The Most Important Person in the World is...

YOU.

-Martin Camp, Dean of Students - SMU's Dedman School of Law

It has begun, my friends. My journey in the evening program of SMU's Law School started this week with orientation sessions on Monday, Tuesday, and tonight (Wednesday). Exhaustion set in this morning, but I'm glad to report that a) there were plenty of students less prepared than me, b) I used my sorority recruitment skills more than once to help force myself to meet others and make friends, and c) I haven't fallen asleep in a session yet! Oh, me. You jest.

Back to my quote from Dean Camp. He gave the most memorable of the all the welcome addresses delivered Monday night and I wanted to share a small portion of his thoughts with you. He told many stories of his time in law school, included a nice Chinese proverb, but most memorably of all he mentioned two stories from his life growing up with blue collar working parents. During a scolding session by his father for crossing the street unaccompanied, Dean Camp mentioned a life lesson his dad imparted on him that he's continued to reflect upon throughout his many successful years. His dad: "Son, the most important person in this world is you. If you don't take care of yourself, you can never really take care of anyone else in your life so you'd better start thinking about yourself now and get used to it." (paraphrased, of course. I've been told that law students have to quickly learn not to bother taking extensive notes in class writing every word one can that leaves a professor's mouth...there's just too many words!)

This was a pleasant reminder to me of why I'm doing what I'm doing. Yes, as stated in my application's personal statement, I'm returning to school for the betterment of my family's future but I'm also taking care of myself and my needs, too. In doing so, I'm showing Bridget that Mommy cares for Mommy's life as well as Bridget's and that though she is loosing a few hours per week of Mommytime its all for the best. A nice breath of fresh air for me and my extreme guilt :).

Also, this message is important for all of you, whether you are a full-time working adult, single college student, stay-at-home mom, etc. Many professors and alumni stressed the importance of finding a healthy outlet for the stressors that we were all about to indure over the next semester. Exercise, hobbies, shopping (is that really healthy?? hehehe), time with friends. All of these are healthy alternatives to the oft-used stress relievers of alcohol, drugs, and the like. I hope all of you out there have found healthy ways to relieve stress in your lives and are sure to make yourself a priority in what is certainly a crazy life you lead. Don't forget to think about yourself! It's not being selfish. It's bettering yourself so you can be the best you can be for those who rely on you and turn to you for love and support. Take this thought with you today and decide what you are going to do for yourself right now (or as soon as you can find a free moment! hehehehe...like those exist).

In addition to the pic of me, my Dad (SMU Law '77), and Bridget you saw above, here a few pics of her visit to the campus yesterday before she went to play at Mimi and Pop's house for the night (which, by the way, found her still awake at 9pm when I came to pick her up...doesn't being a grandparent look SO FUN?!?!). Here's we are playing "hide" from Pop, her favorite game:

While Dad and I wandered through the halls of his past for a bit, Mimi and B went down to visit the fountain at the heart of the campus. Isn't this picture adorable?? I may try to petition to get it added to the front of some SMU publication or something. Biased? Perhaps...

Look out everyone, she's behind the wheel! "Wheel" is a new favorite word right now and she wasn't going to pass up to opportunity to commendere a vehicle just waiting for a driver. At least we've got 14 more years before this crazy one hits the real streets...

This is a group pic of the girls in my small mentor group whom I'll share class sections with throughout my first year. Everyone is so friendly and I'm thankful I already know I have the best mentor group of all. At dinner last night, our table was certainly the most fun looking of them all. Go us! (on a side note: the blonde next to me in the pic is totally my twin - well, I wish I looked like her, but... - she's a Pi Phi from A&M, moved with her family from Dallas to Southlake when she was 3 - just like me! - and proceeded to complete K-12 in Carroll ISD - shout out old school Southlakers!, and her house was in Southridge Lakes...right across from my S-town neighborhood! We couldn't get over the connections. Love her already!)