Special Collections and Hidden Treasures

I had an amazing time checking out the special collections section of the Law Library with Mr. Bill Magee, Research Services Librarian at the Regent Law Library. (A perk of working in the marketing department and being handy with a camera means I am sent to some unique places to take pictures. This photography session was at the top of my list for being a one of a kind experience.)

Over the course of a half an hour, I took dozens of photos of books belonging to the founders and others that have been collected by the Law Library over the years.

The highlight of the pieces was a book signed by John Adams in 1803 (pictured above).

Just being in a room with so much history gave me goosebumps. It was a privilege to experience this tucked away treasure of the Regent Law Library.

The oldest book I was able to see was published in the sixteenth century. This was the oldest book, but it didn't have as nearly an impact on me as the much more recent Blackstone Commentaries (Pictured at left). Seeing these vintage volumes made me wonder what it must have been like to study the law hundreds of years ago.

The one surprise was that the room didn't smell too musty. The air conditioning was on which I'm sure played a part in calming the old book smells.

At the bottom of the page you can see an extremly small sample of some of the books housed in the special collections department. I particularly liked how you can see the wear in these books.

Stay tuned for more pictures to be featured on the Law Library blog as well as in our upcoming edition of Brief Remark!

The Redeeming Power of Music

Between class, study groups, extracurricular activities, my graduate position, interning in a law office, and trying to keep my household running, I am busy. There are about three weeks left in the semester before finals and I am stressing a bit more than before.

There are so many things to do and not enough hours in the day. I've cut out extra sleeping time. I don't have a TV. I rarely watch movies. I don't go out with friends anymore. I certainly am not working out. Even without these distractions, I am barely finishing what I need to get done. I feel like I'm barely staying afloat.

With finals around the corner, the upcoming month of April seems like the month of impending doom for me. I'm praying that God multiplies my time and helps me become diligent in the work that I am getting done.

In the meantime, I'm trying to stay calm by putting it all in God's hands. I know that I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Jesus carried the burden of the world when he died on the cross. What I am going through means nothing in comparison.

As Easter Sunday approaches, I'm trying to spend more time appreciating the things that God has done rather than the work I still need to do.

Working this afternoon and listening to Christian songs on Pandora, the Jesus Culture song, "One Thing Remains" played. I've heard this song a number of times already, but today the words were especially powerful. The lyrics further reminded me of God's unending strength. He is greater than any troubles I may perceive. God never gives up on me, so I can't give up on myself either.  He loves me and He is on my side.

And do you know what? He is on your side too.

Whatever may be going on in your life right now, remember he has the power to renew, heal, strengthen, empower, embolden, encourage and more!

I'm attaching the lyrics for the song that motivated me today. Hopefully it helps you.

"One Thing Remains"

--performed by Jesus Culture

Higher than the mountains that I face

Stronger than the power of the grave

Constant through the trial and the change

One thing… Remains

Your love never fails, never gives up

Never runs out on me

On and on and on and on it goes

It overwhelms and satisfies my soul

And I never, ever, have to be afraid

One thing remains

In death, In life, I’m confident and

covered by the power of Your great love

My debt is paid, there’s nothing that can

separate my heart from Your great love...

Leap of Faith

I just came across this image online today. I think it aptly describes the journey of becoming a lawyer. The scariest part is making the jump. If you really think about it, all you need to do is take a leap of faith. This is not hard to do when you put your faith in God. He brought you to law school. He'll help you cross the hurdle of the bar exam. And He'll help you make a difference. BE ENCOURAGED AND TRUST!

Need a Monday pick-me-up? Check out this silly photo.

Here is a goofy picture of my adorably silly kitten. I hope this picture makes you smile as much as it does me.

My four month old kitten, Ralfie, has been adapting to life in our family. Everyday she reveals more of her personality to us.

This first picture was taken during a photo shoot (aka study break). Believe it or not, I didn't even see her make this face until I was going through the pictures. She looks so silly here!

Just to prove that she actually is a beautiful kitten that doesn't always look so ridiculous, I've included a photo of her as she appears on a regular basis (sleeping peacefully).

If you don't have a pet at home, you are missing out. This is especially true if you are a student. Coming home to a lovable furball rejuvenates me. She is a great study buddy. And she is always willing to give me a hug when I need it.

Check out my previous blog post about adopting Ralfie from the Virginia Beach SPCA.

Internship? Summer School? What Do I Do? Where do I go?

If you're on the right track you should have already begun to consider your summer plans. If the thought hasn't yet crossed your mind it isn't too late to get started. Here are some easy steps to get you started.

First, if you intend to be in the area, sign up for a summer course. Registration is open through February 15. You may find information about the courses offered in your hanging folder. (2nd Floor RH)

After my 1L year I took both Negotiations and Advanced LARW. I highly recommend both. The courses are offered twice a week for three hours each time. The best part is that the classes usually run from 6:00pm until 9:00pm which gives you an opportunity to also manage an internship or job.

If you are not on campus, you may consider signing up for "Nonprofit, Tax-Exempt Organizations" which is offered online. This is a great deal because you can gain 3 credits and be able to work remotely from wherever you are!

You may also sign up for externship credit hours for the ACLJ, Legal Aid, and others. (See the sign up sheet for complete list.)

Second, start the search for a summer internship now. Never forget that Career Services is available to assist. Your best bet is to sign up for Pathfinder. You are able to search for jobs in different regions, by subject, and more.

Note that Career Services is a great resource, but there are still other opportunities. Don't forget that you can gain valuable experience from one of the summer externships.

Third, if you're looking for advice from an attorney with experience in your prospective field, check out Regent Law’s Professional Network, or ProNet. This resource gives students a forum to connect with alumni professionals. ProNet is located on Pathfinder.

To access ProNet:

1. Log-in to PathFinder. (www.regent.edu/Pathfinder)
2. Go Update Your Profile 
3. Click on the Networking tab. You'll see Professional Network highlighted on the page.
4. Search the list of names for desired mentors.
5. Click on the mentor’s last name to view profile.
6. Click Interested (at the bottom of the profile screen) to notify the mentor of your interest. This entails writing a brief note to the individual.
7. If the mentor is able to mentor you, you will receive an email containing contact and other information regarding the mentoring relationship.

Still not sure where to look or what to do to fatten up your resume? I'd recommend talking to someone in Career Services for guidance. You may also consider talking to one of your professors to get some ideas for where to look.

The bottom line is that you need to do the work to get the internship. If you don't get out there to look for something, you're going to end up with nothing!

I hope that this information was helpful to you. Please let me know what kind information you're looking to have as a law student. I'd be glad to do the research and share the knowledge with you! Send me an email at stepha1@mail.regent.edu with the subject BLOG IDEAS. I look forward to hearing from you!

2013 Student Mission Trip -- Donations Needed!

Within the month approximately 50 Regent University Students are headed to New York City, NY to participate in the 2013 Spring Break Mission Trip. Students travel to New York City over spring break with the goals of ministering to the homeless, the spiritually needy, as well as Hurricane Sandy Victims. The trip runs from March 2-9.

In addition to students donating their time and efforts to helping others, students must cover the cost of attendance of approximately $500 per student.

These Mission Trip participants are looking for your support in one of two ways: 

1. Become a prayer supporter. Our team will be providing prayer points for real time intercessory prayer before, during and after the trip. Sign up by emailing Corrie Mannion at corrsmi@regent.edu.
   
2. Become a financial supporter for the team. Many students have a passion and desire to minister, but are challenged to afford the trip. There are group fundraising events as well as individual fundraising, but help is still needed.  

Your support is needed and welcomed. Each donation made to the 2013 Student Missions Trip is tax deductible. All donations will be distributed to needy students through the Scholarship Committee. 

Please make checks payable to Regent University, place "NYC Mission Team" in the memo, and send to the Campus Ministries Office, RH 324. 

Campus Ministries 
ATTN: Robertson Hall 324 
1000 Regent University Drive 
Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Want to tell the world about life as a law student?

Read what Regent Law students have to say about law school life HERE:

http://regentlawphotos.blogspot.com/

 Apply HERE:

http://www.regent.edu/acad/schlaw/blogs/blogprofile.cfm

(All current Regent Law students are encouraged to apply.)