Why I Share My Law School Experience

6-year old Shenika, “I want to be a lawyer!”

If you don’t know, aside from loving fashion, I’m a huge nerd. As early as I can remember, I have always loved school, loved learning, and loved an environment where I can share ideas. My head was always in a book and my mom was always pushing me to do my best in school. So at a very young age, I decided that I would be a lawyer. I did not know what lawyers really did, how much they made, or what I had to do to get there. But every lawyer I would see on TV was sophisticated, classy, intelligent, and dominating. At a young age, I knew that is the person I aspired to would be. So, my career plans A to Z were to be a lawyer. I told everyone, “I want to be a lawyer.” I said it as though it would simply happen, which to this day is still hilarious to think back on. I recently completed law school and I shared parts of my journey on my Instagram and Youtube accounts. And after surviving the three most difficult and stressful years of my life, I can confidently say that I was crazy, walking around saying that I would be a lawyer, when all I have learned is that the institution that is law school is not designed for someone like me. The mental and financial barriers surrounding law school could have easily locked me out. I did not have a lot of resources or insight on how to go about this journey. But one important resource I had was the internet.

Sharing the Journey on YouTube

So after I complete college, I found myself searching YouTube for law students to hear their perspectives and see what law school was really like. I found a few people who I enjoyed, however, I found less than a handful of Black women sharing their experiences. I had no problem with those that I found because they were all helpful, but it would have been special to see someone like myself going through this process.

So instead of complaining about not getting the content I wanted to see, I decided to make it myself. I regularly watch student vlogs, whether it be law students, nurses, doctors, etc. I love school and love seeing people’s different experiences in varies industries, countries, and backgrounds. That is why I love my little corner of YouTube. I feel seen and I know I belong. I’ve never felt the urge to make videos about what everyone else does, like makeup, hauls, or fashion. I love all those things and consume them on Youtube, but I know that my journey in school is especially important to me. Before I started law school, I watched the very videos that I now make and they were extremely helpful to me. One of my favorite law school bloggers (based in Texas) basically taught me everything I know about taking notes and organization in law school. If these things were helpful to me, I know that what I put out is helpful to others. And I have already seen it. I get lots of messages from other law students and aspiring law students about advice, tips, and insight regarding law school. That makes it all worth it. I share my journey for no other reason, but to help others. I want to be the resource that I never had. I want to tell you about all the free things, the loopholes, and the short cuts that can benefit you. Because law school is hard and so many of us don’t have the advantage of generations of knowledge about this institution.

So while I love the name “Fashenika,” it’ll have to be “Fashenika, J.D.” for now because I officially have a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree. It doesn’t feel real yet. Maybe because I don’t have a graduation? (Thanks Covid-19!) Either way, I’m at the end of a journey, but it’s really just the start. And sharing that journey has been helpful to both me and many others. I’m excited to share my ‘law life’ on this platform as well. Cause I’m really just a nerd who loves to dress up.

Be blessed and live your truest life!

xoxo,

Fashenika, J.D.