Being a law student is certainly not without its difficulties, regardless of one's gender, but I kind of like it! And I don't think I am alone.
As president of the Women's Law Forum, I received numerous emails from the law school's student body regarding last Tuesday's article on female law students.
Notably, the students' remarks regarding the article came almost equally from men and women.
While the law school experience is as diverse as the individuals partaking in it - and I could by no means attempt to represent the entire student body - I did notice a few similarities among the remarks I received. I share just a few of these remarks and add some of my own.
First, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourages both men and women to prioritize family above career.
Second, the church has repeatedly encouraged both men and women to get as much education as they can.
Third, true self worth of either a woman or a man must be based upon the belief that we are the offspring of an eternal, perfect Heavenly Father who wishes each of us to become like him. Thankfully, he is willing to give each of us perfect, individualized direction regarding how we are to lead our lives.
Certainly those people exist who make offensive remarks about educated women. Nevertheless, many such people also make offensive remarks to minority races, minority religious groups and others.
Furthermore, Brigham Young University has no monopoly on such difficulties. If anything, I have personally found the administration and faculty at the J. Reuben Clark Law School to be more aware of and more sensitive to the needs of each of its students than those leading many other law schools in the country.
As an East Coast native, I was admittedly skeptical of attending law school in Utah. Nevertheless, I have been continually impressed by the diversity of thought and academic freedom at the law school.
Female graduates of the law school, like male graduates, go on to lead lives of significance. The law school's female graduates are key in instigating positive social change in their communities.
They act ethically and professionally in the work force. They serve in positions of high leadership in their churches and communities. They are happy and successful wives, mothers, and single people.
Those who have the opportunity to raise families use their legal education to teach their children to embrace knowledge, to be less judgmental and more forgiving of others, and to be of service to the underprivileged.
In a few weeks, I will join their ranks as part of the class of 2003. I feel honored and humbled to be a part of the group of remarkable women and men who form the law school community.