“As much as talent counts, effort counts twice.” ― Angela Duckworth
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” -Nelson Mandela
This morning’s message is to our students, especially our first year students.
It is all too easy to slow down in November. The days become shorter, the nights become longer.
Whether it is because of the anticipation of the coming holidays and a much-deserved break, or, more likely, from fatigue or burnout after a long semester, November is the month to persevere.
We often talk about November being the most important month of the Fall semester. This is because November is the month when your classes wrap up, and you prepare to succeed during finals. You’ll be polishing up your outlines, drilling on hypotheticals, filling knowledge gaps, and hopefully, building a strong understanding of the law and legal analysis.
Time management and focus are critical to gaining the required level of understanding and balancing the demands placed upon you by the rigors of law school. Working to develop these skills now is key and the goal is always about progress, not about perfection.
Your LSAT and undergraduate GPA have never been less relevant. Now, it’s all about your attitude, preparation, and effort. As Angela Duckworth noted, “As much as talent counts, effort counts twice.”
On the personal side, because of the individual work involved, finals preparations can sometimes feel lonely. Remember, you are not alone.
Our Law School community has resources that will help because we all want you to succeed. In particular, we have an outstanding Academic Support Team- Assistant Dean for Student Success Nick De Santis, and Academic Support Specialists Michelle Landever Bond and Bobby Stevenson are here to help you every step of the way.
We offer a lot of resources to assist you and we care about your wellbeing and success:
1. Take advantage of your professors’ office hours.
2. Review old exams via the library’s website. /lawlibrary/services/pastexams
3. Make use of print and online study aids. /study_aids
4. See your fellow student Peer Tutors and AEP fellows for assistance.
5. Get more hypotheticals from Academic Support by contacting Bobby Stevenson (1Ls) and Michelle Bond (2Ls+).
6. Support your physical and mental health by working out at the recreation center and making use of our counseling services.
7. Visit /currentstudents/academicsupport to make an individual appointment with our great Academic Support Staff.
We are here to support you. But ultimately you must persevere, and I am confident that you will. Be supportive of one another and cultivate a positive, growth mindset. It will pay dividends!
What sets our successful graduates apart from those of other fine law schools?
Of course, they are very bright and talented, but I submit there’s something else that distinguishes them from others – grit, perseverance and tenacity.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, watch last Friday’s 2022 Hall of Fame Ceremony (starts at 11:53) and 2022 Hall of Fame Video honoring our 2022 Hall of Fame Honorees. Over 400 people attended Friday’s celebration.
Each of our honorees has demonstrated grit, perseverance, and tenacity throughout their remarkable careers.
Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay Committed to Living Justice.
Have a great day. Have a great week.
The views and opinions expressed in my Monday Morning Message are solely my own and do not reflect the views and opinions of the law school or the university.
Believe in C|M|LAW. Please Give Now.
My best,
Lee
Lee Fisher
Dean, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law | Cleveland State University
Joseph C. Hostetler-BakerHostetler Chair in Law
For copies of past messages, please go to this link: Monday Morning Messages.