Rooting For Growth with Fiona DaCosta

I watched the notifications on my phone a little bit more religiously today (July 09). Afterall, it’s the day for those much anticipated results. As you would have seen from the title… those results weren’t favourable for me. I failed the first year of Law School. But what exactly does this mean? And, what’s next?

Side Note: By the way “Law School” in Jamaica refers to Norman Manley Law School and not the Faculty of Law where one has to attain their Bachelor of Laws Degree, in order to qualify for “Law School”

Failing First Year Law School Means More than 2 Ds (Failing Grades)

It’s a strict rule. If a student fails 1-2 courses of the 8 (eight), then they’ll be placed on the “Supplemental Pass List.” Believe me, that’s the next best thing to appearing on the pass list. What this means is that, there is the opportunity to re-sit those exams/assignments in the Summer (July/August), once provisions for payment are settled.

What’s not enviable at all, is the status “To Repeat Year.” And guess what? Yep. That’s my status following those results.

In theory there are ‘six’ (6) courses. However, in practicality there are nine (9), eight of which are examinable.

They are:

1. Advocacy (not examinable by way of final exam, just mandatory exercises and mock mini trials)

2. Civil Procedure and Practice 1 (which includes Family Law + Civil Practice and Procedure) each with a different lecture and tutorial and each with a different exam. So how on earth is this classified as one course?

3. Criminal Practice and Procedure

4. Evidence and Forensic Medicine (Both with separate lectures and tutorials and also separate exams) but still classified as one.

5. Legal Drafting and Interpretation

6. Remedies

My first thought, was – do I go home to cry? Then I thought, I’ll make lemonade with my lemons. Truth be told, I’m disappointed, sad and ashamed

However, I’m too committed to my growth journey to start wallowing in self pity and hiding away.

Failure is not foreign to me. Although, the sting hits differently every time. So, yes, I am disappointed but truth be told, I am already ready to try again. And this time, there’s a whole lot at steak. And there’s a whole lot to look forward to as well.

Students who Failed Last Year and Failed the ‘Repeat Year’ of Law School are Scratching their Heads

I tell you, when you think you have it the worse, there comes an even more sad story. As part of the regulations of Norman Manley Law School, failing the repeat year (which by the way you have to pay the million+ for again) means you are barred from applying for a period of years (that duration I haven’t found out yet).

I know persons in this situation, as a matter of fact, many are. While some may think, the school is designed to reduce it’s output while increasing it’s enrollment – I try to abstain from the thought that they are doing this intentionally.

My only advice here, would be to assess individual circumstances and go forward with the passion and zeal. Purpose is to be fulfilled. It often times have no set timing.

There are many attorneys-at-law who would have gone through this experience, and plenty perhaps envy their successes now. It’s true, until you walk a mile in someone’s proverbial shoes – you really don’t know the half of their journey.

To these students, I wish that you’ll be encouraged to persevere. Keep the dream alive. Personal timing is a puzzle, but it can also be a prize.

Will I Quit Law School or Will I Carry On?

For sure, quitting is not an option now. Perhaps long before I became conscious of my growth journey and all the necessary hurdles, lessons and character building encounters set out on this path of life. But to quit now? Absolutely not. I can’t wait to sit in corners, stand on stages, stop by the street side – just to let a disheartened person know that – “you’ll be okay. These things happen, let me tell you about a time when I failed.”

As such, I have already started building the courage to continue encouraging others, through my blog posts to continue to root for growth. Many of the successes I have experienced, many of the ‘levelling ups’ that I have done – came after the determination to continue striving and living an original life, true to my journey and circumstances.

Here are a few reminders:

Two Years Later, She Catches Up with the Law

Law School + Being A high School Teacher in Jamaica

And of course… my highly recommended e-Book Evoke Your Growth

Failing Law School Leads to Domino Effects. What Will Those Be? Am I Ready?

And just when I thought the days had gotten too predictable, I’m up for a whole lot of changes! I’m still continuing the Legal Internship at the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and I still have those accomplished dreams I woke up with on my birthday – and yes, that silk press is still looking fiiinnee. 🙂

Still, let’s not forget, this new dynamic won’t necessarily be a piece of cake. To begin with, the process has to be started all over! At least this time, I have a head start, some notes, some assignment templates and a little bit more zeal.

In an eerie way, this is almost like a dream come true – though in an unfortunate way. One month in and I wanted a re-do. I’ll let you know in a subsequent post what I mean by this.

Law School Wows and Lows: Life’s Highs and Lows

As I continue to root for growth in the many areas of my life, I wanted to pause, to write this article to put on my record of articles (I re-read and get inspired sometimes) and on your agenda – that life is a combination of highs and lows. It would be a personal affront if I do not share the lows, especially since there are readers globally who seek out little reads like these to help them push through.

Related Post: How To Come back from Set Backs

While I do not at all share every detail of my life on the blog (see post about benefits of keeping a low profile) and also (how to announce less and achieve more) there will be lessons and experiences that I crave to share, as they be-fit the essence of my messages on Rooting for Growth.

To the plenty other first year law students cuddling in a corner now, if you come across the article – rise and grind.

Attorneys Advice to me Regarding Failing First Year of Law School

There are two attorneys who I have been working with closely at my internship. I shared the disheartening news.

First encounter: She held my hands, like a mother would hold a daughter’s hand in a time as this. She said “I’m sorry,” the allowed the silence to have the effect silence can do. It was amazing. after that we spoke about possibilities, the way forward and resilience. Then of course I got some work!

Second encounter: I went downstairs to hand in a Bill I have been proofreading to the attorney responsible for that matter. I prepared an internal memorandum yesterday with the errors observed. We spoke about it briefly and set a date to go through.

Then… my sad story. She was encouraging. And advised that this challenge may very well galvanize opportunities that didn’t exist before. Think about it, I have the manuals, the books, the assignments etc. “You could very well be a straight A student next time around!” she said.

I’m not sure about that 🙂 but hey, that’s something I’ll aspire towards.

She shared the true story about a specialist in Jamaica in the area of Conveyancing. He failed Real Property Law thrice at the Faculty and constantly had to re-sit. He didn’t know then, that that would have been his blessing later. He became a much sought after specialist in the area.

Support System – Failing First Year Law School

I’m blessed to have people in my corner who believe in me – and better yet, who understand life and it’s design (failure not exempted). I recall saying to my Dad how ashamed I feel and he didn’t even let me finish the sentence without interjecting that I should just pick up myself and dust off. Especially given all the challenges that school year brought on. He reminded me of something I’d tell myself – time to come, you’ll tell someone that the success you have didn’t come overnight and the value you place on yourself and time shouldn’t be toyed with. That’s the essence really.

My God mother reminded me of the story of David in the Bible. How he was anointed by God as a boy but didn’t become king until later on after working under King Saul (who tried to kill him several times). God protected him while he got the training he needed – to eventually become king.

What’s Next?

I’m still figuring out things as the days unfold. If you’re interested in this journey, stay tuned and above all else – Keep Rooting for Growth!

There’s nothing in nature that blooms all year long. So don’t expect yourself to do so either.

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