Monday, January 24, 2011

My Law School Pregnancy

   First things first, I am a man, and no I am not literally pregnant (although my looks may say otherwise). Neither is my wife. The title of this post came to me last night while I was in bed and trying to think of a topic for my first ever blog. It refers to the similarities between a pregnancy and law school, which I will explain below. It may not make sense to everyone, but to me it makes perfect sense.
   Law school is three years, while a pregnancy lasts three trimesters. The fears, struggles, and pain felt during pregnancy, while not knowing first hand, also apply equally with your years in law school as well. Your first year in law school is a lot like the first trimester of pregnancy. Your excited to tell everyone, but in secret you suffer from morning sickness and some slight indigestion. The exams you take at the end of each semester are like contractions, which probably do not happen in the first trimester, but in a law school pregnancy they happen throughout the entire pregnancy. During your second year (trimester) you pretty much have this thing down, but there is a lot more work. Like in real life you prepare for the upcoming bundle of joy, in school you prepare for your "birth" by taking the MPRE which is a pre-requisite to taking the BAR in any state. Plus, those damned contractions! The third year (trimester) you can see the end in sight. You frequently have to use the bathroom, the contractions are more frequent now, and you are just ready to be done with the whole thing. The novelty of of the has worn off (and your boobs hurt like crazy!). And then finally comes the birth (the BAR in my case).
   While I do not know, first hand, what to expect, like any new "mother" I am sure there will be some vomiting, lots of blood, and excruciating pain. But in law school there is no anesthesia. You have to give birth naturally. But when you see your name among the list of those passing the BAR, it's like seeing your child for the first time. You can't stop smiling, the unknown is scary and overwhelming, and you hope you just don't screw up. But ultimately you have a sense of indescribable pride and joy because you did that and no one can take it from you. You created a world of possibilities for yourself, and they are endless.

9 comments:

  1. I love this, Josh Jenkins! Keep on writing, i love reading your thoughts.

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  2. I'm smiling. This is so good and so YOU! You crack me up. And I just might be as proud when your name is on the list of passing the BAR as I will be the bouncing baby Jenkins you produce one day!!! ((well.... Maybe not "quite" as proud.... But close!!!!

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  3. this is great i love this....you are great i cant wait to read what your feelings and thoughts are the coming days...i am Joshua Adam Jenkins so very proud of you and i love you!!!!

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  4. Thank you all so very much for the kind words!

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  5. Josh, this is great. Loved it. However, being a man that is now experienecing the trials and tribulations of becoming a father. I have first hand knowledge of this world of a pregnancy. While I too am a man and not actually the pregnant one, I can completely understand. There is one thing that I have found to be true about pregnancy... The women is not the only one pregnant! In your case this would mean that Carie has, more than likely, experienced those very same contractions.
    It's really is good. Can't wait to read the next one. And can't wait for you and Carie to get back to Tenn.

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  6. Very interesting take Josh! I like it.

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  7. Nicely said, Josh!! Any odd cravings during this "Law School Pregnancy?"

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  8. This made me smile! :) You are so funny! And very spot on with the pregnancy part! ;)

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