Perspectives

Remember the old saying “finders, keepers”? Well, it turns out that it’s not always true. My class had a long discussion about the ownership of found property. Like everything else in law, there are multiple theories and rules and interpretations and results. Yet another childhood mantra debunked.

I can now discern that law school is changing the way I think. It feels almost Picasso-esque: I’m developing the habit of interpreting everything from multiple perspectives simultaneously. There are at least two sides to every issue, and innumerable nuances on each side.

I enjoy the insights, ideas, and better understanding of world events. I like having a sense of the nuances that affect issues, policies, and actions. Each can look so simple on the surface, but be full of complexity underneath. I don’t always love my schoolwork, but I appreciate the education.

Truth be told, sometimes I just need to get away from law. I recently ran into an unexpected snag as I was reading in the Old Testament. I was having one of those I-need-a-break-from-law days when I opened my scriptures to my place in Exodus. The next chapter was a section on the Mosaic Law.

Oy.

I closed that chapter and read something in the Book of Mormon instead. I didn’t get back to reading the Old Testament for at least a week.

(Side note: one of the Torts cases we read last semester cited Mosaic Law. Yes, Mosaic precedent is still alive in the American judicial system.)

On a completely different note, this week we had a real, live, honest to goodness SNOW DAY! Williamsburg essentially closes down in a big (3 to 6 inches) snowstorm. Yes, there are reasons for closing down the town: bendy and hilly roads, lack of snow plows, etc. But what is most endearing to me is the panicky undertone of it all. It’s almost as if there’s never been a snowstorm here before. The snow flurries were nearly outdone by the flurry of emails and warnings and rescheduled classes (the law school was closed from 6 pm to noon the next day).

That said, I totally applaud the snow day from an emotional and mental perspective. I think the world is a better place for giving the kids (even the ones in grad school) a day to stay home and play in the snow. It’s rejuvenating and refreshing to drop everything and chill out for a while.

By the way, one of my supervisors was highly amused that I went for a run in the snow. I think he thought I was crazy.