Academic Support TA, Crawfish Boil, outlines, practice questions, practice essays, teaching Sunday school, hanging with my little sister, doing laundry, and getting prepped for finals. Did I mention I should eat and sleep sometime in between all of this?
You know, for me, preparing for final exams isn’t just making sure outlines are done and studying every day. It’s making sure everything else is ready, so having meals ready or at least easy and quick to prepare. Making sure laundry is done so I have clean clothes during this time. Making sure my house is clean so there is one less thing to do. And it’s preparing the people in my life, reminding them that I am not available during this time. I have about 3 hours a day (breaks for meals) where I can talk, but that’s about it. So this weekend along with all the other things on my list to do I will try and get everything ready so when dead week hits I’m ready for it.
I made my schedule for finals. Right now I’m studying about 12 hours a day and a total of 40+ hours for each class. It’s almost over! I can touch the bottom if I stand on my tippy toes.
I wish you all the best as you enter your finals and I hope to see some of you at upcoming events!
4/10/13 - Oral Arguments are done! Now to focus on the citation exam and the first part of the Civ Pro final. I am still in shock this semester has gone by so quickly.
The next few weekends are going to be incredibly busy. This weekend is a huge P.L.A.Y. event and the BLSA Banquet, and next weekend is the Crawfish Boil. Not to mention studying for finals, teaching Sunday school, and hanging out with my Little.
I made my schedule, and right now I am not so happy. I got into three of the classes I wanted and I am on the wait list for a couple more. I just hope that it will all work out. I’m checking the schedules daily hoping someone drops out of a class and I can sneak in and pick it up.
I can honestly say this semester has been extremely different from last semester and I am looking forward to next semester. Like I’ve said before, there are not enough hours in the day, so I’m back to studying, and trying to balance everything else in my life.
4/3/13 - THE TRIAL BRIEF IS TURNED IN!!!!!!! That was the last writing assignment for this year. I am so glad it is done and turned in.
Wow, this semester is coming to a close. There are only two weeks left before finals (can we say “panic attack”?). I will be spending a lot of time studying at Starbucks for the next month. One thing that I am happy about is that all of my final exams are 4 or 5 days apart. That will be really helpful when I’m studying.
Monday we register for classes. Hopefully I will get all the classes I want. I feel like I need to be up sitting in front of my laptop at midnight ready to click “submit” so I can get in my classes.
Well, I told you I was running for some positions with organizations and I am very pleased to announce that I will be the High School Law Day/Now That You’re 18 Coordinator for P.L.A.Y. and the Vice-President of the BLSA. I am very excited for these positions.
If you can tell I usually celebrate after a major assignment, and this time is no different. I’m headed to Houston for my cousin’s wedding. I’m super excited to see her get married, and to see the rest of my family. I haven’t seen some of them in years.
3/27/13 - I can’t believe there is a month left until finals. Spring Break was wonderful, but way too short. I need three more weeks of Spring Break! Well, the trial brief is due very soon, and I’m a little stressed. I can’t wait to finish it up and turn it in.
I started working out again, and I’ve been joined by a few other ladies and it has been an awesome bonding and support system and a great accountability team. I’m excited because between diet and exercise I’ve lost 10 pounds in the last couple of weeks. I couldn’t believe how quickly I put on weight, or how quickly it fell off. Let’s just hope I can keep it up through finals.
As the end of the semester nears organizations are selecting their new board members. I’ve applied for a few so hopefully by the next time I write I will have some good news for you.
I am still working on my plans for the summer. I have plan A, B and C, now I just need to figure out which plan is going to be the best. Well, back to the brief (which is not “brief” in anyway shape or form).
3/6/13 - YES! It is the last week before Spring Break! Too bad this isn’t like grad school and undergrad where I could just hang out all spring break and not worry about school. Don’t get me wrong. I’m going to have fun! My friend and I are headed to New Orleans for a few days; I’m spending some time with my family, my goddaughter, and my best friend. Other than that, it’s all about updating outlines, working on my brief, and reading for class. The plan is to spend half of spring break having fun and half of it dedicated to law school.
