Diana, 2L

This time last year I was busy attending Open House events for the various law schools I was considering attending.  I can't stress enough how important it is to visit a law school before deciding which school to attend.  Attending Open House events played an integral part in my decision-making process.  Attending Northeastern’s Open House event last year solidified my decision to attend this school.  Northeastern was my top choice but I was concerned about relocating to Boston from New York.  But when I attended the Open House, all those worries washed away and were replaced with an affirmation that I finally found a school that felt “just right."  Now I know this may sound like a cliche but I really felt comfortable at this school.  I saw myself thriving at this institution because of the similar values we both shared such as our commitment to public interest and our belief in practical, hands-on learning. The school also offered campus housing which really eased my anxiety of moving here and finding a place to live. 

I talked to many current students and probed them on why they chose to attend Northeastern.  The faculty and staff were easy to talk to and I really appreciated how they were more than willing to answer my many questions about Northeastern or even about other law schools that I was considering to attend.  

Attending the Open House also allowed me to meet many of my potential classmates.  I was impressed on how many of the prospective students I met also shared a passion for public interest.  That was a stark contrast to the type of students I met in other law schools where I was a small minority who was interested in public interest law.  After attending the Open House, I felt more equipped in making a rational decision about what law school to attend. 

Again, I can't stress how important it is to attend Open House events.  Northeastern will be holding their Open House Event on April 4, 2009.  Here is the link to register for the event: http://www.northeastern.edu/law/admission/visit/info-sessions.html I also suggest that students attend the Diversity Reception, scheduled on April 3, 2009.  It is a great opportunity to mingle in an intimate setting with Northeastern's diverse student body.  Registration for this event is also found at the link above.  

I will be attending both the Diversity Reception and the Open House.  So to all my blog readers who plan to attend either of the events don't be shy and introduce yourself to me. 

Best Wishes to all! 

Posted by Diana at 4:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This weekend I dedicated some time for rest and relaxation as a gift to myself for completing my summary judgment memo and finishing my portion of the social justice project. On Friday, I went to Jamaica Plain (a city where many Northeastern students reside) to attend a dinner at my girlfriend's apartment and a house party. For any prospective student looking for neighborhoods to reside in, I would highly suggest looking into Jamaica Plain(JP). JP is accessible to the law school by train and bus and and the rent prices are substantially cheaper than living in Boston. JP is also an ethnically diverse area to many Latinos, young families, and a growing gay and lesbian community. JP is where I plan to live when I return to school in the fall quarter.

On Saturday morning I attended a brunch to celebrate my friend's birthday. The brunch was held at a delicious Mexican restaurant named Tu Y Yo, located in Somerville, MA. So for anyone looking for authentic Mexican food, I highly recommend this restaurant. Needless to say, my weekend was filled with fun and relaxation that any law school student desperately needs.

Posted by Diana at 6:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I met a murderer last week in my Criminal Law class. My Criminal Law professor, Dan Williams, brought in a speaker who was convicted of murder and was supposed to be sentenced to death in Georgia's electrical chair in 1974. He spent sixteen and half years on death-row and was spared seven hours prior to the execution. This was the first time I knowingly met someone who committed murder. I know that the topic of death penalty can be a highly contested issue but I strongly believe it's a practice that should be banned. It was interesting to get a prospective about the death penalty from someone who actually survived and lived to tell about it. I will not go into the details of this man's case but I really appreciated the experience of hearing his story. It brought another element to my understanding of the material that no book or movie could ever contribute.

This experience, in addition to the class readings and discussions, truly has me thinking about doing a Co-Op in death penalty work. I really enjoy my Criminal Law course, and Professor Williams has an impressive criminal law experience such as representing Mumia Abu Jamal, and winning the death penalty appeal in New York that resulted in the ending of capital punishment in that state. For more information on Professor Williams check out the following link:
http://www.northeastern.edu/law/academics/faculty/directory/williams-d.html

On another note, this week I finally finished my summary judgment memo and will focus on finalizing my social justice project. My law office is scheduled to present our research study to our client organization and to the Northeastern community on April 1, 2009.

Till next time.

Posted by Diana at 12:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I am so sad that spring break is over. Moreover, I am so disappointed at myself for not getting more school work done this week. What happened? As I look at my upcoming schedule, I can't help but feel a little tense about not meeting my deadlines. I have a summary judgment memo due next week, class readings for the week, and social justice project items to finish as well. I wish I used my time during spring break more efficiently. On the bright side, I did accomplish other tasks such as booking my airfare to El Paso, TX, filing my income taxes, and completing the FAFSA for the next upcoming year. Uncle Sam was very generous to me this year in granting me a hefty return but that money will go directly to fund my summer Co-Op at El Paso, TX.

Sorry for the rant but I am just blogging out my frustrations for this week.

Till next time all!

Posted by Diana at 10:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)