It Isn't Over

I thought that this dream of mine was over. Well, at least for now...and I was okay with that. I had finally accepted the fact that law school would not be happening. A friend of mine, one who has played a valuable role in my journey to law school, perfectly summed up my experience -- It's like sprinting full speed ahead, and then hitting a brick wall. 

Yep, that's it in a nutshell.

In my last "law school saga" post, I wrote about retaking the LSAT in September, applying to a new batch of law schools, and beginning my legal studies next fall. Then, one night while Keith and I were on a date, a switch was flipped. We were discussing our future, and how retaking the LSAT/applying to new schools guarantees that our family will be moving again (for the sixth time in 4 years) and potentially to a place without any family, friends, or support. Keith works anywhere from 50-80 hours a week, and if we've no family or friends, then our children will be raised by strangers. 

And it was at that moment I realized that I can't do that to them. Gavin and Arabella come first. As much as I know with all of my heart that becoming a lawyer is what I'm meant to do, I also know that now isn't the time. I tried, and it didn't work out. 

My next step is going to be to finish my Master's. I've changed my major to Human Services Counseling with a Criminal Justice cognate, and I'll go from there. If I end up going to law school later in life, that would be incredible. If not, then I have to believe that that's what is best for myself and for my family. 

So, that's it, right? Everything is figured out.

Wrong. 

So, so wrong. 

You see, I decided all of the above in July. I had accepted my current scenario, but never stopped thinking about law school. One night, I decided to look for law programs offered in an online format. I found a few of those, but none that were accredited by the American Bar Association. No accreditation = no bar exam = no way to become a practicing attorney. Then, I found a law school in California that is 100% online, but you're only allowed to take the California bar. That option didn't work either.

Then, I hit the jackpot.

I found a brand new program that begins in January 2015 at William Mitchell College of Law. It's called the Hybrid Program and would allow me to complete each semester's work online. (!!!!!) I would have to visit their campus in St. Paul, Minnesota 9 times over four years for a Capstone week at the end of each semester, as well as at the beginning of 1L. This program is accredited, which means I can take the bar and become a practicing attorney, and is a perfect fit for me! 

Y'all. 

Am I dreaming? 

It feels like a dream. 

It feels like the game was over, and then straight out of left field, I've been given one. more. chance. I've already applied, and am just praying my little heart out that I am accepted. I know that God has this under control, and if I'm not accepted now, then He has something better in store. However, I have a good feeling about this. God closed the door for me at Charleston Law, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if the heartbreak and confusion led me to William Mitchell. 

If you're reading this and feeling hopeless, loss, or defeated, I want you to know that it's not over until He says that it's over. Never give up. Never give in. Turn that frown upside down. Keep fighting. You never know what your future holds. 

For me, I hope that the future is a lovely school in Minnesota. :)

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