I registered for summer classes as I am still trying to figure out what I want to do for the summer. For now I’m taking Oil & Gas and Labor Law. I want to intern, but I want to take classes, and I want to work out and get back in shape. I don’t know if it’s possible to do all three but I’m going to try and work something out.
You know I said I was working on the whole self-care thing….well it’s been working! I’ve been doing a lot better about going to bed at a reasonable hour, eating better, and just generally taking better care of my body. It’s amazing how an extra hour of sleep can make a difference.
2/27/13 - So I know you are all waiting to hear how I did in the moot court competition. Well...it wasn't the best case scenario or the worst. I made it to the second round before I was eliminated. I can't complain. I'm glad I had the experience, but I don't see myself arguing before the Supreme Court anytime soon.
This week we had to write an in-class memo. It was a little stressful but it’s over. We get our grades for our last memo and our assignment for the trial brief this week. It will be the last major writing assignment for our 1L LARW class.
It’s time to start planning for the fall semester. I wrote down all the classes that I want to take and things I want to do during my law school career, and there is just not enough time to do it all. So I'll be talking to everyone who is willing to help me figure this all out.
Well, the self care thing is working out. I got over that cold and I've tried to eat better and get rest. Let's see if I can keep it up.
2/20/13 – Well, I signed up for the Moot Court competition. I am a little nervous to get up in front of lawyers and judges and argue my point. But, worst case scenario, I don’t advance past the first round and I get feedback on how to improve. Best case scenario, I win! Either way it won’t kill me. I will let you know how I do next week.
This weekend was great! I had dinner with my brother one night and dinner with my best friend another night. The only person missing was my goddaughter. I guess I will have to catch her another weekend. It is always good to spend time with people who aren’t in law school. It takes you out of “law school brain” (everything you see is a legal issue).
As the semester goes on, my schedule seems to get busier and busier. The biggest challenge this semester is learning when to say no and take care of myself. Which from this cold I’m coming down with I am not doing a very good job. Between my part time job at the law library, SART (student ambassadors), teaching Sunday School, volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters, attending and studying for class, and let’s not forget the basic eating and sleeping, my schedule is pretty busy. So the goal for the rest of the semester is better self-care. I will let you know if I make it to my goal.
2/13/13 - This week is going pretty well. I finally feel like I’m back on top of things. Mood Court competitions are coming up and I think I am going to try it. I applied for my first internship this week and we start planning our fall schedules next week. I can’t believe the semester is flying by! This semester has been a test of balancing law school and life. I’ve been more involved with outside activities and it definitely requires me to plan ahead. Class rankings just came out….and I’m not happy, but I’m not sad. It’s exactly where I thought I would be.
Now that I’m all caught up on school, I need to be all caught up on life. I’ve missed out on family and friends for a little bit. I cannot wait to catch up with my best friend and her daughter. Dinner with those two will absolutely make my week.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
2/6/13 - So this week is starting off to be amazing! One day this week I went to Starbucks in the morning and ordered my tea and the barista gave it to me for free. Then later on that day I received replies from not one but TWO attorneys that I emailed with questions about their field of law. Then I went to Starbucks to finish my memo and the barista gave me my tea for free! Two free drinks and two emails, I’m happy! Now all I have to do is turn in this memo, enjoy a couple of networking events and look forward to the weekend. This might be a great week!
This week I have an awesome opportunity to network with some other law students and lawyers in the Dallas area. I’m pretty excited to meet other people who understand the struggle. I think I’m starting to get to the shallow end! I can finally touch the bottom of the pool for a second. I’m looking forward to the weekend, and having a few minutes to take a deep breath.
1/30/13 - This semester doesn’t seem to have a break. I feel like I dove into the deep end, started swimming, and haven’t reached the shallow end where I can rest for a minute. But that’s okay. The memo is due soon and I get to escape from the library and coffee houses where I’ve been spending my free time. So maybe the shallow end is closer than I think.
