Michigan Law LL.M. Graduation

So the end of my time at Michigan Law marks a period in the chapter of my journey. I knew it would be a lot and fast, and it really is - adapting to the new environment, knowing the people, endless reading, exams, expanding the network, and job hunting, all happening within 9 months. 

While the student speaker is giving the speech, I cannot hold back my tears because it really resonates with how I feel from the past year - being at law school is not only about case books and cold calls. I’m constantly learning to become a better version of myself. I didn’t expect that I would put so much time and effort into tackling different kinds of relationships, which are hard and tough. During this process, I sometimes felt exhausted, but most of the time, after going through it, I feel like I’m learning from it and knowing myself better. Some incidents or things we have never experienced before might trigger the unknown in you. 

One of the best things about being at Michigan Law School is undoubtedly meeting the amazing professors and having a lot of opportunities to interact and exchange different perspectives with brilliant classmates.

I really learned a lot in class and outside of class from my fellow classmates. I enjoy the practice simulation classes that has assignments every week where we can practice drafting, revising contracts, providing comments, or negotiating in different forms and scenarios.

I also love my mini-seminar class where we chill at the professor’s house, sharing different perspectives of our lives and values reflecting from the books.

Sometimes I feel self-doubt and even intimidated, but I’m glad that I did not skip any part of the challenge and stuck until the end. Every time I force myself to do something I’m not comfortable with, but I think it’s the right thing, it’s always so rewarding, such as sending cold emails and reaching out for a talk, such as applying for the class that needs lots of work and preparation. For me, even though there is not a desirable outcome, I know it is the process where I learn from and what I value a lot.

It is really the people here, the intellectual community that makes this place so magical. Of course, the law quad and buildings are amazing themselves like Hogwarts, my childhood dream school as a huge Harry Potter fan. 

Undoubtedly, all of this couldn’t have been done without the presence of my beloved family and friends, who offered helpful suggestions, encouragement, or simply being there to listen, whether in person or remotely. That means a lot to me, and I am truly grateful. 

The speaker on Senior Day shared how she strives to live in harmony with her beliefs at work. I believe this also applies to life—how I aim to align with my values despite many things being beyond my control. I see myself as still on the process of discovering my own approach to this.

I know there will be more challenges ahead in the near future. But for now, I want to celebrate all the hard work that's been done and embrace all the good and bad memories—as part of life's journey. Cheers!