by Micayla Bitz, 3L at the University of St. Thomas School of Law

Law school is hard. I know this is far from a novel revelation, but it was not necessarily the mountains of reading or the cold calls that made it so difficult, at least for me. The past three years took me on a journey of self-discovery and professional discernment that was far more challenging (and, arguably, more worthwhile) than learning the Rule Against Perpetuities or the Commerce Clause.

Last spring, the University of St. Thomas Law Journal and the Holloran Center hosted a two-day symposium focused on professional identity formation. Over those two days, I was amazed learning how much intention had been poured into each part of my education at St. Thomas. It felt like I was getting a peek behind the curtain. Each reflection paper, lecture, and experiential learning opportunity weaved throughout the curriculum were meticulously planned to shape me into the person I am today. And it worked! Because of this emphasis at St. Thomas, I never saw the law as a purely intellectual endeavor. From day one, our professors have pushed us to consider the human lives behind the casebook and the real-world implications of various legal outcomes. I have also been emboldened to take a stand for things that matter. And just as importantly, I have learned to recognize when things don’t matter and need to be let go.

It feels like an impossible task to summarize my immense gratitude toward St. Thomas Law and the Holloran Center for making law school such a transformative experience in my life. St. Thomas and the Holloran Center fostered a community where it was okay to be vulnerable, make mistakes, and learn from them. My experience at St. Thomas has fundamentally and forever shaped my character and sense of purpose.