I raise my hand a lot in class. The unwritten rule of law school is to avoid being called on at all costs— and here I am voluntarily subjecting myself to scrutiny— so it earns me a lot of strange looks. But it’s actually immensely important to me because it’s important to me to take up space— not physical space, but metaphorical space. I will be heard because I belong here.

I am conscious that women, especially women of color, aren’t expected to talk as much in professional settings. I am conscious when I look around me that there isn’t a single other person who looks like me in the classroom. I am conscious of the expectation that I— as a Brown, Muslim, hijabi, woman of color who is a child of immigrants and a first generation college student— don’t belong in the legal profession.

More than that, when I raise my hand, I am conscious that that expectation almost kept me from applying to law school in the first place.

Celebrating diversity in the legal profession and in our lives in general is something we should all strive to do. As a result of this endeavor, we will eventually find ourselves in a discussion about a sensitive subject that we may find uncomfortable. When that happens, try not to let the uncomfortableness sideline the discussion! Below are some strategies you can use to make a conversation about an important or difficult topic a little bit easier.

The start of a new year and a new semester gives you a do-over – the opportunity for a fresh start. Here are five resolutions to consider for the year ahead:

To my Seton Hall Law School family…

“And the Word became flesh. and made his dwelling among us,. and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).  For Christians around the world, Christmas means that God, the Source and Sustainer of all that exists, in a radical act of self-emptying, establishes an irrevocable personal presence in creation through Jesus, the Christ, the Anointed One.

Photo: Leadership Fellows Max Mescall, Mary Bessemer, Joanita Gakami, Nick Carlson and Cornelia Szymanski

The Leadership Fellows Program at Seton Hall Law provides a unique opportunity for law students to cultivate essential leadership skills through a series of interactive activities, reflections, and ultimately, through the planning and execution of a leadership project. Here is how Leadership Fellows Mary Bessemer ('18) and Cornelia Szymanski ('18) described their experiences in the program: 

When I started law school, I loved it. But I also worried that law school would be too hard. I worried that I would not be smart enough, that I would not be up to the challenge, and that I didn’t belong. I read my assignments too late into the evening and then had trouble falling asleep. What I needed was a little wisdom, some reassurance, and encouragement from someone wise—I needed a book that had not been written yet: A Short & Happy Guide to Being a Law Student by Paula Franzese.

Ok, ok, I know the title’s a bit dated. Fortunately, every movie in the theaters these days is a remake, so you all get the reference.

Anyway, when Vigo the Carpathian comes to spoil the party you need Egon and his Proton Pack, but when the scary stuff is real, and it’s threatening to spoil way more than just a law school party, do you know who to call? Actually, do you even know that you should call?

Ever since I could remember I have wanted to work in the entertainment industry. I have always been fascinated by the process that occurs behind the scenes in order to take a concept from an artistic idea in someone’s head to an actual product that people around the world can enjoy.

As the oldest sibling from a home in which neither parent attended college, and neither was active in a workplace community, I was constantly searching for professional mentors. As an early undergraduate student, I remember hearing one of our college administrators speak at an on-campus workshop. This woman was well-spoken, confident, and knowledgeable in her field. I remember thinking to myself, “I want to be like her.” After the workshop concluded, I introduced myself and asked if I could set up a meeting with her. I wanted her help on drafting my resume, as well as practice my interviewing skills. She enthusiastically agreed.

A reminder for all of us fortunate enough to have work to do. 

Continue to be grateful for the work. It will always be your safe harbor against the heartbreaks and sorrows of this life. Keep in mind that you do it not so much for your own sake but on behalf of the countless people and constituencies, most still nameless and unknown to you, who nonetheless are waiting for you to use your emerging expertise to make their lives better. And you will.