Quality of life.
The following is an in-depth Erin update:
In the last two months I have been through a major discernment process about my plans for law school. It has become more and more clear to me that a career in law is not going to allow me to do the type of advocacy work that I want to do.
I am most fulfilled when I work directly with people. I love tutoring and training and just building relationships. A career in law would necessarily require that most of my time be spent researching, building cases, and working at the macro level of systems. That is good work, but I know my heart would be restless. I am also aware that the highly competitive, prestige-driven field of law would be a burden for me even if I was doing the most ideal work. So I have decided to withdraw my admission and go back to the drawing board with my future.
I feel at peace with my decision, and I am excited to rethink my path. School is an absolute for me. I want to keep learning. But I am happy with waiting until I am more certain about moving ahead. It is actually sort of empowering to know that the whole law path was laid out in front of me, and it was my decision to choose not to go. I really like my job, and I am looking forward to spending some time working at the shelter before I make another major career change.
........
I had a great weekend. My college roommate Lauren came into town, and we spent some time catching up before she moves down to attend Emory University in Georgia. You can see some pictures from our weekend in the sidebar.
........
Today I am sick. What is it with me getting fevers in July? Ugh.
In the last two months I have been through a major discernment process about my plans for law school. It has become more and more clear to me that a career in law is not going to allow me to do the type of advocacy work that I want to do.
I am most fulfilled when I work directly with people. I love tutoring and training and just building relationships. A career in law would necessarily require that most of my time be spent researching, building cases, and working at the macro level of systems. That is good work, but I know my heart would be restless. I am also aware that the highly competitive, prestige-driven field of law would be a burden for me even if I was doing the most ideal work. So I have decided to withdraw my admission and go back to the drawing board with my future.
I feel at peace with my decision, and I am excited to rethink my path. School is an absolute for me. I want to keep learning. But I am happy with waiting until I am more certain about moving ahead. It is actually sort of empowering to know that the whole law path was laid out in front of me, and it was my decision to choose not to go. I really like my job, and I am looking forward to spending some time working at the shelter before I make another major career change.
........
I had a great weekend. My college roommate Lauren came into town, and we spent some time catching up before she moves down to attend Emory University in Georgia. You can see some pictures from our weekend in the sidebar.
........
Today I am sick. What is it with me getting fevers in July? Ugh.
posted by Erin 2:44 PM
6 Comments:
Try looking at masters in social work degrees. Most programs have a macro component that is concerned with social advocacy, action and justice.
Just a thought, feel better...
grace and peace
Thanks for the update. That's a really big decision you've made, and I'm sure it wasn't easy to turn away from that plan.
I hope you feel better soon.
brave decision my friend - and the right one. i'm so excited you've found a job you love!
Jason- I've actually be thinking about a MSW program... I'll certainly be considering that as an option.
Thank you all for the encouragement! It has been a long, difficult process, but I feel really good about the decision I have made.
How about teaching? I am in awe at how teaching for me has become so rewarding.
Garth- I actually considered that once upon a time. It's not out of the picture, but it hasn't called me yet either...
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