Over the past six months, I have completed two academic quarters at the University of Chicago Law School. This journey has been one of the most difficult, yet rewarding, times of my life. Between the academic rigor and the personal and emotional components of law school, I have felt overwhelmed and unsure at times. I have struggled with imposter syndrome, faced more rejections than I’d like to admit, and my mental health has been affected by the ongoing stress. I know I am not alone in these feelings. Throughout history and across geography, first-year law students have felt similar pressures, yet it continues to be a growing profession. Despite the challenges presented, law school has allowed me to grow in immense ways, and it is a transformative experience for many. I have learned so much in such a short time, both about the law and my own mental health. In full transparency, law school has been a huge adjustment for me, but I have thankfully started to get the hang of it. In particular, I have developed more strategies for when I feel overwhelmed, and I am continuously working to center my life. Therefore, for this month’s blog, I wanted to share some of the things I do when law school feels a bit overwhelming. While some of my advice may seem intuitive, my hope is that it might be helpful for others when faced with obstacles, whether law school-related or otherwise.
1. Realize What Is in Your Control and What Is Not.
From being graded on a curve to applying for jobs in the quickly evolving job market, there are many stressful things that are, for the most part, outside of my control in law school. As a self-declared Type A person, it has been a big adjustment to not feel like my actions are directly traceable to specific results. Yet, by acknowledging the things I cannot control, I am able to focus my energy on the things I can control to create at least a marginal impact. This includes studying not only to do well on the test but actually studying to ensure I understand the material to the best of my ability. Further, while networking can be helpful in obtaining career opportunities, I have reframed my interactions to genuinely connect with people who do work I’m interested in, regardless of whether that results in an offer for employment.
2. Cut Yourself Some Slack and Affirm Your Own Feelings.
It’s okay if no one feels the same as you. We each have our own unique journeys, so your experience is valid. Affirm your feelings, but don’t let them overtake you. It’s okay to take a day (or a few) to wallow when faced with overwhelming emotions, but remember you are strong enough to pick yourself up and continue. While you may think you’re alone, it is more likely that those around you are just not saying what you’re feeling aloud, and that’s okay too. Everyone copes differently, and some people aren’t ready to share with others how they are processing. However, you can take comfort in knowing that there are others in the same headspace as you, just in slightly different ways.
3. Connect with Those in Similar Positions, Even in Little Ways.
One of the most impactful things I’ve done when feeling overwhelmed is connecting with others who are navigating the same path. Whether it’s through study groups, a quick chat over coffee, or simply reaching out to classmates to check in, those small interactions have helped remind me that I’m not alone. Law school can often feel isolating, but in reality, everyone is fighting their own battles, and there is a certain comfort in knowing others share similar struggles. Sometimes, just knowing someone else is going through the same thing is enough to help ease the weight on your shoulders. These connections don’t always need to be profound or long conversations. They can be small gestures that remind us we are part of a community.
4. Focus on Your Why and, Maybe More Importantly, Your How.
When the pressure is mounting, it’s easy to lose sight of why you started this journey in the first place. Returning to your “why” can be a powerful tool in finding motivation during tough times. Whether your reasons for attending law school are grounded in passion, a desire for a specific career, or even just to prove to yourself that you can do it, remembering that “why” can help ground you during moments of doubt. Additionally, just as important as your “why” is your “how.” Focusing on the practical steps you take every day can help mitigate that overwhelming feeling of being lost in the bigger picture. Instead of stressing about where you’ll be in five years, try focusing on the next exam, the next paper, or the next small goal. Breaking things down into digestible tasks not only makes them feel more achievable, but it also helps you see progress even when the larger vision seems distant.
5. Redefine Value and Worth and Identify Where Your Value Comes From.
A big source of stress in law school comes from feeling like your worth is tied directly to grades, internships, and accolades. It’s easy to get caught up in the race and start measuring your self-worth based on external factors. But one of the most transformative lessons I’ve learned is that true value comes from within. Your value is not defined by your GPA, the job offer you do or do not receive, or the grades you get on an exam. Your value is intrinsic—it is defined by who you are as a person, your effort, your growth, and your commitment to becoming the best lawyer you can be.
Thank you so much for reading this blog post. As always, I hope you enjoyed the content and continue to care for your own mental health while advocating for others. In a time when the future of mental health is uncertain, it is more important than ever to continue raising awareness. Well-being looks different for everyone, but no one can have a truly fulfilling life without at least some consideration of mental health. Mental health is not political. It affects everyone because we are all human, so it is critical to continue the conversation.