This semester I'm doing a clinical, which means I'm getting 3 credits for working 15 hours a week at a legal services center in Jamaica Plain. I'm really excited about it, because it's really world experience: I get to represent actual clients, and do stuff for them, helping them realize their dreams. But I'm also incredibly frightened about it, because it's real world experience, and I'm representing real people, who are handing me their dreams to make happen. It's so scary. Yesterday I had my first client meeting, and it felt a little bit like a law school exam (which I guess makes sense - they probably design the exams to be a bit like real-world practice?). My client came in and told me all of the things he wants to do, and I was supposed to get all the information I needed to be able to sort those issues out, prioritize them, and begin to make it happen. EEK! An hour and a half later, I was sitting in front of my computer with my jumbled notes trying to write an intake memo, not knowing where to start!
I know it will get better, though; I already feel better about my work so far. I called a client yesterday all by myself, and took some papers to her house for her to sign. Small as that was, it was empowering...
Well this is really just a ramble so I can avoid working on the paper that is due on Monday. I should get on that, actually. :) As usual, please ignore any misspelled words or garbled phrasing.
Dear Eva (12 Years)
1 year ago
3 comments:
Did you get your paper completed? Hope so! We missed you Sunday night.
So...you're Portia, eh? I found you through Emily's blog. It's nice to see you again...albeit in cyberspace. :-)
re: your comment on Rosie's zingers - it makes me laugh that it made you guys laugh so hard - glad to cheer everyone up. :)
actually it's not so bad having it on our papers--because it's on EVERYONE's...and he's just a crabby old man. So it's okay. In fact, he's a little endearing sometimes. I can't' explain it, but it's true. :)
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