“The glitches are there to help you to adjust your plans for success.”
Unknown Author
This story is about a “glitch” in my plan that led me to the success that I have now. It’s also related to the people around you who can contribute to glitches or success. This “glitch” is a grade I received on a test back in my J.D. program that not many people know about.
In 2013, I fulfilled a lifelong dream of entering law school, but I had a small problem. I was recently diagnosed with Celiac Disease after ten years of going to different doctors. At the time, my only choice was to change my food and hope for the best. Unfortunately, my allergic reactions were terrible: incessant sneezing, brain fog, inflammation, gastrointestinal issues, and so much more. You name it, I had the symptom, and it was heavily impeding my first semester, so much so that I flunked a test. It was the most challenging test ever in the history of tests. But because of that, I was put on probation! Unfortunately, when the Dean and Student Advisor called me for a meeting, there was no due process. They didn’t let me tell my story and brushed it off as another “crybaby millennial that parties too much.” They realized they were very wrong when they saw the As coming in when I was a 2L. I not only got out of probation, but I also passed the New York Exam and did an LL.M. at U.C. Berkeley. This was only possible with my hard work and the support of my friends and family.
I noticed a stark contrast to my J.D. experience in my S.J.D. program regarding how I.U. Maurer School of Law treats their students. For instance, providing accommodations for students struggling to stay in Bloomington during COVID. Also, they changed the grading system to pass-fail, even canceled some exams, or changed their format to accommodate students’ mental health. Maurer brought in mental health professionals so students would not have to travel long distances or pay for such services. Even without COVID, Maurer has a small-town attitude where everyone looks out for each other and has a personal touch to your experience. My personal experience was that I had to change my advisor as the original advisor did not match the subject of my dissertation. The issue was heard, coordinated, and resolved with kindness and empathy. This was much-needed support as my friends and family were physically far away.
The moral of the story here is that you are not your grades! If you flunk an exam, repeat the class. If you pass with a C, wear that C with pride. Your hard work will be rewarded, hopefully in your own hometown, but also plan for being across the world, like in a lovely midwest town.
Leave a Reply