Summer is approaching quickly so I’m trying to spend a little time each week looking for internships. I’m debating if I want to go to summer school AND intern, or do one or the other. I don’t have much time to figure it out!
This semester has been a lot better for my friends and family. I feel like I’ve spent more time with them so far. But, it’s still early so that may change very soon. I can’t say how helpful it is to have friends and family that care and support you. I was on the phone with my mother the other day and I was talking about how I needed to do laundry but I didn’t have the time to. She offered to wash it for me. Now, you have to understand that my mother hasn’t done my laundry since my freshman year of high school. Talk about love and support!
I can’t wait to turn this memo in and move on to the next big thing!
1/16/13 - Well, all of the grades are back and they are going to let me stay for another semester. The break was wonderful so I’m not sure if I am ready to be back, I still haven’t gotten used to getting up in the morning and putting on real clothes. We’ve already been assigned the next memo assignment. Talk about hitting the ground running. I am excited about my classes this semester, the professors are very unique, but I like their style.
Well, all of the grades are back and they are going to let me stay for another semester. The break was wonderful so I’m not sure if I am ready to be back, I still haven’t gotten used to getting up in the morning and putting on real clothes. We’ve already been assigned the next memo assignment. Talk about hitting the ground running. I am excited about my classes this semester, the professors are very unique, but I like their style.
I had an awesome opportunity to meet a judge and several attorneys in a relatively small environment. Two weeks into the semester and it’s been the highlight of the semester. I always get a little nervous when it’s time to network, but then I remember that they remember what it’s like to be a nervous 1L and I feel a little better.
This semester has been difficult to get into the groove of things. I still haven’t gone grocery shopping, and haven’t even looked at the inside of a gym. But, I’m prepared for class so I guess that is all that matters.
I can’t wait to see what this semester brings!
11/28/12 - Classes are officially over! Now it’s time to buckle down. In a week and a half, finals will be over and the first semester of law school will be complete. This has already been an amazing journey. I can’t believe how much I have learned so far. When I started law school all I knew were things I learned from Law and Order. Now I know the truth!
Thanksgiving was great, I got to see my family and spend some quality time with them. I actually went all of Thanksgiving Day without doing any law school work. Then I felt guilty and got up at 6 AM the next morning so I could catch up and study. But I did have a pretty healthy balance between studying and family and I think that’s most important.
I cannot wait for Christmas break. I have so many things planned, I want to visit the new museum in Dallas, spend some time with my friends and family, catch up on reading for pleasure and not for class. Oh, the things I’m going to do!
Wishing you all the best on your finals!
11/20/12 - Happy Thanksgiving! It’s crunch time, every second counts. EVERY second counts, I carry my flash cards with me everywhere. I was getting my hair done and reviewing cards, I went to the Cowboys game with my family, and during halftime, I was reviewing cards. I’m almost scared to sleep, but let’s be real - I enjoy sleep too much to go without for too long.
I am excited about Thanksgiving and getting a chance to eat and relax. It will be my one day off between now and finals. And, with Black Friday starting Thursday, I might be able to afford Christmas presents for my family. This is a win, win! Besides on Friday I’m pretty sure I will be buried in an outline and writing practice essays.
I am really looking forward to the break, the gym and I will be friends again, I’ll get a chance to sleep in, and I get to catch up with some people that I haven’t seen in months. I truly can’t believe that this semester flew by so quickly. In 2 ½ years, I will be preparing for the Bar. Time flies when you’re having fun!
11/14/12 – Well, I received my memo grade and I didn’t cry! I’ve gotten back all of my midterms and it wasn’t too bad. I cannot believe finals will be over in less than a month. Where did the time go?!?
I’m developing law school brain. Everything is a hypo and all of a sudden the simple things are difficult. Like this morning, I put my shoe on the wrong foot. I knew something was wrong as soon as I put it on, but I just couldn’t figure out what. Luckily, I figured it out before I grabbed the other shoe. But that was not the first time I did something crazy.
