113: Life as a First-Generation College and Law Student (with Shirlene Armstrong)

Welcome to the Law School Toolbox Podcast. Today, we're here with Law School Toolbox writer and 2L, Shirlene Armstrong, to talk about her experiences being a first-generation college and law student. From deciding to go to law school, to getting in, to becoming familiar with the culture and thriving, the process is challenging for everyone, but can be especially intimidating if you have no personal point of reference for what to expect. But it's possible, and Shirlene is proof! In this episode, we discuss: Shirlene's decision to go to law school How being the first person in her family to go to college and law school has impacted her experience The law school application process for applicants who aren't from the "typical" law student background, including personal statements and application fees Choosing the law school that's right for you Making friends, finding mentors, and connecting with professors Landing a job in law school and during the summer break The challenges of commuting Shirlene's advice for anyone who feels out of place in law school, or is considering going to law school as a first-generation law student Resources: Shirlene's Articles (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/author/shirlenearmstrong/) Law School Myth #1: Lawyers Make a Lot of Money (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/09/law-school-myth-1-lawyers-make-a-lot-of-money/) The Battle of Commuting to Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-battle-of-commuting-to-law-school/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript  (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Episode-113-First-Generation-Law-Student.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes  (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee