Why We Do What We Do

I know from recent emails with colleagues that our calendars are beyond bursting. Student appointments, workshops, meetings, class time, committee meetings, and much more crowd our days. We go home exhausted and turn right around the next day for another go. Often we are working with too few hands for the tasks, too few funds at the ready, and too little recognition.

So why do we continue to do what we do?

Because of the students. They matter to us.

We want them to discover (or rediscover) a love for the law. We want them to learn. We want them to grow in confidence in their abilities. We want them to gain life skills: time management, organization, and more. We want them to see grades improve. We want them to pass the bar on the first attempt. We want them to graduate and do our law schools proud. We want them to be there to serve the under-served.

So how do we keep going against what some days are daunting odds?

I find that small blessings arrive just when I begin to feel worn out or discouraged at all that needs to be done.

• An excited student drops by to share news about a good test grade.
• A student thanks me for help with a study schedule that has made all the difference.
• A student remarks that my listening and encouraging really helped at a difficult time.
• An alum stops by to thank me for teaching him a skill he uses every day in practice.
• A thank you note or card appears in my inbox.
• A batch of homemade cookies is left on my desk.

We love our jobs because we realize we make a difference in our students' lives. And because they make a difference in our lives. (Amy Jarmon)