This week, two professors reviewed the midterms and I met individually with one professor to review the other. Again, I am just glad that I have a chance to adjust my habits. Which for me means slow down, read the details, and don’t add anything else in the fact pattern.
I’m excited for the little breather this weekend to go spend time with my family, because that may very well be the last time I see them before finals. It’s suggested that we study 10-12 hours a day during finals. When you add in the 8 hours of sleep we are supposed to get, and the two-three hours you spend eating or getting food, there goes the day. But, after all of that it’s time to relax. IT IS ALMOST OVER!
11/7/12 – Well, I got back my first midterm grade…and I didn’t burst into tears when I saw the result and I didn’t go home and cry, so I guess I’ll take it. I get a chance to see my memo and talk with my professor tomorrow. When I write you next week, I’ll keep you updated about the crying. I am sitting here watching the election and trying to write my memo. Not exactly the best decision, but I just can’t turn off the TV.
I had a really good conversation with my TA today. We talked about being older and “giving up” a different lifestyle in order to attend law school, and the impact that has on us and our drive to do well. I am so glad that we have Academic Support and I’m glad that I enjoy my TA’s. Academic Support has been helpful for me because my TA’s help us with the stuff that gets you through law school. It’s the conversations where they say, “It’s okay to feel confused” and “You are smart and intelligent.” It’s like having your own personal law school trainer. They’ve been where you are and they can tell how to do it the best way possible. When we complain about something, they really understand (compared to complaining to family and friends who just don’t get it). One more reason I’m glad I chose Texas Wesleyan Law instead of someplace else.
10/31/12 - Midterms are over! It feels so good to just read for class and not prepare for a midterm on top of everything else. This semester has flown by. In a little over a month, we start finals. And, I’ve already received my class schedule for next semester. It feels like just yesterday I was figuring out where my classes were.
It’s amazing how quickly the friendships have grown. I guess there is something about studying together, getting frustrated, and encouraging each other that can grow a friendship. At the same time, law school has brought stress to relationships. It’s difficult to balance studying and spending time, especially if the other person is busy too.
Time management and planning is the best way to make sure no one goes crazy. And even then, sometimes it doesn’t work. I’ve watched and experienced the ups and downs that go with adjusting to the law school demands while still trying to live the life you had before school. It’s tough, but if you work at it, plan to spend time with that person and stick to the plan, you can make it.
In the next week or two we will receive grades for the first memo and for several midterms. I’m a little nervous. This will prove if I really know all that I think I know. I’m glad that I can find out how well I am comprehending and applying the information now, instead of having to wait until after finals and possibly being disappointed. Well, I took a break from writing my memo to write this so I guess it’s back to the memo. Three months down, one more to go!
10/24/12 - People always ask what type of law I want to study. The truth is, I have an idea, but I don’t know for sure. However, it is great that the student organizations have speakers and meetings that help bring light to the different areas of law.
In the past couple of months I’ve heard from a NFL agent, prosecutors from Tarrant County, an appellate attorney, a family law judge, and a solo practicing attorney, and I’m pretty sure I’m missing someone, but you get the idea. Now, I don’t know if hearing from all these different attorneys has helped or not, but it’s good to know there are attorneys out there to which I can talk. By the time I graduate, I should know which area of law I want to practice.
With two midterms down, one more to go, and a new memo assignment, IT NEVER ENDS!!!!!!!!! I cannot wait for midterms to be over. I will happily go back to my schedule of reading for class, updating my outlines, and reviewing practice questions. But, my birthday is coming up and there aren’t any major assignments or exams around that time, so I do get a little time to celebrate.
Surprise, surprise!! I ran last week, not once but twice!!! Working out is not lost during midterms! I can’t wait until this last midterm is over; I’m celebrating with a little shopping and some quality time with my best friend.
1. Conquer midterm
2. Shop
3. Back to work, it’s memo time!
10/17/12 - Well my Memo is turned in and my criminal law midterm is complete, now it’s time to study for my Leg Reg midterm.
