What is a JD/MBA to do with just 40 days left until graduation? I can’t speak for all of us, but this is what I’ve been up to.
Making all sorts of doctor’s appointments. In the past two weeks, I’ve seen my dentist twice, visited my orthodontist twice, and made my way to University Health Services for an annual exam at the Women’s Clinic. I want to make sure everything is in order before switching off the student health insurance. Speaking of which, I’m researching post-graduation health insurance options.
Working on housing. Summer Firm has not confirmed my start date. They are leaving my entire summer class completely in the dark until the “end of April.” Unfortunately, my landlord required me to make a decision regarding the renewal of my lease a couple of weeks ago. Because month-to-month rates are completely outside of my budget, I had to terminate my lease (this was a big deal as I love and adore my current apartment). Which means that I have to move out of my apartment the day of law school graduation. Yeah. Terrible timing. The million dollar question is “where am I moving?” I haven’t the foggiest idea. I have committed to staying in Austin in the short term so I need to find housing. The search has begun, but I haven’t found anything promising just yet.
Committing to staying in Austin in the short term. This was a no-brainer. I was offered the opportunity to do some fairly simple work in exchange for a free bar course (value of approximately $4k). I didn’t have to think twice before saying yes.
Mailing graduation announcements. There are many people who encouraged, inspired, or otherwise pushed me towards grad school. I am making an effort to thank each of them personally.
Finishing the last few reading assignments and projects. This weekend, I worked on a response to a MSJ for my legal writing course, finished some slides for a project in my global class, and briefed a case for presentation in my Law for Finance class next week. While my to-do list is fairly lengthy, I am so glad I loaded up my schedule last semester because this semester has been far less stressful.
Submitting an expense report. I was in Detroit last weekend to film some instructional videos. It was a lot of fun and a truly different experience–probably the only time in my life I’ll be referred to as “the talent.” Somehow, I forgot to fill out the expense report, which includes $600 in airfare!
Working part-time. This week I taught my usual classes and also spent time helping the full-time staff with the ongoing curriculum revision.
Soaking it all up. I’ve loved living in Austin and, now that my time here is coming to a close, I find myself pausing to take in a view or closing my eyes to take in the sounds more often. This is a special place and I want to be able to remember all the little quirks that make it special. One thing that I’ve realized is how much I wish I could stay in Texas. Assuming my start date with Summer Firm is deferred as expected, I’m considering taking the Texas Bar Exam in February to set myself up for a lateral move back to TX in the future.
Wondering what the future holds. My two best friends are pregnant and due within six weeks of each other. When I heard this very happy news I was reminded how I had thought I might be married or even have started a family by the time that graduation rolled around. Life didn’t turn out as planned in that regard. I’ve noticed that the older I get, the less interested I am in getting married. Maybe I’m a bit jaded. In any event, I’ve been wondering what the future holds for me personally now that my professional future is a bit more certain.
Read the full article: 40 Days Until Graduation