Breathing In Between Law School
This year is my second year at Monash law, but also a particular year of change, self-discovery, and growth in my personal life. Through this blog article I hope to share my experience with those who perhaps also at times, find their academic commitments, goals and aspirations becomes extra difficult to grasp when there are external circumstances deterring them from where they want to be.
Right near the end of Semester 1, my parents went through a process of separation which ironically, led to a series of events in which I had a close interaction with the Victoria legal system, learning the law outside of my classes.
Whilst this ongoing process was overwhelming, and there were definitely moments where I felt like the commitments of law school was an extra burden that had become unable to manage and beyond my ability, I ultimately figured out the important fact that law school journey, or any academic commitment as such, is deeply personal and will be shaped differently for different people.
Applying a reasonable standard to myself, I learnt the importance of allowing myself to breathe in and out as I progress in my academic life at a pace manageable for myself, rather than believing that I needed to be completely immersed in achieving goals all the time.
I now view some of these life experiences as another opportunity that allowed me to grow in life and explore the legal system. I am grateful for the resources that I was able to utilise, from Monash counselling, Monash special consideration and the Orange Door.
In particular, my experiences with the Victoria legal aid and court appointed lawyers gave me new perspectives and strengths as I continue my studies in law with more compassion and faith.
As my life settles down again, I also find myself picking up old habits and hobbies that used to make me find peace and happiness again like Muay Thai, food and reading.
Ultimately, I know that it is not just me, we all, outside of university, have lives and circumstances beyond control. I now believe it is important to prioritise a breathable consistency where we, whilst having an awareness of the resources that we can utilize to best manage the situation at hand, also must take moments to breathe and not let the consequences of external circumstances deter us from embracing our vulnerability and passion in pursuit of academic goals.
Written by Iris Yang