October 15, 1996 - A Mature Point of View

by Tom DesRochers

Hello Fellow Geezers ! I hope things are progressing well. Can't complain myself -- at least I haven't been fired as the voice of experience yet. It's still early in the year though. If you were wondering, Roberta didn't smack me for the wisecracks I made last week. My abuse is probably mild to what she puts up with at CLASP. Those of you in First Year are probably somewhere between the nail-biting and hair-pulling stages of the term. Seem pretty bad ? Well it is pretty bad. The best medicine for your present condition is to simply knuckle down and get to work. There is a tendency for First Year students, and not just those in the mature group, to feel quite overwhelmed at this point. As tradition has it, the first year is the toughest year, and fall term is the absolute worst. You are in a strange new environment and are being given more work than you can possibly handle. As difficult as it is keep on top of things, try and avoid the use of quick-fixes and short cuts... you're not really doing yourself any favours. (This is why First Year materials don't have headnotes) Course summaries are fine, but the best summaries are the ones you prepare yourself, as you go along. So read the materials and make an effort to get to ALL your classes; get used to doing things the hard way. Those of you with family commitments are going to find this especially hard, but it's important to get your work done and stay on top of things.

A couple of the First Year students I've spoken to have indicated that they are extremely confused by course materials and classroom discussion. This is where a great deal of patience is needed; this stuff will begin making sense if you stick with it. It may take a few months before you feel comfortable with the cases and articles, and lectures, but you will with more exposure. Another complaint I've heard is the "I don't belong here" syndrome. I can assure you this is a very natural, but equally false, perception. No doubt you've found many of your younger classmates are very articulate and well adapted to classroom debate. Keep in mind that most of the under-26 crowd (the "kids") are fresh out of Honours or Graduate programs, and have been preparing for law school for years. Not too many came here on a whim, like you and me, right?

Last Wednesday was the annual Mature Students/CBAO wine & cheese reception. As always, this was great opportunity for the First Year gang to meet with 2nd & 3rd year people. Special thanks to Dean Pilkington and CBAO President Michelle Fuerst for attending. Perhaps next year a few more of the faculty will show. (Maybe they're afraid of us ?) Check the Obiter for the "spouses & kids party," which is coming up in a couple of weeks.

One more point of order...For those of you who know her, Cheryl Medley changed her hairstyle over the summer. Although she hasn't specifically asked, I'm sure she's looking for input as to opinions as to preferences for braids versus the current loose & sassy look. I will be collecting responses over the next week or so, and results of the poll will be released shortly afterward. Anyway, I'll be seeing you...keep that stick on the ice.