"I wish I knew a few things in law school. Number one, while your grades matter (certainly for opening the door to various opportunities), they aren't the be-all and end-all. Employers want to hire a well-rounded person who is a pleasure to have in the office. Make sure to grow as a person, too, not solely as a student. Number two, you are not alone. Your peers are just as stressed and overwhelmed as you are. Your professors, and your prospective employers, were also once just as stressed and overwhelmed as you are - it's okay. You'll get through it. Number three, you don't always have to be working. In law school (and, from what I can tell, your legal career), there is always something more you could be doing. It's important to learn that sometimes, it's perfectly acceptable to say "today is not my day," stop working, and go do something that makes you happy."

"You will hear hundreds of opinions on which classes to take, extracurriculars to join, areas to pursue and how to make it through law school. Listen carefully to all of them, ask questions, but remember: it’s your life and your career to shape. Choose what interests you the most and make time for your personal life. Balance is key."

"Most people are feeling the same emotions as you. It's easy to get caught up in the idea that you're the only one experiencing nervousness or imposter syndrome. This idea couldn't be further from the truth. If you're experiencing anxiety about a big exam or project, I can guarantee you that most of your classmates are experiencing it too. Similarly, if you're excited about a fun social event or moot, many of your classmates will also be excited. Use these experiences and shared emotions to bond with your classmates. You will all be stronger when you support each other."

“Becoming a law student doesn’t mean you stop being a friend, a family member, or part of your community. Be sure to make time for the people you love and the activities you enjoy - they’ll keep you grounded, and they’ll be such an important outlet. And don’t forget to enjoy law school; the next three years will fly by. It’s going to be challenging at times, but it’ll also be exciting and incredibly rewarding. Get involved, get to know your classmates, and remember that there’s time to have fun every once in a while ;)”

“Take time to yourself - you can’t do everything you are asked to do, and perfection during law school isn’t going to benefit your future career. Experiences outside of law school are going to be what makes you stand out!”

"You don’t need to have perfect grades to get your dream articling position. Unless you intend to clerk with the SCC - then you might need perfect grades!"

"Take advantage of every opportunity you’re interested in that you can fit into your life - it is an investment in yourself and your career. Attend that event, join that committee, apply for that job, play on that team, use those professors’ office hours! You won’t regret it and you’ll be better for it."

"Over and above everything else, what I wish I’d known in law school is that I was so much more capable than I gave myself credit for. I wish I had recognized earlier on that the fear I felt when public speaking was actually adrenaline. I wish that I had recognized and taken advantage of the fact that every student was brilliant at something, and that you could learn about more than just the law from more than just the professors.

I wish that I had known that it wasn’t going to matter that I got bad grades on things that I tried hard on, because sometimes my interests drove my understanding better than time and effort ever could. And that was fine. I wish I had known that my intelligence wouldn’t dictate how well I did in school, or my chances of getting a job, or my general competence as much as my attitude did. That in some instances not even the right attitude helps, and you just have to let that stuff go.

I wish I had known that Manitoba Student Aid pays through the nose if you just apply for the money. That coffee isn’t a meal, but some campus cafeterias can, astonishingly, mess up a grilled cheese, so you have to pick your battles. That you can actually learn from some professors through osmosis, but only if you really believe. Sort of like Tinker Bell. I wish I had known that it is okay to feel defeated and unmotivated, but that sometimes all the motivation you need is a funny hat and a friend to go through it with you.

This has been my sappy speech."

"What I wish I knew while I was at Robson: I wish I had known just how kind and kind and considerate the legal community is. It’s easy to get a picture of lawyers in your head about how they can act based on old stereotypes. But the people I’ve met are all overwhelmingly kind and they all care about your success when they become your colleagues."

"You’re going to be reading, writing and spending a lot of time on your computer - so make sure to schedule in some “YOU” time! Good mental/physical health is part of the journey. Tip - make sure you have a proper area set up for your studying, otherwise your back will start to curve more than the school curves our grades!!"

"Law school is what you make it: do the things that interest you, join a club/group/become a member of one of the MLSA committees, try out for a moot, participate in some extra curricular activities, give back through organizations like PBSC or Legal Help Centre. All of my best memories from law school came from doing things that were outside of the regular curriculum. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take, and the last thing you want to regret is a missed opportunity of something that could have been an amazing experience."

"I wish I knew that I was not the only one feeling like an imposter. That would have helped me to take more opportunities in 1L and feel less worried in those early days!"

"Where you article does not necessarily determine your area of practice (it didn't for me). And you WILL find articles, so relax and go take a nap!"