Funny story about preparing for the Crim Law midterm: Our professor let us out of class after one last review and we were running down the stairs trying to get to the study rooms and study aids that are kept in the library. It was so terrible. People were getting stuck in the doorways because their backpacks were too big for two people to go thru at the same time.
Then, if you were the first person from your study group to make it down to the library you had to decide between the study room or the study guides. Luckily between the people in my study group we had a couple of study guides that we owned so I went with the study room first and went back to get the leftover study guides. Who knew that study guides and study rooms would cause a race from the classroom? One of my classmates called it Nerd Wars, I think she’s right.
I am so proud of myself, I managed to see friends, family, go to church and study all in one weekend! I was exhausted by the time the weekend was over, but it was completely worth it.
October is such a challenging month. There are so many birthdays, and get-togethers and exams and class work. It’s difficult to balance spending time with family and friends and studying and being prepared for exams. But, it’s possible and if you plan well, it’s manageable.
10/10/12 - Midterms and Memos……Murder and Manslaughter, this is my life right now. I spend an hour or two studying for the Criminal Law midterm, an hour or two working on the Memo, and spend the rest of the night reading for class. Don’t forget to eat, sleep, and speak to at least one person who is not in law school.
You can tell that a lot of the 1L’s (me included) are starting to feel the mid-semester burn out. Every Monday, our professors ask about our weekends. When we first started everyone had exciting outings and adventures. Now everyone just mumbles about their study group. On a positive note, my Leg Reg class is helping me to understand and better analyze cases in other classes.
I am happy about the cold weather because I love sweaters and boots, but cold weather makes me want to stay curled up under the covers and skip my morning class. However, But, (that’s for you Professor Kelly :) ) I suck it up and drag myself to class.
Well my time with the gym is over for now. We had a good run, but midterms are taking over my work out time. Maybe I will get back in the gym after midterms for a few weeks before final studying takes over.
10/3/12 - This week professors are trying to give us all kinds of help with our midterms. They have given us practice problems and practice essays so we can see where we need to improve before the real midterm. I am so incredibly thankful! This week we also received the next memo assignment, so now I am back to writing and rewriting and rewriting and rewriting. I’m starting to feel tired earlier and earlier in the week. Last night I was ready to go to sleep at 9:30 PM! I’m sure my goddaughter wants to stay up later than me. But, I sucked it up and finished studying.
My family is starting to feel the impact of law school. My father called me the other day asking when he was going to see me again. They only live 45 minutes away. But, they are super supportive and they understand that school comes first.
I was reviewing old case briefs and it is amazing how my briefs have changed. When I first started briefing cases I missed some of the important things and included some of the less important things. Now my briefs look entirely different and make a lot more sense. This is so helpful as I am completing outlines and writing down exceptions to the rules. Well, back to studying and hopeful a session at the gym sometime this week.
9/26/12 - You know the saying, “When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail?” Well, when you’re in law school everything looks like a hypo. While driving home from the gym (yes I am still working out), I see this high school track/cross-country coach with his runners and they are racing down a short hill toward the street.
In my head I’m thinking that this is simply reckless. What if a kid trips and falls into the street? Then I said, “Well, is it reckless or negligent? Are we talking civil or criminal? Well, I don’t think would be a gross negligence so it’s civil. What are the elements of civil negligence?” Then I realized that I wasn’t in class. It’s amazing how a few months can completely change your thought process.
This week the Wesleyan Innocence Project hosted an Exonoree Luncheon where Mr. Richard Miles spoke about his conviction, the 14 years served in prison for a crime he did not commit, and his eventual exoneration. He also shared several meaningful thoughts, one that I plan to keep with me is, “You can be a good lawyer, or you can be an effective lawyer.” I want to be an effective lawyer.
Well the pressure is on! Midterms are around the corner and I find myself adding more and more study time to my day. I have to read and brief cases for class, update my outlines, and complete practice questions. There should be an extra hour built into the day, especially for law students. It’s time for me to do some more reading, until next time!
9/19/12 - The first memo is turned in! (Exhales deeply and wipes brow) I don’t think I have ever re-written anything that many times…ever. I can’t believe we are a month into school. It seems like we’ve been here forever. At the same time midterms are around the corner and I think, "How is it that time already?!? Shouldn’t we be in class a little bit longer?"
Last night I realized that I should not read Criminal Law right before bed. Reading real homicide cases apparently affects my sleeping habits.
I love the debates the different organizations sponsor. Not only do they provide good food, but the topics are interesting and it’s great to hear professors outside of the classroom. I’m looking forward to the debate next week; my Torts professor is participating in that one.
I can tell allergy and flu season is here. More and more people are starting to cough and sneeze in class. I am stocking up on vitamin C, trying to eat healthier, working out, and getting some rest. I made an agreement with my body that we can’t get sick until December 11th. That’s the day after my last final. Hopefully it works!
9/12/12 - Enter every activity without giving mental recognition to the possibility of defeat. Concentrate on your strengths, instead of your weaknesses…on your powers, instead of your problems. – Paul J. Meyer
This is one of my favorite quotations, and it’s written on the inside of all of my notebooks to remind me that I am capable. So when I get frustrated with citations (missing a comma or a period), I look at these words and concentrate on my strengths instead of my citation workbook.
Classes are coming along well. I must be the luckiest student because I have been called on not once, not twice, not three times but FOUR times in one class. Even the professor is starting to laugh when my card gets drawn. Now, sometimes I feel very unlucky, but when it is all said and done, I realize that it has changed my study habits to come more prepared for class. So I guess it’s a good thing.
Remember when I said I had the whole self-discipline thing down? Yeah, I lied! This weekend, football got me in trouble. It was so hard to turn off the TV and try to study. It was really hard not to spend time with my friend. After a while, I finally pulled myself together and completed my to-do list for the weekend.
On another note, I worked out! I think I may have found a time to slip in a workout a couple of times a week. We will see how long that lasts. Well it’s time for memo writing, and rewriting, and rewriting. Until next time!
9/6/12 - A friend of mine asked me how law school was going, and my response was, “It is the biggest test in self-discipline I’ve ever taken.” I’ve done diets, intense workout classes, and a host of other things that required self-discipline, but nothing made me say “no” so often. It’s funny how the word “no” can be so hard to say to yourself. I mean, it’s one of the first words that you learn and you say it regularly. But, this time it seems so much harder.
“No, you can’t watch your favorite TV show.”
“No, you can’t stay on the phone catching up with friends all night.”
“No, you can’t lie in bed the extra 30 minutes.” (Well, maybe you can)
“No, you can’t put off that reading until tomorrow.”
“No, you can’t spend ALL of Labor Day weekend hanging out and having a good time.”
But then I get to class and I remember why I told myself “no” - I want to understand what the professor is discussing. I told myself “no” so that I could participate in class. I told myself “no” so that I could feel confident in my work. I told myself “no” because I am determined to be successful.
Other than that things are going well. I am starting to manage my time a lot better, even though I’m still trying to figure out when I can squeeze in a workout. The first major assignment in Legal Writing is coming up and I’m a little nervous. Stay tuned to see how it all turns out!
8/24/12 - WOW, the first week is over and we are already onto week two. It wasn’t as scary as I thought it was going to be. This is a different experience than undergrad and grad school, and I love it. I’m excited to be one of the bloggers this year. It has been a big transition going from working full time to going to school full time, but I think I’m making it. I can’t wait to see what this year will bring and I hope that you will enjoy reading about my journey.
You know everything I learned in kindergarten, I am learning in law school. Yes, that’s right, I’m learning how to read, how to write and how to think, only this time it’s how to read like a lawyer, how to write like a lawyer and how to think like a lawyer. The classes are stretching me mentally, but I am up for the challenge. I’ve met some amazing people and they have already become a great support group. Speaking of support, having a great system can make law school seem less intimidating. I am thankful for my parents, brother and friends, because without them I truly believe this would be a lot harder. Two weeks down, 13 more to go.